Grinnell Picks Up the Pieces After Tornado: Sheriff Urges Safety, Crews Push for Utility Restoration

by Derek White

May 20, 2025 - Goodland, KS

The National Weather Service in Goodland has confirmed that at least an EF-2 tornado struck Grinnell during Sunday night's severe weather event. A survey team is continuing to assess the damage and expects to complete their investigation by Tuesday evening. Further updates will be released once the survey is finalized.

May 19, 2025 – Grinnell, KS

After a fast-moving tornado tore through Grinnell on Sunday night, the town of just over 250 homes is rallying to recover. With dozens of homes damaged or destroyed and widespread utility outages, local officials and utility crews are working tirelessly to restore order.

Gove County Sheriff Mesch described the storm as “fast and very destructive.” The tornado touched down south of town, crossed Interstate 70, and tore through the west side of Grinnell, damaging or destroying 15 to 20 homes. “The roof was ripped off the Catholic church, and the candles were still burning. It’s amazing how that happened,” Mesch said in a 9 a.m. update from Frontier Ag.

Despite the extent of the destruction, there were no serious injuries. First responders and local volunteers went door to door late Sunday night checking on residents. Those displaced from their homes gathered at the VFW, which has become the central coordination point for shelter and volunteer support.

Sheriff Mesch confirmed that multiple vehicles, including semis and even a truck hauling Ferraris, were flipped or crushed along the interstate, prompting KDOT to close affected stretches due to downed power lines. Even with dramatic scenes like flattened trucks and mangled metal, all motorists were reportedly treated and released with only minor injuries.

Meanwhile, Midwest Energy has deployed 48 utility trucks from across western Kansas, including crews from Colby, Hays, WaKeeney, Oakley, Norton, and Hoxie. They’re working to restore electric service after key transmission lines and infrastructure inside city limits were damaged. A major 34kV line west of town was knocked out, but the nearby Pheasant Run substation was spared. As of Monday morning, about 230 electric meters remain without power.

Natural gas service was also shut off due to multiple leaks, caused by debris impacting gas lines and meters. Crews spent the night surveying for leaks and isolating damage. Service may be restored Monday evening to undamaged structures, but severely affected properties will remain offline for safety.

Residents are being urgently asked to remove personal vehicles from the streets so crews can safely and efficiently access repair areas. Sheriff Mesch emphasized the importance of keeping roads clear and reminded those wishing to help to check in at the Grinnell VFW, where volunteers are being tagged with a "Rapid Pass" for coordination.

“This is my first big tornado, but the community pulled together fast,” Mesch said. “We’re thankful no lives were lost. That’s what matters.”

Grinnell’s recovery will take time, but the spirit of its residents—and the overwhelming support from surrounding towns—is already on full display.

For official updates on electric and gas utility restoration, visit Midwest Energy’s Facebook page. For volunteer coordination, go to the VFW in Grinnell.

Full interview with Gove County Sheriff Mesch