Severe weather event hits Logan County: heat warning for Wednesday

A severe weather event on Tuesday night caused significant damage across Logan County, with straight-line winds reaching up to 90 mph. The western and southern parts of the county were particularly hard hit, resulting in widespread power outages, downed trees, and damaged infrastructure.

Damage Overview

Wind Damage: The area experienced several wind gusts of 80 mph, with at least one gust reaching 90 mph. This led to numerous downed power poles and trees, causing significant obstructions and damage.
Property Damage: Many homes have reported damage, including missing shingles, damaged roofs, and broken windows. Several vehicles also sustained hail damage, with windows shattered and siding damaged by the hail.
Road Closures: Industrial Road between Hwy 74 and May is closed due to downed power poles. Residents are urged not to drive through road-closed signs as they are up for safety reasons. Always assume electrical lines are dangerous and stay clear.

Power Outages

The storm has left several areas without power:

Crescent: 1,086 outages
Cashion: 490 outages
Guthrie: 485 outages

Electrical companies are currently assessing the damage to the power infrastructure, but it is expected that some areas could be without power for at least a day. The Crescent area and Cedar Valley are still without power as of this morning.

Ongoing Response

District commissioners are actively working to clear roads of debris. Efforts to remove downed trees and other obstructions are ongoing, with county commissioners out this morning to address the situation.

Excessive Heat Warning

An Excessive Heat Warning has been issued for Wednesday, beginning at 11 a.m., with heat indices expected to reach up to 113 degrees. The combination of power outages and extreme heat poses a significant risk to residents.

Emergency Shelter

The Logan County Fairgrounds Educational Building in Guthrie will open at 10 a.m. as a cooling center. Residents without power can go there to sit in the air conditioning and charge their phones. Please note that no pets are allowed in the facility.

Safety Reminders

Avoid Downed Power Lines: Always assume that downed electrical lines are live and dangerous.
Follow Road Signs: Do not drive through road-closed signs; they are there for your safety.
Stay Hydrated and Cool: With the high temperatures expected, make sure to stay hydrated and take advantage of cooling centers if needed.

Residents are encouraged to stay updated on the latest information from local authorities and to prioritize safety during this challenging time. For more updates and assistance, please follow Logan County’s official channels.