kansas travel center

State Employees Travel Center

Welcome to the Travel Center for State Employees. This page is your one stop location for the latest information on the State of Kansas travel expense reimbursement process. In addition, you'll find links to information that can be of help in planning your travel. For Travel Policy Questions: Email Statewide Agency Audit Services Team at  [email protected]

For SMART Travel & Expense Processing Questions:   Submit a  ManageEngine Service Desk  ticket

Travel Expense Reimbursement

Employee Travel Expense Reimbursement Handbook (pdf)– FY2024 (Effective January 1, 2024)

Travel Expense Reimbursement Handbook Archive – Previous versions of the travel handbook

Employee Travel Expense Reimbursement Summary Trifold (pdf) – FY2024 (Effective January 1, 2024)

Informational Circular 24-A-007 Travel Updates - FY2024 (Effective January 1, 2024)

Mileage Reimbursement

Informational Circular 24-A-006 - FY 2024 Mileage Rates  (Effective January 1, 2024)

Informational Circular 24-A-001 - FY 2024 Mileage Rates  (July 1, 2023 - Dec 31, 2023) Superseded

Informational Circular 23-A-007 - FY 2023 Mileage Rates  (Jan 1, 2023 - June 30,2023) Superseded

Subsistence Reimbursement

Informational Circular 24-A-004 - FY 2024 Subsistence Allowances  (Effective October 1, 2023)

Informational Circular 24-A-002 - FY 2024 Subsistence Allowances  (July 1, 2023 - Sept 30, 2023) Superseded

Informational Circular 23-A-004 - FY 2023 Subsistence Allowances  (Oct 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023) Superseded

Informational Circular 23-A-002 - FY 2023 Subsistence Allowances  (July 1, 2022 - Sept 30, 2022) Superseded

FAQ Regarding Reimbursement of a Meal Without Overnight Travel

Travel Reservations

Statewide Travel Agency Management Services  – For commercial travel reservations for official state travel.

Statewide Agency Vehicle Usage Information – Information related to the use of state vehicles and rental cars for state travel.

Business Travel Card – Personal liability VISA credit cards issued by UMB Bank to employees of the State of Kansas.

Department of Administration Document Center  (Accounting/Payroll Forms)

SMART Web - Travel & Expense  (Job Aids)

Travel Tips for Elected Officials and staff on an Official trip  Reference for Elected Officials and staff on Official travel

KDOT Mileage Calculator  (State of Kansas - City to City)

AAA Trip Travel Planner  (Mileage Calculator)

Kansas Turnpike Authority  (KTAG)

Air Mileage Calculator  (as the crow flies)

Kansas Road Conditions  (statewide primary routes)

Travel Information in Kansas

Currency Conversion from Oanda.com

*The links provided on this page do not represent an endorsement of the organizations/sites linked to, nor a guarantee of the accuracy of any information presented on their sites

© 2024 Kansas Department of Administration. All rights reserved.

• Accessibility Policy
• Contact Web Master
• Terms of use
• Get Adobe Acrobat Reader

• Fees, Licenses & Permits
• Where to Hunt
• Seasons & Limits
• What to Hunt
• Reports and Forecasts
• Public Land Check-in/Check-out
• Game Species, Records & Scoring
• Hunter Education
• Furharvesting
• Special Hunt Information
• Hunting Programs
• Donate Your Deer
• Report Violators
• Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)
• Hunting Regulations
• Go Outdoors KS Mobile App
• Where to Fish
• Species & Fish Records
• Fishing Regulations
• Aquatic Nuisance Species
• Learn about Fish & Fishing
• Special Fishing Programs
• Certified Bait Dealers
• Tournaments
• Fish Consumption Advisory
• Blue-green Algae
• Newsletter Request Forms
• Register Your Boat
• Boating Education
• Boating Laws, Regulations & Safety
• Water Access
• Required Equipment Checklist
• Find a State Park
• Campsite & Cabin Reservations
• Park Fees & Permits
• State Park Passport
• State Park Alerts!
• Kansas Trails
• State Parks Economic Impact
• State Parks Library Program
• Park Regulations
• State Park Events
• Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (S.C.O.R.P)
• First Day Hikes
• CampIt KS Mobile App
• Hiking, Biking, & Horseback Riding Trails
• Canoeing & Kayaking
• Swim Beaches
• Activity Search
• Shooting Ranges
• Track Chairs (ASK Program)
• Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles (UAV)
• Outdoor Health and Safety
• HUNTING, FISHING & PARKS
• Buy Licenses & Permits
• License/Permit Requirements & Fees
• Where to Buy
• 365-Day Licenses
• GoOutdoorsKS Mobile App
• Kids Lifetime Hunting & Fishing License
• OTHER PERMITS
• Educ, Exhibit, Collect, & Salv Permits
• Special Event/Tournament Permits
• Salvage Tags
• T&E Species Action Permit
• Field Trial Permit
• Wildlife Rehab
• Falconry Permit
• Game Breeder Permit
• Raptor Propagation
• Wildlife Damage Control
• Bowhunter Education
• Furharvester Education
• Fishing Education
• Becoming an Outdoors-Woman
• Aquatic Nuisance Species Certification
• Wildlife Education Service (WES)
• Outdoor Wildlife Learning Sites (OWLS)
• Science/Nature Ctrs & Museums
• WILDLIFE & HABITATS
• Wildlife Conservation
• Private Landowner Assistance
• Injured/Orphaned Wildlife
• Wildlife Sightings
• Wildlife/Vehicle Crashes
• Threatened and Endangered Wildlife
• National Refuges, Grasslands & Preserves
• NATURAL KANSAS
• Wildlife Watching
• Wildflowers
• Scenic Wonders
• KDWP »
• Kansas Outdoor Events
• Hunter Education Classes
• News Releases
• Legislative Update
• Flatlander Podcast
• News Alert Sign-Up
• All Agency Newsletters
• Public Affairs
• Employment Opportunities
• Employment Application & Additional Info
• Current Full-Time Positions
• Seasonal and Temporary Positions
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Laws, Regulations & Enforcement
• Law Enforcement Information
• Laws & Regulations
• Law Enforcement Activities
• Law Enforcement Contacts
• Landowner Permission Card
• Transferring Fish and Game to Another Person
• We Will Never Forget
• KDWP Commission
• About the Commission
• Commissioners
• Watch Meetings Here
• Upcoming & Archived Meeting Information
• Publications
• Kansas Wildlife & Parks Magazine
• Kansas! Magazine
• Kansas Travel Guide
• All KDWP Publications
• Research Publications
• Newsletters
• Request Literature (PDF)
• KDWP Magazine Archive
• 2023 "Wild About Kansas" Photo Contest
• Doing Business with Us
• KDWP Offices/Locations
• How to Donate to KDWP
• Bait Dealers
• Agritourism Businesses
• Environmental Reviews
• Education, Exhibition, Collecting, and Salvage Permits
• Administrative Offices
• State Parks
• Wildlife Areas
• State Fishing Lakes
• Museums and Nature Centers
• Laws, Regulations & Enforcement

