Tornado wallops Kansas town; 1 killed 56 minutes ago

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070505/ap_on_re_us/severe_weather

Rescuers searched Saturday for people believed to be trapped in a
partially collapsed hospital after a powerful tornado ripped through
this southwest Kansas community. At least one person was reported killed
and dozens were injured.

The tornado struck Friday night, leaving a broad swath of destruction in
the Kiowa County town about 110 miles west of Wichita. The storm front
spawned tornadoes along a path stretching northeast from Greensburg
through central Kansas.

Phone service to the town of about 1,600 residents was knocked out, and
the state's department of transportation was trying to restore emergency
service.

Emergency personnel and search and rescue teams from throughout
southwest Kansas raced toward Greensburg after the twister struck.

The injured were taken to hospitals as far away as Dodge City, where the
Western Plains Medical Complex confirmed one fatality. The Pratt
Regional Medical Center treated about 50 people, a hospital spokeswoman
said. Three patients were sent on to Wichita's Wesley Medical Center,
including two who were in critical condition, she said.

Search dogs accompanied law enforcement officers as they searched house
to house for anyone trapped or injured.

Roads into and out of Greensburg were closed for several hours to allow
emergency vehicles to reach the town.

The National Weather Service described the tornado as a "wedge," an
especially broad and tall formation. Frederick Kruse of the weather
service's Dodge City office said there were initial reports that the
tornado was at least three-quarters of a mile wide on the ground.

Sharon Watson, spokeswoman for the Kansas Adjutant General's Department,
said the state fire marshal's office dispatched hazardous materials
teams because railroad cars in Kiowa County had overturned.

She said the National Guard was sending 40 troops to provide security
around Greensburg.

Shelters were opened for Greensburg residents in nearby Haviland.

Elsewhere on Friday, three small tornadoes touched down in rural
southwestern Illinois, but officials said there were no reports of
injury or damage. Two tornadoes struck in Oklahoma, damaging some
structures but injuring no one, officials said.

Yup! and thats not far from eileen's either. Please pray for her and her
family during this time. If i hear from her I will let ya'll
know. (verbatimeb) is who i mean!