Western Bourbon County damaged by storm

The aftermath of a thunderstorm that pelted Bronson late Wednesday afternoon can be detected by this tree that was split into two pieces, causing part of its branches to fall onto the roof of a nearby house.

Residents in the western portion of Bourbon County spent much of Thursday cleaning up brush and debris after a severe thunderstorm ravaged the area.

According to a press release from the Bourbon County Sheriff's office, shortly after 4 p.m. on Wednesday, a severe thunderstorm hit the western portion of Bourbon County. The storm produced straight-line-winds that were moving 60 to 70 mph and large hail. Approximately one and 1/2 inches of rain drenched the area in a short amount of time.

As a result of the swiftness of the storm, the town of Bronson experienced downed trees, powers lines and damage to structures from the wind and hail. There were also reports of damaged crops and farm land in the area, the press release said.

Also due to the severity of the storm, there was a downed power line at Kansas Highway 3 and U.S. Highway 54, and downed power poles at Thirty-fifth Street and Native Road. On U.S. Highway 54, just east of Bronson, a couple who was traveling west was involved in a one vehicle non-injury accident that was caused when the wind knocked over a 28-foot travel trailer that they were pulling. The accident blocked both lanes of U.S Highway 54 until emergency workers cleared the road.

Even though the storm was severe, there were no reported injuries, according to the press release.

Uniontown also experienced some damage to trees and power lines, and power outages were reported in both the Uniontown and Bronson areas. Uniontown's power was restored early Wednesday night, and Bronson's power was back up early Thursday morning.