Two Johnson County school districts cancel classes due to storm damage, power outages

SHAWNEE, Kan. — Two Johnson County school districts had to cancel classes Monday thanks to power outages, and storm damage.

FOX4 takes a look at the damage from Mill Valley High School in Shawnee, where the National Weather Service confirms an EF-1 tornado is to blame .

Walking around Mill Valley High School there are fences blow over, a scoreboard and rooftop torn apart, and the National Weather Service took a look at all the damage Monday.

“Just a lot of destruction, a lot to wrap our heads around for sure,” Coach Chris McAfee said.

Bleachers flew into the fence at the Tennis courts, while wooden boards with nails, lights and equipment litter the grass.

Severe weather took the outdoor athletic facilities by storm, including the football and soccer areas.

District spokesperson Alvie Cater said at about 7 a.m. crews were assessing the damage outside, when staff inside the school building reported a strong smell of natural gas.

Crews immediately shut off the gas and they canceled school.

He said a gas line on the roof was damaged by high winds and repairs are underway.

“That gas line was connected to an HVAC unit. That gas line has been isolated and so we are preparing for a return to a normal schedule on Tuesday for students,” Cater said.

McAfee is the head coach of cross country and track at Mill Valley High School.

He said the javelin sheds are destroyed and the pole vault pits were pulled about a quarter mile to the tennis courts.

“It’s just hard to see it, not there,” McAfee said.

This week is state track for his team.

Instead of athletes practicing on the track, coaches are running through the damage.

“So, now we’re scrambling around trying to make other practice plans and trying to find other equipment if we need it and stuff. So, from that standpoint, it’s heartbreaking,” McAfee said. “Unfortunately for the kids we don’t get to all be together today to celebrate and be happy and excited for the week.”

McAfee chooses to look at the bright side. He said several other schools offered his team a place to practice.

In Olathe, Prairie Trail Middle School and Meadow Lane Elementary School also closed Monday due to a loss of power in the buildings. Due to several poles and power lines still down and limited access, the school will remain closed Tuesday.

The principals told families there was a microburst, near College and Lone Elm.

Evergy crews were there Monday working.

The district believes power is back on at both schools.

As for Mill Valley, the district said, “After a full inspection, Mill Valley High School is safe for staff and students to resume classes on Tuesday, May 21.”

The only other report of storm-related damage is at Clear Creek Elementary School. The high winds damaged shingles on the roof.

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