Wichita Whirlwind Whips Through City

Wichita Whirlwind Whips Through City, Leaving Trail of DestructionWichita Whirlwind Whips Through City, Leaving Trail of Destruction A powerful and destructive whirlwind tore through Wichita, Kansas, on Tuesday afternoon, leaving a path of widespread damage. The twister, which touched down around 2:30 p.m., moved swiftly through the city’s northwest side. It uprooted trees, tore roofs from buildings, and toppled power lines, leaving tens of thousands of residents without electricity. One of the hardest-hit areas was the College Hill neighborhood, where several homes were severely damaged. A local landmark, the historic Webb-Pomeroy House, lost part of its roof and had its windows shattered. “It was like something out of a movie,” said resident Jennifer Johnson. “The wind was so strong, it sounded like a freight train.” Emergency responders were quickly on the scene, assisting residents and clearing debris. No serious injuries have been reported, but several people were treated for minor lacerations and bruises. The Wichita Police Department has established a temporary evacuation center at Century II convention center for residents who have been displaced from their homes. Power crews are working diligently to restore electricity, but it is estimated that some areas could remain without power for several days. The exact path and strength of the whirlwind are still being determined, but it is believed to have been an EF-2 tornado with winds reaching up to 130 mph. The National Weather Service has issued a severe weather warning for the region, urging residents to be prepared for additional storms. As the city begins its cleanup and recovery efforts, Mayor Brandon Whipple said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this tragic event. We will work tirelessly to help our community rebuild and recover.”