Kansas’ highways are among the best in the U.S. Learn about the beautiful scenery and exciting history you’ll experience along our byways.

Continue to KS Byways >>

The Kansas River was designated as a National Water Trail in July 2012. It’s a great opportunity to explore the unique beauty of eastern Kansas from a whole new perspective – from the river itself! 

Continue to Kansas River Trail >>

Read about the state’s award-winning travel magazine, featuring gorgeous photos, engaging articles and fun ideas for experiencing Kansas. 

Continue to KANSAS! Magazine >>

If you’re in the business, here’s where you’ll find information about the Division of Tourism, our programs, industry news, research reports and other valuable information.

Continue to Travel Industry >>

Kansas Travel Information Center

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Kansas Travel Information Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (6.36 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites I-35 / Mulvane
• (7.61 mi) Wellington KOA
• (7.87 mi) Baymont by Wyndham Wellington
• (7.53 mi) Woodlands RV Park
• (8.28 mi) The Inn at River Road
• (0.71 mi) McDonald's
• (2.56 mi) David's Diner
• (7.31 mi) Boudreux Burger Barn
• (6.34 mi) Woodfire Grille
• (7.93 mi) Luciano's

Kansas Travel Information Center

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

Belle Plaine, KS 67013

You Might Also Consider

Museum of World Treasures

Crystal G. said "Love this place. Love the history and it is so worth becoming a member even if it's a year. Took my mom,aunt, and kids (teenagers). They all loved learning all the history." read more

in Historical Tours, Venues & Event Spaces, Museums

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

I sent a thank you note using the address on my receipt and it came back UTF... Wanted to thank Diane for her kind helpfulness when we traveled thru in Oct, for recommending a great place to eat and then for fulfilling my phone order of the fun Dorothy & Toto note pads for my grandkids... Appreciate all you did for me! Rita Walker, WI

If your aircraft rings and tinkles (not peeing but ringing) as it flies, it's probably a Bell Plane. And like a beacon in the night this was the Midway point of a very very long and exhausting drive from Dallas to Kansas City. I was glad it existed and took the time to rest for a couple of hours - including using the laptop. There wasn't really anywhere to go and sit down because the damn place close that night. The General Store of course is open so you can spend all your money, but the information center where you might relax and sit down is all closed up and badly lit as well which would make it pretty scary - except firstly you're in Kansas and secondly there are cops patrolling this area every now and again - so it's not all that scary.

I have some information. In my pants!

Kansas. Better than kensass

The staff at the Kansas Travel Information Center were so helpful and friendly. They have a wonderfully nostalgic cardboard display of The Wizard of Oz. We loved the gift shop where we found so many cute Dorothy and Oz memorabilia. Also, the restrooms were clean. This is a great stop when you're passing through the area.

See all photos from Angellé S. for Kansas Travel Information Center

This is a nice travel plaza with unfitting the state and area, along with an adorable gift shop. They have mugs, sweatshirts (51% good witch, 49% bad witch), statues of the Wizard of Oz (yes, Dorothy, we ARE in Kansas), and cute souvenirs. I wanted to buy something that I saw the last time I was here, but alas, being a state entity, they close st 5;00 PM. Boo! Hiss!

People Also Viewed

Bae Moon Travel

Iron Gate Inn

Sabrina’s Paradise Travel

Barns At Timber Creek B & B

The Prairie Gardens Inn

Springfield Inn

Wellington Municipal Airport

Heritage Inn

Zee’s Rides

Best of Belle Plaine

Things to do in Belle Plaine

Other Visitor Centers Nearby

Find more Visitor Centers near Kansas Travel Information Center

People found Kansas Travel Information Center by searching for…

Wizard Of Oz Belle Plaine

Browse Nearby

Restaurants

Visitor Center Near Me

Visitor Centers Near Me

Related Cost Guides

Town Car Service

20 Reasons to Visit Kansas City in 2024

Looking for your next great travel destination put kansas city at the top of the list..

SEE THE REASONS

Book Hotel Now

Or Call 1-800-313-7952

• Attractions

This Weekend in Kansas City

Discover Kansas City

through distinct neighborhoods and exciting KC Landmarks.

#FromTheHeart

Photos by KC lovers like you. Tag us by using @VisitKC

Now Available: Get the Official 2024 Visitors Guide

See why the new york times, lonely planet and more say kc is the place to travel this year.

