Tornado north of Sabetha/Credit: Sabetha Fire Dept.

(MSC News)--Severe storms swept across parts of northeast Kansas and southeast Nebraska Monday afternoon and evening, producing multiple reported tornadoes, damaging winds up to 80 mph, large hail, and heavy rainfall. Forecasters had warned of a significant severe weather outbreak, with a rare “moderate risk” designation issued for the region before storms developed.

In Nemaha County Kansas,  Emergency Management Director Eddie Aldrine reported a tornado touched down about five miles northwest of Sabetha. He said it struck a few farms before moving into Richardson County, Nebraska.

Communities in southeast Nebraska reported tornado sightings in Gage, Pawnee, Richardson, and Nemaha counties. Flash flooding stranded vehicles in some areas, while emergency crews responded to downed trees, damaged power poles, and structural damage.

In the next few days, weather officials and local emergency managers are expected to conduct storm surveys to determine tornado strength and assess the extent of the damage.

There were no immediate reports of fatalities or serious injuries.