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Storm damages trees, knocks out power
Bradford pear storm damage 2019
A Bradford pear tree at 11th and Washington was knocked down during a thunderstorm on Tuesday night. - photo by Susan Thacker

Tuesday night's storm dumped as much as 2.5 inches of rain on parts of Barton County, according to unofficial reports from area rain gauges, although others received as little as 0.5 inches. Blowing wind knocked down tree limbs and scattered road cones in a construction area in Great Bend.

Dispatch (911) received a report of utility problems in Great Bend at 9:37 p.m., when a transformer was blown at Patton Road and Broadway Ave., leaving part of Great Bend without electricity for a few hours. 

The utility company was notified. Midwest Energy later reported power had been restored to all area customers.

Cher Myers reported a Bradford pear tree planted in her backyard at 11th and Washington about 15 years ago was knocked over, smashing a swing set frame and practically blocking the back door.

The National Weather Service’s Hazardous Weather Outlook warned that more thunderstorms could develop over the High Plans Wednesday evening and could reach central Kansas late that night. There will be multiple opportunities for strong to severe thunderstorms from Thursday through Sunday. The primary threats will continue to be damaging wind gusts and very heavy rain.

Thursday afternoon, Thursday night and Friday afternoon will have the greatest chances for severe weather. The strongest storms are likely to have wind gusts of 70 mph and hail up to 2 inches.

All thunderstorm activity through Saturday will have the potential for very heavy rain.