KOAM TV-7 STUDIOS, Kan. — About 7:20 p.m. Friday evening, April 29, 2022, reports in Andover, Kansas, of a damaging tornado across that area to the east of Wichita.
Andover historically was hit by an EF5 tornado in April of 1991 and 17 people were killed. The only tornado of recent history to rival the intensity of Joplin’s EF5 tornado in 2011.
FRIDAY EVENING TORNADO AND RESPONSE
SEDGWICK COUNTY GOVERNMENT — Wichita Fire Department Rescue Teams 1 & 2 are assisting citizens to navigate debris and escorting those in need to shelter. Sedgwick County Fire Department Taskforce 5, which is a multi-agency group that responds to rescue-related events, and the Regional Hazmat Team have been deployed and are continuing to support citizens of Sedgwick County and Butler County & Andover Fire Departments.
Law Enforcement agencies are assessing damage and identifying downed power lines outside the path of the tornado. It was reported that an Evergy station received damage and is causing delays in the restoration of service.
- Barricades are set:
- 159th Street and Pawnee (southbound)
- 159th Street and 31st Street S (northbound)
- 143rd Street E
- 39th Street S (northbound)
- 143rd Street E and Pawnee (southbound)
- 31st Street S from 127th-159th streets both directions.
There has been an issue with citizens going through barricades at 159th and Pawnee (southbound). There are also power lines and trees down throughout the area. We want to remind citizens to honor the barricades and stay out of the area so emergency crews can continue to assess the area and assist those in need.
We are continuing to evaluate the damage related to the severe weather in southeast Wichita/Sedgwick County. Only minor injuries have been reported at this time. The Sedgwick County Fire Department has deployed Taskforce 5 to support Butler County and Andover Fire Departments. — Sedgwick County Government