OTTAWA, Kan. (KCTV) – The sound of power saws and smell of sawdust hung in the air in Ottawa, Kansas, Tuesday morning as people woke to downed trees.
National Weather Service officials said an EF-2 tornado hit Ottawa on Monday, April 13, just before 7:30 p.m., causing major damage.
Winds reached 125mph, and the tornado carried a path of more than 7 miles long, at times 100 yards wide.
National Weather Service officials said an EF-2 tornado hit Ottawa on Monday, April 13, just before 7:30 p.m., causing major damage.(KCTV5)
The storm knocked down several utility poles between 15th and 17th streets, including poles that feed the 2nd Street substation. Most of the city lost power.
Once the storm moved out around 8:20 p.m., crews worked to get electricity back on. City linemen used generators and switched power on first to critical places like the water plant, the fire department, and the city warehouse. Overnight, crews kept working circuit by circuit, repairing damaged lines.
READ MORE: Hillsdale tornado leaves dozens of homes destroyed, dozens without power
The city says power is back on for most homes and businesses, but some will be without electricity for an extended time because of heavy damage to utility equipment. If you are still without power, call 785-229-3750.
A temporary cooling shelter is open at the Ottawa Police Department at 715 W. 2nd Street.
Limb pickup and drop-off information
Ottawa Public Works says crews will pick up storm limbs only from the curb in front of homes.
The city does not yet have a timeline for when curbside limb pickup will happen because crews are still handling other debris cleanup. Officials say they will share updates as soon as they have them.
To help crews and prevent damage to yards:
Stack limbs as close to the curb as possibleKeep them lined up in the same direction as the curb
The city says limbs will not be collected from alleys because equipment cannot safely fit.
If you want to drop off limbs and tree debris yourself, the city says a drop-off site is now open at the Orlis Cox Ball Field, in the west parking lot.
Officials say more information about structural debris and spoiled food disposal will be released soon.
For updates, visit the city’s website and the city’s social media pages. For non-emergencies, call 785-242-1700.
Some of the storm damage left behind after a tornado swept through Ottawa, Kansas, on the evening of April 14, 2026.(Gabbi Lumma, KCTV5)
KCTV also has crews in Ottawa and the surrounding area and will continue to bring updates as more information becomes available.
Meanwhile, KCTV meteorologists say more storms are possible Tuesday and Wednesday, with strong winds the biggest threat. Very large hail and tornadoes are also possible. Another round of storms could arrive Friday, with a Level 3 out of 5 risk for severe weather, making Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday First Warn Weather Days.
READ MORE: Gov. Kelly declares disaster emergency after storms, tornadoes hit Franklin, Miami Counties
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