A tornado struck Ottawa, Kansas, on Monday evening, raising urgent concerns about safety and recovery efforts. The storm caused significant structural damage and left thousands without power, but fortunately, no injuries have been reported.

A tornado warning was issued around 7:25 p.m. as the storm moved west to east through Franklin County. By 7:09 p.m., reports indicated that 3,834 residents were without electricity, and the situation worsened when the local radio station KOFO lost power shortly after 7:30 p.m..

The Ottawa Police Department confirmed heavy damage between 15th and 19th streets. Eyewitnesses reported that the front of the T-Mobile store was ripped off, while the Knights Inn at 17th and Main suffered severe damage with its roof torn off and the second floor heavily affected.

Brad Howard, a local resident, described the scene, stating, “The T-Mobile store has had the front of the building ripped off.” He also noted that damage appeared to be concentrated between 15th and 17th streets.

In addition to commercial buildings, residential areas faced destruction as well. The roof of a Daylight Donuts was completely removed, and numerous trees were downed throughout the city.

Authorities have urged residents to stay off the roads and avoid any downed power lines as cleanup efforts begin. The Ottawa Police Department reiterated that while the damage is extensive, there have been no reported injuries.

As the community begins to assess the aftermath, the focus will shift to restoring power and ensuring the safety of residents. Emergency services are on high alert, and recovery efforts are expected to continue in the coming days.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the damage and the timeline for power restoration. Residents are advised to stay tuned for updates from local authorities as the situation develops.