Ice Storm — Cherokee, Kansas

2007-12-09 to 2007-12-10 · Cherokee, Kansas

Event narrative

Ice accumulations of up to two inches were observed over much of Cherokee County. The cities of Colubus, Baxter Springs, and Riverton were hit the hardest. Nearly 100% of the county lost power for several days, as widespread tree and power line damage occurred. The Sheriff Department's 300 foot tower located two miles north of Riverton collasped due to the weight of the ice.

Wider weather episode

A major ice storm impacted extreme southeast Kansas during the early morning hours of 9 December. A southwest to northeast narrow band of convection developed from northeast Oklahoma into central Missouri, which became the heaviest axis of ice accumulation. This axis of heavy ice accumulation became positioned across Cherokee County. Areas near Columbus and Baxter Springs experienced up to two inches of accumulation on exposed surfaces. Lighter accumulations occurred further north into Bourbon and Crawford counties. These areas experienced accumulations ranging from one quarter of an inch to one and one quarter inches. Intermittent periods of light freezing rain occurred through the morning of 10 December, which provided an additional coating of ice on exposed surfaces.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 62873. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.