Tornado cleanup underway

City and County combat flooding, provide tree removal service for residents affected by the storm

PITTSBURG, KS – On Monday, May 20, 2019, at approximately 4:23 pm, a tornado hit Crawford County, KS, damaging properties south and east of the Pittsburg city limits. No fatalities or injuries have been reported.

The National Weather Service has yet to confirm the tornado, but they are sending personnel to the area to determine the exact size and scale of the storm.

Damage to rooftops, fallen trees and outbuildings have been reported. Heavy rainfall has caused significant flooding and left several County roads impassable.

As of 11:36 am Tuesday, May 21, approximately 420 customers were still without electricity. Westar Energy crews are working to repair downed power lines and transmission lines, and hope to restore power to customers by Wednesday, May 22.

Crawford County Emergency Management is urging residents to stay away from standing water and to turn around if they see barricades. Officials are advising that motorists use 171 HWY and 69 HWY to travel between Pittsburg and Joplin for the next few days, until flooding on county roads recedes.

A second round of storms is forecasted for Tuesday night, bringing with it another 4.5 to 5 inches of rain. More flooding is expected. Residents are encouraged to follow local news stations and pay close attention to the forecast.

Tree debris clean up:

City and County officials will be providing a one-time tree debris removal service for residents in the affected area starting Wednesday, May 29. Tree limbs must be cut down to six feet in length. Residents must have all trees, limbs and vegetation moved as close to the road as possible by 4:00 pm Wednesday, May 29, in order to participate. No construction debris, metal debris or hazardous materials will be collected.

For additional information, contact Crawford County Emergency Management at 620-724-7156.

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Media Contacts:
Sarah Runyon (620) 687-0073 or email sarah.runyon@pittks.org.
Jason Vanbecelaere (620) 724-7156 or email jasonv@ckt.net.