The thunderstorm activity Thursday morning caused power outages in Junction City. Westar Energy confirmed there were more than 1,300 outages. They were first reported about 9:20 and most of the electricity had been restored by 10:21 a.m.

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Strong thunderstorm activity accompanied by jagged sky to ground lightning swept through Junction City and Geary County Thursday morning. Westar Energy reported 13 customers or locations were without electricity.

Geary County Extension Agent Chuck Otte said this rain has been a long time arriving. He noted there have been some nice rains the last three weeks. “But this rain is a longer period, it’s a heavier rain, it’s going to finally provide some run off. ”

Otte noted farm ponds in the county had dried up and the recent rains had recharged the soil but did not provide runoff. “Getting a rain like this is finally going to get some runoff, finally starting to get soil moisture replenished.” Otte added that will take several months but he predicted there will be a good soybean crop.