Thunderstorm Wind in Reno County, Kansas

Report received approximately 3 hours after occurrence. Therefore, event times are estimates. Damage at Cheney Lake State Park was extensive, and included the marina, around 125 boats, 35 campers, and mobile homes. All 6 people injured by the severe thunderstorms required transport to Wichita hospitals. The extent/magnitude of their injuries was unknown as of this writing. The fatality resulted when the victim was trying out a newly acquired fishing boat. Missing since the severe thunderstorms reached Cheney Lake, his body was found on Tuesday, around 10 a.m., in shallow water near an east-side shore amongst downed cottonwoods. As of this report, it was unknown whether the cause of death was the result of drowning or trauma.Governor Sebelius issued a declaration of disaster emergency for Reno County. An estimated 2,500 farm dwellings and service buildings sustained damage totalling an estimated $2.5 million. Approximately 50 pieces of farm machinery and equipment were damaged or destroyed totalling an estimated $500,000 damage. An estimated 155,000 acres of farmland were considered a total loss. Crop losses, and their respective acreages: Wheat: 2,000; Corn: 15,000; Grain sorghum: 25,000; Soybeans: 10,000. Miscellaneous land damages due to erosion & gullying: 116,000. (Agricultural narrative courtesy of USDA Flash Situation Report.) The Wichita Eagle and Hutchinson News contributed greatly to this narrative.