Tornado
In this representational image, viewed from the window of a tornado scout vehicle, a supercell thunderstorm develops, in Olustee, Oklahoma, May 10, 2017. Getty Images/ Drew Angerer

Several people were injured and major structural damage was reported after a large tornado moved through eastern Kansas on Tuesday evening.

The National Weather Service (NWS) declared a "tornado emergency" for several counties after a tornado touched down in Lawrence shortly after 6 p.m. local time (7 p.m. EDT). The majority of damage occurred outside the Lawrence city limits, especially in the neighboring city of Linwood. Damaged trees and downed power lines were spotted on roads, some of which were impassable, and over 13,000 homes were without power.

“Debris is falling from the sky from this tornado along I-70, north-northeast of Edwardsville, KS Take shelter now if you are in the path of this tornado!” NWS tweeted.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman confirmed that at least 12 people suffered injuries during the storm and one of them was seriously injured.

The NWS canceled the tornado warning for the Kansas City metro but said, "Although the warning has been (canceled), don't let your guard down. Hail and strong winds are still possible, so stay inside and be prepared to take shelter if necessary."

Douglas County Emergency Management said buses were arranged to take displaced residents to shelters and an American Red Cross shelter set up at a church had to relocate because of the power outage. The Kansas City International Airport was also closed and flights were temporarily suspended due to storm debris and the passengers were sent into the parking tunnels for their safety.

Speaking to the Lawrence Journal-World, Misty Stofer, a resident of Lawrence, said, “When we thought it (tornado) was over my husband went out and immediately came back and said water is coming in the basement because our roof is gone. I thought the house was going to collapse. I said we had to get out of there. We tried to get to his car, but there was a tree on it.”

Apart from the tornadoes, the NWS said parts of Kansas could also witness flash flooding at night.

“Flash Flooding is also a BIG concern tonight! Up to 2 inches of rain has already fallen in most of these areas, with 1-2 more inches possible. If you come across a flooded roadway or barricade, turn around and find another route!" NWS tweeted.

RELATED STORIES