Evergy: Salina Power Restoration Expected to Continue Into Late Thursday

Evergy says power has been restored to most of the 130,000 customers affected by Monday evening’s severe storms, but restoration work in the Salina area is expected to continue into late Thursday evening because of extensive storm damage.

The storms moved slowly along Interstate 70, bringing heavy rain and damaging straight-line winds to communities including Salina, Abilene, Junction City, Manhattan and Topeka. Evergy said all of Salina lost power at one point during the storm.

According to Evergy, crews are rebuilding after widespread damage across the region, including approximately 500 broken or severely damaged power poles and numerous downed power lines caused by high winds and falling trees.

Wind speeds in the Salina area reached more than 100 mph during the storm, with Evergy citing damage from 110 mph winds as a major reason restoration in Salina will take longer than in other affected areas.

Evergy said crews expect to restore power to nearly all customers outside the Salina area by tonight. In Salina, however, the company expects restoration work to continue into late Thursday evening.

Crews from across Kansas and Missouri, along with contractor teams, are working around the clock and will continue restoring power as long as conditions are safe, Evergy said.

The company is also monitoring additional storm and tornado watches across its service area. New severe weather could affect restoration timelines.

Evergy reminds residents to stay at least 30 feet away from any downed power line and assume it is energized. Anyone who sees a downed line should call 911 immediately, then contact Evergy.