Large hail, brief tornado reported east of Wichita from Wednesday’s storms

Large hail fell in El Dorado and a tornado touched down briefly in Cowley County as severe weather struck east of Wichita on Wednesday afternoon and evening.

No damage was reported from the weak tornado that developed five miles northwest of Cedar Vale at about 4:45 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. It is the first tornado of the year in the Wichita branch’s coverage area and the second tornado in Kansas in 2016.

At least seven people were injured by a series of tornadoes in northeastern Oklahoma Wednesday night, authorities said. National Weather Service meteorologist Amy Jankowski said a tornado touched down and lifted up numerous times as it swept through northern Tulsa and Owasso.

Hail slightly larger than golf balls was reported in Butler County, according to the weather service. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Storm Prediction Center reported hail stones covering the ground four miles southeast of El Dorado.

Hail stones damaged car windows and homes in and around El Dorado, officials said.

Coffeyville also reported hail slightly larger than golf balls, according to the weather service.

No severe weather was reported in Sedgwick County.

This story was originally published March 31, 2016 at 7:00 AM.