Adams County Emergency Manager recaps severe storm and damage

KHAS original storm story

The following is a news release from Adams County Emergency Manager Ron Pughes:

A large storm front approached from the Northwest and caused significant damage to homes, vehicles, and properties within Adams County.   

Watches and Warnings began to filter in the late afternoon and the track of the storm had already produced a history of large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rain.

The storm approached the Northwest corner of Adams County shortly after 8:30 pm,  Adams County Emergency Management activated the Emergency Operations Center and we monitored radar, radios, emergency traffic, and storm reports from our Communications Center located at the North Fire Station (1313 North Hastings).

Due to the intense Wind and Large Hail reported, Adams County Emergency Management sounded the Outdoor Warning Sirens at 8:53 pm.  The dangerous conditions and life-threatening potential warranted the sounding of the Outdoor Warning Sirens.

As a reminder, Outdoor Warning Sirens are NOT TORNADO sirens specifically.  The intent of the Outdoor Warning Sirens is to instruct those outdoors to seek shelter indoors and tune into local media sources for more information.  Outdoor Warning Sirens are not meant to notify those who are already indoors or taking shelter.

Damages appear to be narrowed to the Northwest portion of Adams County, around 42nd Street and Adams Central, areas surrounding the airport, and some homes and structures within the City Limits of Hastings.

No injuries have been reported.

If you received damages to your property, report it immediately to your insurance agent.  Do not hire any company until your insurance company authorizes it, and never pay a contractor upfront.  Do your research and ensure that the contractor is reputable, insured, and has references.

If citizens have any questions, feel free to contact Adams County Emergency Management at 402-461-2360.