Severe storms swept through Douglas County on the night of May 19, 2026, resulting in significant rain, wind, and damage in the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) recorded wind speeds reaching 85 miles per hour, contributing to various safety concerns and property damage.
Rainfall and Wind Speeds
Rainfall measured between 0.1 inches and 0.5 inches in Lawrence. This precipitation accompanied high winds that led to the issuance of tornado warnings across eastern Kansas.
Damage Reports in Lawrence
- A large tree fell on a home in the Pinkney neighborhood, impacting the residence near Fifth and Maine streets.
- Numerous trees were downed, particularly in the 400 block of Maine Street.
- Power outages were reported, particularly affecting areas north of Lyon Street.
Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical reported over 20 weather-related incidents initiated around 8:45 p.m. Many of these incidents involved electrical issues due to the severe weather conditions.
Power Outages
The storms left parts of North Lawrence without electricity for an extended period. The Journal-World’s offices lost power from approximately 9:30 p.m. on Monday until at least 3 a.m. on Tuesday. This outage affected the Tuesday print edition, causing a lack of puzzles that typically appear in the newspaper.
As cleanup efforts commenced, crews were actively removing storm debris, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community in the aftermath of the storms.
