Cleanup work is continuing in Great Bend after severe thunderstorms brought damaging winds and large hail. The storm left extensive damage to a church at least two homes, and most of the city was without power after the storms moved through Barton and Rice counties on Sunday.
Wind speeds of 70 miles an hour were reported in the city of Lyons, in Rice County. The winds brought down trees and power lines and also damaged roofs. The First Southern Baptist Church in Great Bend lost portions of its roof. There were reports of hail from golf ball size to baseball size.
Great Bend officials said the focus has been to clear tree debris from city streets. Officials said there was extensive damage to two high-voltage transmission lines that supply power to much of the community. Sunflower Electric crews have been working to restore power.
[ photo: Great Bend Police Department – Facebook ]
