On Tuesday, April 30, 2024, a series of severe storms and tornadoes swept through parts of the Midwest and Great Plains regions in the United States. One such tornado struck the small town of Westmoreland in Pottawatomie County, Kansas. According to various sources including FOX Weather, KSNT News, WIBW, and The New York Times,
The tornado hit Westmoreland at around 4:40 p.m. local time and caused extensive damage to the area. At least one person was reportedly killed during the tornado and several others were injured.
According to FOX Weather, nearly two dozen homes were either destroyed or severely damaged in Westmoreland, with more than 50 million people at risk from heavy rainfall and flash flooding across the Midwest and eastern Rockies. The Jet stream was identified as the cause of Tuesday's severe weather.
Pottawatomie County officials set up a temporary shelter for displaced residents at Rock Creek High School, located at 9355 Flush Road. A curfew was also put in place to keep people away from the damaged areas and ensure public safety.
The tornado destroyed or rendered unlivable at least 22 houses in Westmoreland, according to reports from WIBW and The New York Times. Three people were hospitalized with injuries, but the name of the person who was killed has not been released yet.
Damage assessments continued into Tuesday night, with officials reporting that multiple first responders had arrived in Westmoreland to conduct grid searches and catalog damage. Power restoration efforts were ongoing as safety allowed.
The tornado hit Westmoreland during a multi-day severe weather threat, with more storms expected on Thursday. Residents are urged to stay informed and follow local authorities for updates on the situation.