Available in print and digital formats, Kansas City’s Official Visitors Guide is free and offers guidance on shopping, sports, dining, must-see museums and many more ideas for your time in KC.

Season 8 of the Kansas City Tap Tour

Your pass to kansas city's craft beer culture.

From new experiences at recently opened hotspots to tried-and-true favorites that have been filling flights since the beginning, the Kansas City Tap Tour is back with exclusive discounts and rewards.

Kansas Attractions        Unique Kansas Restaurants Grassroots Art     Stone Formations & Fossils     Zoos Kansas Waterfalls     Kansas Specialty Foods Kansas City BBQ    Kansas Best Burgers Kansas Churches   Kansas City Xmas Displays

This photo is wilson lake near lucas, kansas. copyright 2005-2024 by keith stokes, hutchinson restaurants & attractions ,  olathe attractions ,  wichita things to do overland park restaurants , topeka things to do ,  kansas travel blog, kansastravel.org has my personal kansas restaurant recommendations, travel reports, and reviews of kansas attractions & museums. i have visited every place listed & include my candid opinion of how interesting they really are., please like us on facebook ..

New TA Express Opens in Fairview, Kansas

TravelCenters of America, part of the bp family of brands, continues expanding its network of travel centers with the opening of a TA Express in Fairview, Kansas.   The new TA Express is a franchised site, formerly known as Bert’s Express, and offers fueling, convenience items, dining options and other services for professional drivers and motorists.  The site is located on the corner of US-75 and West 1 st  Street.

• Dining Options: A&W Restaurant, with plans to open a new Dunkin
• On-site deli with freshly prepared to-go food options
• Store with hot and cold beverages, snacks and merchandise
• Three diesel fueling positions with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) on all lanes
• 12 gasoline fueling lanes
• 40 truck parking spaces
• 20 car parking spaces and RV parking available
• Three private showers
• Laundry facilities

The Fairview TA Express is the company’s seventh location to open in Kansas, growing the total nationwide network of travel centers to 292. TA remains committed to expanding its network of TA, Petro and TA Express locations to serve more professional drivers and motorists.

Find Your Nearest Travel Center!

11 Oct 2023

[email protected]     785-460-7643

Colby Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Colby Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is a quasi-department of the City of Colby managed by and located within the Colby/Thomas County Chamber of Commerce office.

Mission Statement: We champion Colby as a premier choice for tourism, events, meetings, and conventions.

Experience the small town feel with big city amenities at our Oasis on the Plains.

The board members are represented by six lodging facilities and four businesses and appointed by the mayor. The advisory board meets monthly. The CVB is  financed by the 5% guest tax. The annual budget is approved by the Colby City Council.

Colby Visitors Center

ADDRESS: I-70 at Exit 53 PHONE: (785) 460-0076 HOURS: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday -Friday; 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday ADMISSION: FREE

The Colby Visitors Center is located on I-70 at the Exit 53 interchange. This unique building incorporates traditional Kansas limestone with a contemporary design that includes a real grain bin recognizing the importance of grain and agriculture to our area. Travelers are invited to stop by and visit with the friendly staff, enjoy a cup of coffee, check the weather, peruse the wealth of Kansas travel brochures, and learn more about the history of Colby.

Colby CVB Advisory Board

Martha Brewer – Chance Management

James Farris – Colby Events Center

Quinnlyn Carpenter – Woofter Construction & Irrigation

Lisa Endreola – Hampton Inn

Randy Mathews- Prairie Museum of Art & History

Dana Carter – City Limits Convention Center

Penny Vogler – Holiday Inn Express

Leesa Wark – Strutt Insurance Services

Bonnie Werth – Donelan Jewelry

Shanda Mattix – Barnwood & Bling

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

To the... well..

You tell us.

Join our e-newsletter

Travel Guide

Adventurers

In Kansas, we love fast cars and slow-cooked brisket. We touch the sky but stay grounded in the things that matter most. We live out loud and embrace the solace of silence. We conquer rocks and celebrate on the rocks. We ride like the wind and live for the water.

The Kansas experience is a salute to the real. To the rowdy. To the wide-eyed wanderers. To the dreamers.

to the stars

Explore kansas, by the regions.

Kansas is divided up into 6 travel regions: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, North Central, and South Central. Explore what each region of Kansas has to offer in the interactive map below.

Order a Travel Guide

Story series, state parks, things to do with kids, things to do, places to visit, places to stay, plan your trip.

Business News

Business in Kansas

Our Department

Kansas Tourism Announces Participating Attractions for the Sunflower Summer Program for Kansas Families

Apr 25, 2024

TOPEKA – Kansas Tourism is pleased to announce the lineup of attractions participating in the 2024 Sunflower Summer program. Designed as a benefit for Kansas families with school-age children, Sunflower Summer offers a way to explore and fall in love with Kansas by providing complimentary access to tourism attractions across the state. 

The 2024 Sunflower Summer season will run from May 25 through August 11. More than 220 tourism attractions are participating in the program – a 97 percent increase from 2023. In order to participate in the program, Kansas families with school-age children must download the Sunflower Summer app and claim tickets to participating attraction venues. The digital tickets are redeemed at participating venues upon their arrival. Each user can only use tickets once per venue during the 2024 season. 

“The Sunflower Summer program plays a pivotal role in making in-state travel affordable for Kansas families,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “It offers amazing opportunities for parents to nurture their children’s love for travel and appreciation for our incredible state and everything it has to offer.”

Participating attractions are located in all regions of the state and include museums, discovery centers, historic sites, arboretums, water parks, amusement parks, zoos, guided trolley tours, live theater events and professional sports events. For a complete list of participating locations and more information about the program, click here .

