Storms have a way of testing a community's mettle, but Great Bend has always stood tall in the face of adversity. When the tempest hit, wreaking havoc on our homes, businesses, and cherished landmarks, we found solace in knowing that we were not alone. In the hours and days that followed, an outpouring of support flooded our community, reminding us of the unbreakable bond that ties us all together.  Thank you to everyone involved in the constant effort to restore our beautiful community.  We see you. 

Did you hear about the severe storm that hit the city of Great Bend, Kansas on July 17, 2023? It was quite a doozy! The storm brought along some seriously strong winds, heavy rain, and even tennis ball-sized hail. Can you imagine hail that big? It's hard to believe!

The National Weather Service (NWS) reported wind gusts reaching up to 80 miles per hour and hailstones measuring a whopping 2 inches in diameter. That's like having a tennis ball falling from the sky! It's no wonder the storm caused so much damage.

Homes, businesses, and vehicles all felt the wrath of this powerful storm. Trees were uprooted, and power poles and power lines were knocked down, leaving over 9,000 customers in the Great Bend area without electricity. It must have been quite a sight to see tree limbs and debris scattered all over the place.

Unfortunately, the storm also brought some flooding to certain areas. In response, the NWS issued a flash flood watch for Great Bend and the surrounding areas, which was in effect until 11:00 PM Central Time on July 17. Safety is of utmost importance, so it's crucial to take precautions during such severe weather events.

Luckily, there were no reports of injuries or fatalities resulting from the storm. However, the extent of the damage in Great Bend was significant, and many residents are still waiting for their power to be restored. It's a tough situation, but the community is resilient.