Department of Emergency Services responds to July 14 storm
The July 14 storm, with wind speeds exceeding 70 mph, caused widespread tree damage and power outages in Johnson County.
The Department of Emergency Services sprang into action last week when a strong storm struck Johnson County, assisting with response and recovery.
Last Friday afternoon, July 14, a severe thunderstorm impacted the Kansas City metro area and caused widespread tree damage, power outages, and damage to some structures in our county.
NotifyJoCo, the county’s free mass notification system, sent out notifications to 26,678 residents using various contact methods listed within 10 minutes of the National Weather Service issuing a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Johnson County. Of those contacted, 6,788 confirmed receipt of the message within one hour of notification.
Numerous wind reports (estimated and measured) were over 70 mph. The highest reported wind gust came from western Johnson County where a personal weather station recorded 89 mph wind just west of Lenexa. Luckily, there were no injuries reported from the storm.
Dan Robeson, deputy director of Emergency Management, touched on the storm response during the July 20 Board of County Commissioners meeting.
Emergency Services staff worked with Evergy, cities and community partners on response over the weekend. They helped identify any unmet needs, assist utilities with restoration efforts, and evaluate the need and eligibility for additional state and federal assistance.
Immediately after the storm, nearly one-fourth of Evergy customers in the county were without power. By Sunday night less than 4% remained without power, and full restoration was completed for all customers on Tuesday.
The division of Emergency Management played a key communications role after the storm, sharing tips to stay cool and safe on social media. The division is continuing to work with city partners and the state to evaluate eligibility for federal assistance.
During the Board of County Commissioners meeting on Thursday, July 20, County Manager Penny Postoak Ferguson highlighted the department's efforts, with Dan Robeson, deputy director of Emergency Management, providing further information on the storm response.
NotifyJoCo provides vital information during emergencies to those who live or work in Johnson County. You can sign up to receive notifications or update your information by going to notifyjoco.org.