MyUSTINET News: Leveled Kan. Town Evacuated Again

GREENSBURG, Kan. (AP) -- Residents and workers cleaning up since this town was nearly flattened by a tornado this month were asked to evacuate Monday as severe wind, rain and hail were forecast to move into the area.

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Sharon Watson, spokeswoman for the adjutant general, said the lack of shelter and the piles of debris left after the May 4 tornado have officials concerned about what would happen if severe weather were to strike again. Residents were asked to seek shelter outside of Greensburg, and out-of-town volunteers will not be allowed into the town on Tuesday.

"There's not enough basement space in Greensburg to protect the number of people we have there -- residents and workers", Watson said. "After all the destruction that town has seen, we certainly don't want to have any more injuries or loss of life."

The National Weather Service said thunderstorms could move across Kiowa County late Monday afternoon and evening, producing winds of 40 to 50 mph and some small hail.

The chance for severe storms is greater Tuesday, the weather service said, with large hail and wind gusts over 60 mph in the forecast. Heavy rainfall also is expected.

The evacuation is not mandatory at this point but become so in the event of severe weather, Watson said.

"The health and safety of the public is our primary concern right now", said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. "We know that everyone would like to continue with the cleanup so Greensburg can start the rebuilding process. But if severe weather seems imminent, the prudent thing to do is stay out of Greensburg and seek shelter until it's safe to return."

The May 4 tornado killed 12 people in south-central Kansas and destroyed more than 90 percent of the buildings in Greensburg, a town of 1,400 residents.

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