TESCOTT, Kan. — Ottawa County residents are continuing recovery efforts after powerful storms swept through the area Monday evening, bringing hurricane-force winds, torrential rainfall, and widespread damage.
The community of Tescott was among the hardest-hit areas, where strong winds uprooted trees, damaged grain bins, and knocked down power lines throughout town. As of Tuesday afternoon, the entire community remained without electricity.
One of the most visible signs of the storm’s strength was at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in southwest Tescott, where the church steeple was torn away. A power pole in front of the church was also snapped and left lying on the ground.
In response to the extensive storm damage and prolonged power outages, Ottawa County Emergency Management has declared a disaster for the county.
Residents described a frightening night as the storm moved through the area.
Despite the damage, residents have been working together to clear debris and assist neighbors affected by the storm.
To support those still without electricity, a cooling and charging station has been established in the basement of the Ottawa County Courthouse, providing a place for residents to cool off and recharge electronic devices while restoration efforts continue.
Utility crews and emergency personnel remain engaged in recovery operations as Ottawa County works to restore power and assess the full extent of the damage left behind by the severe weather.