“Sunflower Summer serves as a family’s compass to discover the rich stories and legacies that define and shape our incredible state,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Our hope is that this program will inspire Kansans to embark on memorable vacations and explore the treasures of their home state.”

The program is inclusive of all Kansas students, including public, private and homeschooled, from pre-K through 12 th grade. This program is exclusively for Kansas families. The Sunflower Summer app will be available for download on both Apple and Android platforms after May 1. 

Share your Sunflower Summer experiences on social media using the hashtags #ToTheStarsKS and #SunflowerSummer as you post your travels on social media. For more travel inspiration and tips about exploring Kansas, click here .

Related Posts

Governor kelly announces kansas moving forward with $451.7m high-speed internet deployment plan, april 26, 2024, april 25, 2024, commerce updates roz student loan repayment program, april 18, 2024.

Sitemap  ․  Accessibility  ․  Privacy Policy  ․  Cookie Policy  ․  Terms of Use  ․ 

All content © 2006-2024 Kansas Department of Commerce, KS and its representatives. All rights reserved.

Website by Imagemakers

Privacy Overview

Kansas basketball slated to play Creighton in 2024 Big East-Big 12 Battle | Report

K ansas men’s basketball will meet Creighton in the 2024 Big East-Big 12 Battle at CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska, Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports reported on Tuesday.

The CBS analyst revealed each of the 11 matchups on the social media site X. No dates were reported for any of the games.

Kansas State will travel to St. John’s, and it’ll be Baylor at UConn, Butler at Houston, Marquette at Iowa State, Xavier at TCU, Cincinnati at Villanova, BYU at Providence, Oklahoma State at Seton Hall, Georgetown at West Virginia and DePaul at Texas Tech.

A year ago, KU defeated UConn 69-65 in the Big East-Big 12 Battle on Dec. 1 at Allen Fieldhouse.

KU is 4-1 in the series, which started in the 2019-20 season. KU fell to Villanova 56-55 on Dec. 21, 2019, in Philadelphia. The Jayhawks defeated Creighton 73-72 on Dec. 8, 2020, at Allen Fieldhouse. KU beat St. John’s 95-75 on Dec. 3, 2021, in New York. The Jayhawks stopped Seton Hall 91-65 on Dec. 1, 2022, at Allen Fieldhouse.

KU leads Creighton in the all-time series between the two programs, 11-6. The Jayhawks have won six straight in the series. The most recent meeting was in the 2022 NCAA Tournament. KU prevailed 79-72 in a second-round matchup on March 19, 2022, in Fort Worth, Texas.

This will be the last year of the challenge series of games between teams in the two conferences.

©2024 The Kansas City Star. Visit kansascity.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Mountain View, CA

Mountain View

Around the Globe

Hurricane tracker.

Severe Weather

Radar & Maps

News & features, winter center, news / live updates, live: second day of tornadoes begins in the plains.

Tornadoes and damaging thunderstorms blasting across the central United States, and will continue to threaten lives and property in more than a dozen states through the weekend.

Updated Apr. 27, 2024 11:53 AM PDT

"Particularly Dangerous Situation" Tornado Watch issued

By Jesse Ferrell, social media producer and meteorologist

Apr. 27, 2024 1:58 PM PDT

NOAA's Storm Prediction Center issued a rare "particularly dangerous situation" Tornado Watch for parts of Texas and Oklahoma early Saturday afternoon, saying that a few intense tornadoes are likely. The last PDS Tornado Watch was issued on March 31, 2023. Several tornado warnings had also been issued by lunch time CDT but no tornadoes had been reported yet.

Severe weather watches for northern Texas and Oklahoma on the afternoon of April 27, 2024. A "PDS" Tornado Watch is shown in bright red.

On Thursday, AccuWeather meteorologists marked another rare 'high' risk area for severe weather from south-central Oklahoma to east-central Kansas and the western border of Missouri for Saturday, outlining the area with the best prospects for destructive, widespread and dangerous storms.

VIDEO: Stunning destruction in Elkhorn, Nebraska shows power of tornado

By Monica Danielle, AccuWeather Managing Editor

Apr. 27, 2024 12:34 PM PDT

Destruction in Elkhorn, Nebraska, a suburb of Omaha, in the wake of a massive tornado that tore through yesterday. pic.twitter.com/JxOAG3ryMD — AccuWeather (@accuweather) April 27, 2024

New video reveals the absolute devastation in hard-hit Elkhorn, Nebraska, a suburb of Omaha, in the wake of a  massive tornado that tore through  yesterday. Crews spent much of the night searching for anyone trapped or injured, local authorities said . Incredibly, no deaths have been reported.

Elkhorn resident Jason Sunday described the tornado as a “freight train,”  affiliate KETV  reported.

“We saw it coming from the southwest, and when it got too close for comfort, we headed downstairs quickly. We were in the downstairs bathtub, and it was just like the movie said, it was like a freight train,” Sunday told  KETV . “And you knew the roof was coming off because that was a loud pop and sucking motion. It was pretty scary.” The tornado caused severe damage to the Sunday family’s dream home to which they had just moved last month.

“We’re thankful to be alive. We’re very thankful,” Sunday added.

More than 35 million people brace for another round of violent storms on Saturday

AccuWeather’s Tony Laubach recalls several of the tornadoes he chased on April 26 and discusses the potential for more through the weekend.

Following a catastrophic day filled with tornadoes and intense storms across the Plains, AccuWeather meteorologists warn that the  pattern on Saturday can pose eerily similar threats .

At least 11 states will be within the danger zone for severe thunderstorms bringing large hail, flash flooding and tornadoes into Saturday night .

