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Overview

A powerful supercell thunderstorm tracked straight south during the early evening of hours of July 16th. This storm produced extreme wind gusts across Russell and Barton counties. At the Russell Airport, a 77 mph wind gust was recorded. These strong winds continued as the storm moved into Great Bend, which resulted in widespread wind damage throughout town. Wind gusts up to 85 mph were estimated in the western sections of Great Bend where a roof was peeled off a church. In addition to the strong winds, this same storm produced hail up to softball size!

A brief tornado which was rated an EF0 also occurred approximately 5 miles to the SW of Dorrance in Russell County. Most of the damage was to trees, however, one barn/shed collapsed and debris was strewn about at another homestead.

Image

Supercell approaching St. John. Picture by Mark Pata

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