Governor Signs Disaster Declaration for Winter Storm

Gov. Sam Brownback signed a State of Disaster Emergency Proclamation May 3 for 29 Kansas counties affected by a severe winter storm, heavy rain and flooding April 28 and continuing.

Counties named in the declaration for our area are Finney, Grant, Lane, Scott, Stevens and Wichita counties. 

The winter storm generated blizzard-like conditions with strong winds and heavy snowfall in the western third of the state, averaging from one to 14 inches. The highest accumulations ranged from 24 to 30 inches with drifts up to 10 feet. All main highways in the western third of the state were closed and other travel was nearly impossible. The storm brought down numerous power lines, trees and branches that are still causing cleanup headaches for people.

Joint federal and state Preliminary Damage Assessments are expected to begin this week to determine if there are sufficient damages to warrant a request for a federal disaster declaration.