Similar to Friday, AccuWeather meteorologists have marked another rare ‘high’ risk for severe weather from south-central Oklahoma to east-central Kansas and the western border of Missouri for Saturday , outlining the area with the highest prospects for destructive, widespread, and dangerous storms.

The risk for severe storms through Saturday night will span roughly 1,400 miles across a chunk of the Central U.S., home to over 35 million people.  Potent thunderstorms can begin to ramp up by the midday and afternoon hours for many locations .

“With such a volatile atmospheric setup favoring severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, AccuWeather meteorologists remain concerned that a second tornado outbreak in as many days may occur [into] Saturday night, which  may once again include some particularly intense or long-track tornadoes,”  AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter said.

WATCH: Tornadoes captured on camera from Texas to Iowa

Apr. 27, 2024 9:26 AM PDT

Tornadoes were captured on camera from Texas to Iowa on April 26 as severe storms raced across the Midwest, damaging airports, knocking out power and leaving communities in ruins . As of Saturday morning, about  27,000 customers  in northeast Texas were without power

This compilation video shows the severe weather recording in several states including supercells, lightning, tornadoes and their destructive aftermath.

From Texas to Nebraska to Iowa, multiple tornadoes carved a trail of damage on April 26.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen released a  statement   saying he extends his deepest prayers to all those impacted by the storms.

“I have ordered that state resources be made available to assist with the emergency response and to support local first responders as they assess the damage. Nebraskans are tough, resilient people, and our neighbors and communities will rally around affected families and businesses to assist them. Nebraskans are no strangers to severe weather and, as they have countless times before, Nebraskans will help Nebraskans to rebuild. ”

Drone footage shows scope of tornado devastation in Iowa

Apr. 27, 2024 8:43 AM PDT

A large tornado ripped through the town of Minden, Iowa, causing extensive damage to property on April 26.

Tornadoes carved several paths of destruction across the midwest on Friday , destroying hundreds of homes and other buildings, many around Omaha, Nebraska.  This drone footage shows the scope of destruction a massive twister left behind in the city of Minden, Iowa.

The small city, located about 30 miles northeast of Omaha, was heavily damaged. “Approximately 40 homes, maybe 50, were destroyed, gas leaks, wires down, a lot of debris. So it’s a very dangerous area. We have shut off the entrance to the city , except for the people that live here,” Jeff Theulen with the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office told 6 News . “Obviously, they’re trying to take care of their houses and our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

Theulen said rescue crews pulled many people from damaged and destroyed homes Friday evening. As of Saturday morning, there were  several reports of injuries but no immediate deaths . However, the danger is not over, AccuWeather  forecasters warn another round of volatile storms is expected  Saturday afternoon and evening .

Planes tossed and destroyed at Eppley Airfield, Nebraska

Apr. 26, 2024 8:40 PM PDT

Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Nebraska, released a statement Friday evening saying that a tornado had touched down and the airport was closed for an hour while passengers were in storm shelters. There were no reports of injuries, but several buildings and many planes were destroyed, according to photos and videos posted on X.

More on the destruction at the Eppley Airfield (OMA), Omaha, Nebraska after a massive tornado hit the premises and the area. Eppley Airport says, Passenger terminal was unaffected while a number of buildings and properties of General Aviation terminal sustained damage. Video… pic.twitter.com/69eO2mChFU — FL360aero (@fl360aero) April 27, 2024

Over 75 tornado reports Friday, mostly in Nebraska and Iowa

Apr. 26, 2024 8:33 PM PDT

Over 75 tornado reports have come in today from spotters as of 7:30 PM CDT, mostly in Nebraska and Iowa.

Many reports were likely the same tornado or supercell thunderstorm, as there have been several long-tracking storms.

Over 85 tornado warnings were issued, including some lasting more than 3 hours in which Tornado Emergency Warnings were in effect.

Catastrophic destruction: Emergency crews in Elkhorn, Nebraska checking damaged houses

Apr. 26, 2024 7:08 PM PDT

Photos and videos of catastrophic damage are emerging on social media, showing utter destruction in Elkhorn, Nebraska , a suburb of Omaha, in the wake of a massive tornado that tore through.

Video shows the scary moments as a massive tornado spins toward the town of Elkhorn, Nebraska, on April 26.

The Red Cross has set up an emergency shelter for Elkhorn-area residents, according to the Omaha Police Department. Douglas County authorities report a reunification center is being established at Elkhorn Middle School for parents whose students were held during earlier tornado warnings, according to 6 News WOWT.

During a media briefing at 6:30 p.m. CDT, Omaha police and fire officials say they have extra officers going door-to-door helping people from houses that were "flattened" by the tornado , but no serious injuries or fatalities have been reported. Police say they think media reports regarding warnings helped reduce injuries.

Firefighters work to clear a home damaged by a tornado northwest of Omaha, Nebraska, on Friday, April 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Margery A. Beck)

Fire Chief Kathy Bossman said damage is also reported in other Nebraska towns, including Arbor Village, Arbor View, and Waterloo. "Right now, we are beginning detailed searches of those neighborhoods; we're going to be looking at each property."

The drone-assisted search will take place overnight and possibly into tomorrow.

A destroyed home is seen northwest of Omaha, Neb., after a storm tore through the area on Friday, April 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Margery A. Beck)

A destroyed house is seen northwest of Omaha, Nebraska, after storms swept through the area on Friday, April 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Margery A. Beck)

Debris is seen from a destroyed home northwest of Omaha, Nebraska, after a storm tore through the area on Friday, April 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Margery A. Beck)

"Challenges include power outages; we have power lines down, we have gas leaks, we have unstable structures, we have trees that are down," Chief Bossman said.

