TOPEKA —Gov. Sam Brownback signed a State of Disaster Emergency declaration on Friday for severe thunderstorms, straight line winds, hail, torrential rainfall, and flooding. The declaration covers the period beginning Aug. 3 and continuing, according to a media release from the Kansas Adjutant General’s Department.

Based upon damage reports and local disaster declarations received by the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, initial counties included on the declaration are Barber, Douglas, Franklin, Greenwood, Johnson, Miami, Seward, and Trego.

A tornado hit WaKeeney the afternoon of Thu., Aug. 10, bringing devastating hail and high wind.

Additional counties may be added to the governor’s declaration once damage assessments have been completed. The Kansas Division of Emergency Management is in the process of gathering damage assessment information from county emergency managers to better determine if the governor can request federal disaster assistance.