Tornado Strikes Grinnell, Kansas – Devastation Reported in Gove County
- Kristina Hemel
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Photos from NWKS Radio listeners. Used with permission
May 18, 2025 – Grinnell, KS — Severe weather swept across Northwest Kansas Sunday evening, culminating in a confirmed tornado strike in the town of Grinnell in Gove County. Meteorologists had warned earlier in the day of the potential for dangerous storms, and the NWKS Radio listening area saw a rapid escalation in weather activity beginning around 4:45 PM CST. Storm warnings persisted through 8:00 PM, with multiple tornado warnings issued throughout the region, including Cheyenne, Sherman, Scott, Logan, Sheridan, Wallace, and Gove counties.
Storm chasers and spotter vehicles were seen throughout the region as early as Saturday night in preparation for the expected severe weather outbreak.
Most reported tornadoes remained in rural areas. However, at approximately 6:50 PM CST, a tornado touched down in Grinnell, Kansas. The National Weather Service in Goodland issued the tornado warning at 6:38 PM, noting that a storm capable of producing a tornado was located 7 miles south of Grinnell, moving northeast at 30 mph. The warning remained in effect until 7:15 PM CDT. The storm brought with it the threat of a tornado and quarter-size hail, and radar indicated strong rotation.
Direct Impact on Grinnell and Interstate 70
As the storm hit Grinnell, it crossed Interstate 70, causing several vehicles to flip into ditches and taking down power lines. The damage prompted the temporary closure of I-70 in both directions from Colby to Hays. Travelers found themselves redirected onto muddy dirt roads, with traffic congestion worsening as 18-wheelers attempted to navigate the detours.
Listener reports poured into NWKS Radio, with many claiming a tornado was indeed on the ground near Grinnell. Alarming reports also indicated that the town's emergency sirens may not have activated during the storm, though this has yet to be confirmed.
Widespread Damage in Grinnell
Pictures and eyewitness accounts from listeners reveal widespread devastation across Grinnell and surrounding farms. Homes were leveled on the west side of town, cars were flipped, trees stripped bare, grain bins crushed, and power lines snapped. One listener described the destruction as “like a movie.” Photos show the roof torn off a church and debris scattered across the area.
Emergency personnel were on the scene but had only a brief window of daylight to assess damage before nightfall. Access to Grinnell remains difficult due to road closures on Highway 23 south of Hoxie and the shutdown of I-70. A 10 PM curfew was enforced in Grinnell to keep residents safe and allow emergency workers to continue their efforts overnight.
Power and Gas Systems Affected
Midwest Energy has reported significant damage to both electric and gas systems in the area, with around 330 residents without power. The company has shut off gas services in the affected area to inspect for further damage and begin repairs.
Community Support and What's Next
Gateway Fellowship in Oakley has opened its doors to those displaced by the storm, providing immediate support to those in need. Community members are already reaching out, asking how they can help.
Please remember to avoid the area as emergency workers need to do their work.
At this time, the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. NWKS Radio will continue to follow up with authorities in the morning and provide updates on how the public can assist and what the official reports say.
Our thoughts are with the people of Grinnell and all those affected across Northwest Kansas. Stay tuned to NWKS Radio stations – 100.3 The Ride, RockIt 102.5, KXXX 790, KLOE 730, and FlyOver Country 97.9 – for the latest developments. NWKS Radio staff will keep you updated as new information comes in.