The Omaha Police Department tweeted it has established a command center and additional officers are being brought in to assist with 911 calls citywide. Officers are asking everyone to avoid the Elkhorn area “as emergency personnel are assisting those in the path of the tornado.”

As of 7:30 p.m. CDT, poweroutage.us is reporting 7,000 customers are without power in Nebraska.

Another perspective: Tornado rips across Nebraska freeway

Apr. 26, 2024 5:47 PM PDT

Drivers on Interstate 80 got an incredibly scary view of a powerful tornado  on the afternoon of April 26. Officials urged residents in eastern Nebraska to seek shelter “immediately” as massive tornadoes moved through the Lincoln and Omaha metro areas 

Drivers on Interstate 80 got an incredibly scary view of a powerful tornado on the afternoon of April 26.

You can track the severe weather on  AccuWeather’s weather radar . AccuWeather meteorologist Brian Lada has been monitoring the radar throughout the afternoon and said a tornado northwest of Omaha was a “menace on radar” with  a debris ball that appeared to be over a mile wide .

Radar showing a supercell thunderstorm with tornado debris ball moving northwest of Omaha, Nebraska on April 26, 2024.

A debris ball, technically known as a  tornadic debris signature  ( TDS ), is an area of high reflectivity on weather radar caused by a tornado lofting debris into the air.

Storm chaser captures jaw-dropping footage of wedge tornado crossing I-80 in Nebraska

Apr. 26, 2024 4:57 PM PDT

Storm chaser Aaron Jayjack captured this video near Lincoln, Nebraska, on April 26 as a violent tornado tore across a highway, leaving at least one tractor trailer on its side.

Storm chaser Aaron Jayjack was uniquely positioned to record this stunning footage of a massive wedge tornado crossing Interstate 80 in Nebraska Friday afternoon.  “VIOLENT tornado just crossed the Interstate 80 Lincoln, NE,”  he tweeted .

You can see the powerful twister flinging debris across the interstate as motorists attempt to navigate the treacherous roadway. At one point during the video, Jayjack shouts, “Oh, somebody got hit!” 

At least one tractor-trailer was tossed on its side by the intense wind. No word yet on injuries. The Nebraska Department of Transportation caught a different view of the massive twister.

A tornado near Interstate 80 in Lincoln, Nebraska, on April 26, 2024. (Nebraska Department of Transportation)

Wedge tornadoes are the most destructive  and catastrophic tornadoes and can grow to be over a mile in diameter.

Storm chaser captures tall rope tornado tearing across Nebraska field

“Wow!!! What a tornado  just north of Ravenna, Nebraska, this Friday at 12:32 p.m. CDT,” storm chaser Brandon Montgomery  tweeted  after recording this footage. “Incredible experience!”

Storm chaser Brandon Montgomery followed a tall rope tornado as it tore across a field in Ravenna, Nebraska, on April 26.

Ravenna is about 175 miles west of  Omaha , which is  one of the major metro areas that are very close to or within the high-risk area  into Friday night  along with  Kansas City , Missouri; and  Des Moines , Iowa.

Rope tornadoes, named after their long, thin appearance, are the  smallest type of tornado and can be short-lived, lasting just a few minutes but can be just the start of the evolution of a twister. Don’t be fooled by their size!  Even a thin rope tornado can cause damage, although the path of destruction tends to be narrow  compared to other kinds of whirlwinds.

Storm chaser intercepts large tornado in Nebraska

By Brian Lada, AccuWeather meteorologist

Apr. 26, 2024 2:39 PM PDT

One of the first tornadoes of the day touched down in central Nebraska , and AccuWeather Storm Chaser and Meteorologist Tony Laubach was on the scene.  Laubach came within a few hundred yards of a large tornado near Elba, Nebraska , as it crossed the road in front of him. Watch the heart-pounding video below:

Meteorologist Tony Laubach got up close with a tornado as it crossed a highway in Elba, Nebraska, on April 26.

New tornado watch issued where strongest storms are expected

Apr. 26, 2024 2:06 PM PDT

There is a  high risk of tornadoes, powerful winds and large hail  in part of the central United States today, according to AccuWeather meteorologists, and intense storms are in short order.  A new tornado watch has been issued for eastern Nebraska and western Iowa  in the area where the strongest storms of the day are expected.  A tornado has already been reported  from a storm about 150 miles west of Omaha, Nebraska, according to storm chasers in the area.

A tornado watch is also in effect for northeastern Texas  and part of southeastern Oklahoma where locally severe storms have been rumbling since late Friday morning.  People who are under a tornado watch should remain vigilant and seek shelter if a tornado warning is issued.

'Tornado on the ground': Multiple supercells move over Kansas

Apr. 26, 2024 12:01 PM PDT

Stormchaser Ben McHone captured this  ominous footage of multiple supercells moving across northwest Kansas producing heavy rain, hail and the formation of a ‘needle tornado’  on Thursday afternoon.

Multiple supercells moved across northwest Kansas producing heavy rain, hail and formation of a needle tornado on April 25.

A needle tornado is another name for a  rope tornado  which is the smallest type of tornado and named for its long, thin appearance.

On the thunderstorm spectrum,  supercells are the least common type of thunderstorm.  What makes a supercell unique from all other thunderstorm types is that  it contains a deep and persistent rotating updraft called a mesocyclone.

Supercells have a high propensity to produce severe weather , including damaging winds, very large hail, and even violet tornadoes.

Violent storms likely into Friday night

Apr. 26, 2024 11:16 AM PDT

“ There could be more than a dozen tornadoes spawned from Friday afternoon to Friday night alone ,” AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said. “Into Friday night, the areas most likely to be strewn with intense, discrete thunderstorms -- the type that often produces strong tornadoes -- extends from northeastern Kansas and northwestern Missouri to southeastern Nebraska and southern and central Iowa.”

