Strong Wind in Marion, Kansas

A 70-year old man was killed and two others injured when their boat on Marion Reservoir was swamped by 5 to 6 foot swells, created by strong southerly winds. All three men were wearing life jackets. Information courtesy of Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. Property damage amounts are rough estimates.

Strong low pressure over the western high plains resulted in very strong southerly winds across central and south-central Kansas from the late morning through the afternoon on the 29th. Winds were sustained at around 40 mph at times, with periodic gusts to around 60 mph. Some relatively light damage occurred across the area, ranging from downed trees and tree limbs, to a downed power pole. Unfortunately, one boating fatality occurred in Marion County. Furthermore, the strong winds helped fan a 300 acre wildfire over Reno County.