A summer storm front spawned at least one tornado in Cowley County Saturday evening and caused damage that prompted county officials to make a disaster declaration.
Cowley County Emergency Management officials said a tornado briefly touched down in area near 161st and 136th Rds., northeast of Winfield. A shed lost a roof and several trees were damaged.
The most significant damage was to power poles.
Emergency management director Brian Stone said 25 poles were damaged or destroyed east of Geuda Springs. Another was destroyed northwest of Ark City, as well as one west of Strother Field and another north of Winfield City Lake.
The power pole damage led to the issuance of a disaster declaration late Saturday.
Westar reports that more than 1,300 customers were out in the Ark City area. Those affected by downed poles in the Geuda Springs area are expected to be without service until late Sunday, the company said through its website.
The weather and heavy lightning caused the cancellation of the demolition derby at the Cowley County Fair in Winfield and the closing of Ottaway Amusements Carnival for the night.