Major metro areas that are very close to or within the high-risk area into Friday night include  Kansas City , Missouri;  Omaha , Nebraska; and  Des Moines , Iowa.  The AccuWeather Local StormMax™  straight-line wind gust  is 80 mph into Friday night  and is stronger than that of the minimum threshold for a hurricane (74 mph).

People in the severe weather threat zones each day and night are encouraged to  pay attention to the weather, take alerts and warnings seriously and have a plan of action  in place in case violent conditions become imminent. A method to receive audible alerts when sleeping is strongly advised

Thursday’s storms seen from space

Apr. 26, 2024 9:19 AM PDT

High resolution imagery of severe storms erupting tonight across the Central Plains. pic.twitter.com/S6GqdUuKba — CIRA (@CIRA_CSU) April 26, 2024

As severe weather erupted over the Plains on Thursday afternoon, NOAA’s GOES-EAST weather satellite was keeping a close eye on the evolving situation. The satellite was focused on  eastern Colorado, western Kansas, and southern Nebraska, where the strongest storms of the day rumbled to life . There were around  70 reports of large hail from storms in this area, including chunks of ice as large as tennis balls.

Storm chaser nearing 500,000 miles in pursuit of storms, twisters

Apr. 26, 2024 7:39 AM PDT

The miles can add up fast for folks who drive across the country to capture footage of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, and one storm chaser is closing in on a monumental benchmark. “ I am making my way to half a million storm-chasing miles, ” AccuWeather Meteorologist and Storm Chaser Tony Laubach said.  So far this year, Laubach has logged 5,448 miles , and he will add to that in the coming days as he hunts down dangerous storms across the central United States. Laubach said that  hitting the 500,000-mile mark has been a long-standing goal for his storm-chasing career  and he might finally reach the benchmark later this year.

Blue shelf cloud moves over Arkansas

Apr. 25, 2024 9:23 PM PDT

Heavy rain and hail hit Little Rock, Arkansas, as this shelf cloud passed through the area.

An incredible timelapse of a shelf cloud with blue hues was recorded in Little Rock, Arkansas Thursday afternoon. Flooding was also reported from the storms.

Shelf clouds often form at the leading edge of strong winds  flowing down and outward from a storm.  It is not uncommon for thunderstorms to contain blue or green tinted clouds , but there is no direct correlation to the severity of the storm.

Storm chaser wraps up a day of tracking severe weather, gets ready for tomorrow

AccuWeather meteorologist and storm chaser Tony Laubach is  wrapping up a day of tracking severe weather across Kansas  and is headed east to get set up for tomorrow. AccuWeather Prime’s Melissa Constanzer caught up with Laubach as he traveled through Quinter, Kansas.

“It has been more of a hail day today,”  Laubach said. “Most of the hail we saw was anywhere between nickel and quarter-sized. We had  hail reports in Kansas as big as two-and-a-half inches , that would be tennis ball-sized hail. ”

In the video below, Laubach explains why there was more hail than tornadoes:

Severe thunderstorms produced prolific hail across parts of the Plains on April 25, but cold air undercut the threat for tornadoes.

Tennis-ball-sized hail pelts the Plains

Apr. 25, 2024 8:50 PM PDT

Storm spotters reported  hail as large as 2.5 inches in diameter (about the size of a tennis ball)  near Russell Springs, Kansas, earlier Thursday evening, with 2-inch-diameter hail near Syracuse and Colby, Kansas.  Wind gusts also spiked to 70 mph  at a weather station near Sharon Springs, Kansas.

Hail as large as 4.5 inches in diameter  fell in the Carolinas last weekend.  A hailstone that fell in Vivian, South Dakota, on July 23, 2010 ,  holds the United States' record for largest hail size with  a diameter of 8 inches  and heaviest weight at 1.94 pounds.

Severe weather to escalate on Friday

Apr. 25, 2024 7:59 PM PDT

Thursday is just the start of an extended severe weather event across the central United States . AccuWeather meteorologists say there is a high threat of severe thunderstorms on Friday and Friday night, the second-highest level on AccuWeather’s severe weather index.

Approximately 38 million people could face thunderstorms, the strongest of which may spin up tornadoes and unleash large hail and damaging winds.

Additional rounds of severe weather are in the forecast through the weekend , with some areas at risk of being hit multiple times.

Landspout touches down in Colorado

Apr. 25, 2024 6:34 PM PDT

A landspout tornado touches down in Akron, Colorado as another funnel cloud spins above it.

A landspout tornado touched down today near Akron, Colorado,  while another funnel cloud spun nearby. The landspout was on the ground for only five minutes.  Landspouts start as a column of spinning air near the ground  and aren't always connected to a severe thunderstorm, whereas tornadoes are spawned in a rotating thunderstorm and move down to the ground.

Tornado watches issued as storms erupt

Apr. 25, 2024 6:18 PM PDT

Severe thunderstorms are rumbling over the Plains with  two tornado watches in effect  from eastern Colorado and southern Nebraska to the Texas Panhandle.  One thunderstorm in northwestern Kansas has already produced a tornado , according to a storm chaser in the area. Thunderstorms may become more widespread into Thursday night over the region, with additional watches possible. Three preliminary tornadoes have been reported across the entire region as of 5:10 p.m. CDT.

Tornado watches in the central United States as of 5 p.m. CDT on April 25, 2024. (AccuWeather)

A tornado watch means that weather conditions are prime for severe thunderstorms to develop and spin up twisters. Meanwhile,  a tornado warning means that a tornado is imminent or is happening  and that people in the path of the storm should seek shelter.

