Tornadoes Strike Salina, Chapman and Manhattan, Kansas

Three "super cell" storms struck central Kansas last night. Tornado sirens sounded in communities throughout central Kansas. Damage was reported in many Kansas towns, with the damage heaviest damage in Chapman and Manhattan, KS.

Storms began developing over central Kansas in the early evening hours. Tornado warnings were issued in Barton and Ellsworth counties. A tornado was reported on the ground in Lorraine, KS. The storms continued to build and move in a northeasterly direction.

According to KSAL Radio reports, a mobile home was flattened in Salina, KS. Several factories, including Crestwood Cabinets and Phillips Lighting experienced damage. Employees of Crestwood Cabinets have been told not to report to work today due to the damage. Assessment is in progress to determine risks and necessary repairs to the company. Most of the damage in Salina occurred in the south west section. Westar Energy reports power lines were damaged in the storm and some households are still without power.

Around 10 P.M., the first of the three "super cells" moved into Dickinson County. The storm moved south of the towns of Solomon and Abilene. The storm then moved to the northeast toward the town of Chapman. The tornado struck Chapman around 10:20 PM. One woman, believed to be 21 years old, was killed when a building collapsed. Two others were hospitalized in critical condition, reports KSAL Radio.

The storm left a half-mile wide and one and a half-mile long path of destruction through the town. The local high school and middle school were severely damaged. Five homes were reportedly leveled by the tornado. Local officials reported approximately eighty-five percent of the homes in Chapman were severely damaged.

Manhattan, Kansas was later struck by the same storm cell, according to The Manhattan Mercury. The southwest side of Manhattan experienced the greatest loss. Miller's Ranch housing development appears to have been in the direct path of the storm. This area seems to have been among the most heavily damaged. Several businesses also experienced a great deal of damage, including a car dealership which appears to be leveled. Representatives from Kansas State University report that the damage to KSU's buildings may total in the millions of dollars. There are no reports of deaths or injuries in Manhattan due to the storm.

However, Manhattan-Riley County Police Department has reported some incidents of looting in damaged areas. One death was reported due to the storm in nearby Franklin County where a man was found dead outside of his mobile home in Soldier, Kansas.