Tornados in Kansas, biker dies from lightning strike - pictures and local news coverage

[proud2BlibKansan]

A tornado touched down in Leavenworth County on Saturday evening, damaging property.

The tornado was first seen at 6:35 p.m. six miles west of Linwood, Kan., said Dave Beusterien of the National Weather Service in Pleasant Hill. It stayed on the ground for at least 15 minutes, reaching just west of Bonner Springs, he said.

Beusterien said the only report to the weather service of damage was to a barn near Bonner Springs.

Homes, barns and vehicles were hit, according to the dispatcher at the Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Department.

<skip>

The severe weather also resulted in the death of a 45-year-old Lawrence man, who was struck by lightning while riding his motorcycle in Jefferson County, Kan.

http://www.kansascity.com/842/story/1162725.html

video of damage: http://www.kctv5.com/video/19292455/index.html

(Video at link - tornado went over KU campus and touched down not far from there.)

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Kan. - A motorcyclist was struck by lightning and killed instantly Saturday afternoon during the storm that swept through northeast Kansas.

Motorcyclist Struck By Lightning Dies in Kan.

The 45-year-old man from Lawrence was riding with a group of cyclists who belong to “Bikers Against Child Abuse” when he was struck by lightning.

It happened at around 4:45 p.m. at 6911 U.S. 24 Highway near Perry, Kan.

At least seven other motorcyclists witnessed the fatal lightning strike and one of them suffered minor injuries. He’s been treated and released from a hospital.

http://www.nbcactionnews.com/news/local/story/Motorcyclist-Struck-By-Lightning-Dies-in-Kan/9l1V49cHUEOIej2ZYeelMA.cspx

[MadHound]

1. Springtime in the Midwest,

Tornadoes and severe storms, woohoo.

Looks like that line of storms is moving slowly and will finally make into my area in the late afternoon today, perfectly timed to run into warm air heated by the sun, producing more tornadoes and showers.

Sorry to hear about the biker, but as one who bikes myself I find it strange that they were riding during a major storm. I generally either pull over and find shelter or don't ride. Forget about the lighting, it's the rain slick streets that I worry about.

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. Agree about the biker

What the hell was he doing on a bike in a thunderstorm?

Stay safe today.

I came as close to going into my basement yesterday as I have come in a long time. I am about 5 miles south of I70 and the tornados were hitting right along that highway. :scared:

Cindy Sheehan is coming to KC today. She is driving up from Arkansas. Hope the rain waits till after she gets here.

[MadHound]

3. LOL, tornadoes five miles away, I wouldn't be heading to the basement,

I would be heading outside to watch the show. But then again I'm crazy that way, I actually love big thunderstorms. Don't get me wrong, I don't want anybody hurt by such storms, but the power and the energy coming off such storms is just so cool.

But I've also got my basement and I can dive into, and take my animals with me.

You take care too, hopefully Cindy will come up on the backside of the storms and not get hit.

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. You and my husband

He loves to watch the storms.

I saw one from about 5 miles away when I was a kid. Scared the shit out of me. Never again. LOL

[MadHound]

5. I have respect for tornadoes,

I've lived through eight of them, along with a hurricane. But I don't fear them, and I know when to bail and dive for cover.

I once watched one churn up a neighborhood in Columbia, I was a half mile away, living in a trailer. I was ready to jump into my hidey hole if that thing had turned, but as it was I was treated to a grand show.

Yes, my wife thinks I'm crazy too:crazy:

[a la izquierda]

10. You sound like my husband

He's gearing up to go watch storms today...we're supposed to get pounded in Central Oklahoma.

[MuseRider]

6. I always think about you when the storms

are in your area. We were in the basement yesterday, well kind of. The sirens were blaring and my little town was warned I was out watching. You could see the wall cloud but the tornado (or funnel) was rain wrapped so there was no spotting. Pretty awesome storm though.

Glad you are OK.

[proud2BlibKansan]

7. Hey you!

Long time no hear from!

Did you know about Cindy Sheehan in KC tonight?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=162&topic_id=8840&mesg_id=8840

[MuseRider]

8. No I did not!

I have not been around much lately, too much else going on like rain and more rain and even more rain so I am running outside as soon as it clears putting up fence around the new garden.

I have a musical as well to work and our symphony season just finished, just been too darned busy inside and enjoying the outside when I can be out. Not online much.

I am certain Cindy would not remember me but I bet Anne Wright would. (did I spell that right, an "e" I think) Both amazing and courageous women. Just the best. Tell Cindy hello anyway, from both me and Mr. MuseRider.

Next time I am headed your way to hear my son's play I will call. Maybe we can hang out. How are your boys doing?

Good luck, tonight is supposed to be the active weather night.

[proud2BlibKansan]

9. Boys are great

One has a great job that he loves and the other is touring the midwest with his reggae band. http://www.myspace.com/seedlove

[MuseRider]

12. Very cool! n/t

[Cheap_Trick]

11. The cyclist was killed not too far from here. Heard the EMT's being called out on the scanner.

(Staying at the in-laws in Winchester)

[Captain Hilts]

13. Wow. It's always astonishing to see the great - and random - damage a tornado does. Sobering. nt