Calm before the storm

Apr. 25, 2024 3:03 PM PDT

A clear sky over Colby, Kansas, an area where tornado-producing thunderstorms are possible later Thursday afternoon. (AccuWeather/Tony Laubach)

Storm chasers are in position ahead of an outburst of thunderstorms expected to erupt over part of the Plains later Thursday afternoon.  AccuWeather Meteorologist and Storm Chaser Tony Laubach is in Colby, Kansas , located in the northwest part of the state, and is sitting under a sunny sky with a few patches of clouds.  A much different scene is foreseen to unfold over the region in a few hours, including the potential for tornadoes.

In-depth look at the severe weather threat

Apr. 25, 2024 1:07 PM PDT

AccuWeather Severe Weather Expert Guy Pearson joined Chief Meteorologist Bernie Rayno to talk about the forthcoming severe weather outbreak over the United States,  explaining why the threat of damaging thunderstorms will unfold over several days.  Watch the interview below:

The Plains and Midwest regions of the United States face a weekend of dangerous severe weather including the risk of tornadoes starting on Friday.

Types of tornadoes that may touch down through the weekend

Apr. 25, 2024 11:56 AM PDT

Tornadoes come in all shapes and sizes, but meteorologists can classify each one based on distinct features.  The smallest type of twister is a rope tornado , named after its long, thin appearance. It is one of the most common types of tornadoes and can be short-lived, but  some evolve into larger, more powerful twisters.

A large tornado spinning near Morton, Texas, on May 23, 2022. (Marcus Diaz via Storyful)

Wedge tornadoes are the largest type of tornadoes and can be over a mile wide . Some of the most intense tornadoes in history were wedge tornadoes, including the EF5 that leveled Joplin, Missouri, in 2011.  Click here to see more types of twisters that occur over the United States.

Severe weather outbreak to commence Thursday afternoon

Apr. 25, 2024 10:19 AM PDT

The first round of a multiday severe weather event is about to unfold over the central United States with  each day through the weekend bringing the risk of damaging winds, hail and tornadoe s. On Thursday, the severe weather threat will extend from northern Texas to eastern Wyoming, with  thunderstorms expected to erupt late Thursday afternoon.  The strongest storms are likely from the Texas Panhandle through western Kansas.

An even higher risk of severe weather is in the offing at the end of the week as the next round of thunderstorms unfolds. “ I think the worst days for severe weather, specifically tornadoes, is going to be [Friday] and then on Saturday ,” AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said.  Click here for a full breakdown of the impending severe weather outbreak.

How to stay alert when severe weather nears

By AccuWeather staff

Apr. 25, 2024 8:17 AM PDT

Knowing when  severe weather is approaching can be life-saving information , especially during a severe weather outbreak, like what is unfolding over the South Wednesday. One of the easiest ways to receive severe weather alerts, such as tornado warnings, is by  having the free AccuWeather App on your smartphone .   Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you  subscribe to Premium+  on the  AccuWeather app , which also provides an ad-free experience. AccuWeather Alerts™ are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer. These custom alerts can provide critical time to seek shelter before damaging weather moves into the area . Watching the AccuWeather Network and monitoring  AccuWeather’s website  are two other ways to stay updated with the latest weather information.

Top Stories

LIVE: Catastrophic destruction in wake of several tornadoes in Midwest

LATEST ENTRY

Central states preparing for another round of volatile thunderstorms

This map may save lives when there's a tornado threat

Weather Forecasts

Spring fever: Northeast cities chasing 90-degree highs

Weather News

First-ever photograph of a tornado from 140 years ago likely a fake

Featured Stories

10 types of tornadoes that occur in the US

Overrun Japanese town erects barrier to block photos of Mount Fuji

Indian voters battle extreme temperatures amid intense heat wave

A lake in Mexico’s ‘magical town’ is disappearing

More than 100 prisoners flee after rainfall destroys prison in Nigeria

We have updated our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy .

Get AccuWeather alerts as they happen with our browser notifications.

Notifications Enabled

Thanks! We’ll keep you informed.

High school baseball team’s season suspended after killing chicken on field, officials say

VALLEY CENTER, Kan. ( KWCH /Gray News) – A high school baseball team in Kansas is under criminal investigation after police said they killed a chicken on their baseball field.

The Valley Center Department of Public Safety confirmed that a chicken was killed on the baseball diamond at Valley Center High School.

Police said a Valley Center High School employee contacted a school resource officer on Monday about allegations that the baseball team had killed a chicken on the field before traveling to an away game on Saturday.

On Monday afternoon, the district sent a letter to parents alerting them that the varsity baseball team’s season has been suspended because of an animal cruelty investigation.

Police are investigating the alleged crime as animal cruelty with malicious torture or killing, which is a felony in Kansas.

Investigators are working to determine exactly who was on the field when the chicken was killed and whether coaches or other adults were involved.

Once the police investigation is complete, the case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office. The office will decide if any charges will be filed.

In the meantime, the baseball team’s season remains suspended.

Copyright 2024 KWCH via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

Siblings, ages 4 and 8, killed after car crashes into child’s birthday party in Monroe Co.

Woman charged with murder in fatal birthday party crash that killed 2 kids, injured 15 people

Woman charged in deadly birthday party crash released on bond

Missing mother of 10 found dead in car trunk, police say

Dog known to be aggressive attacks 11-month-old in Toledo

Latest news.

Freight train derailment, fire forces Interstate 40 closure near Arizona-New Mexico line

11-year-old boy accidentally shot, killed by older brother, police say

‘Keep him in prayers’: Longtime university administrator shot in head after leaving campus

Oregon’s Sports Bra, a pub for women’s sports fans, plans national expansion as interest booms

Oregon's Sports Bra, a pub for women's sports fans, plans national expansion as interest booms