Damaging severe thunderstorms rumbled across central Kansas early Thursday morning. The storms dropped heavy rain across much of the area, accompanied by strong wind.

The National Weather Service says winds estimated up to 80 mph swept through the area early Thursday, and that rainfall amounts varied from more than 1 inch in northeast Wichita, to more than 2 inches in McPherson.

Hail measuring more than 3 inches in diameter was reported in McPherson, and hail about 2.75 inches in diameter was reported south of Galva.

The heavy storms also snapped tree limbs and downed power lines. More than 1,000 Westar customers were without electricity in Saline County early Thursday, and nearly that many were also without power in Sedgwick County.

In Assaria, street flooding was reported, along with 63 MPH wind. There were reports of a couple of power poles down south of the Salina Regional Airport. Water was covering the road on K 140 Highway between Reese and Wyman Roads. Several power poles trees, and limbs were down around Saline County. Most damage was reported in Brookville, Salina, and Assaria. 68 MPH wind was reported in the 5000 block of K4 Highway.

At mid-day, there were still sporadic power outages around Salina, including at some businesses along South 9th Street near 9th and Magnolia. Westar crews were working to get power restored. It could take until Friday morning to get all of it restored.

In McPherson County, 64 MPH wind was reported. In Marquette power lines were down, and a tin shed was blown apart and wrapped around a power pole. There were reports of street flooding in McPherson and spotty power outages.

Chancy Smith, director of Dickinson County Emergency Management, said there were also sporadic outages in Abilene, Hope and Herington.