Released on August 19, 2026
(KANSAS CITY, Kan.) – The Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is responding to widespread power outages and extensive damage following severe storms that moved through Wyandotte County early Wednesday morning.
Some of the most significant damage is concentrated in Midtown and across the northern portion of BPU’s service territory, where fallen trees, debris and other hazards are limiting access for essential services and emergency response crews. These conditions are also affecting BPU's ability to fully assess damage to the electric distribution system.
Based on the severity and extent of damage identified so far, BPU expects restoration to be a multi-day effort. Customers who are without power should prepare for an extended outage and make alternate arrangements as needed, particularly for medications, medical equipment, refrigeration and other essential needs.
All available BPU electric crews are responding, and mutual aid crews will assist with outage restoration and system repairs. Crews will work as quickly as conditions safely allow, prioritizing hazards and repairs that restore service to the greatest number of customers.
Public and crew safety remains our highest priority. Customers should:
- Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines and anything they may be touching.
- Treat every downed power line as energized.
- Call 911 to report an immediate public safety hazard involving a downed power line.
- Report power outages and downed lines to BPU's 24/7 outage line at (913) 573-9522.
- Avoid damaged areas and streets blocked by emergency responders or work crews.
- Check on neighbors, family members, and others who may need assistance.
- Preserve phone battery life and identify a safe alternate location if remaining without power creates a health or safety concern.
BPU understands the challenges an extended outage creates for customers and asks for patience as crews assess the full extent of the damage and begin restoration.
Customers should not wait for a specific restoration time before making necessary plans for themselves and their families.
BPU will provide continuous updates to local media and through its social media channels as damage assessments progress and more specific restoration timelines become available.
For media inquiries, please contact Amber Oetting, director of communications and marketing, at aoetting@bpu.com or (913) 573-9049.
About BPU
The Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is a community-owned, not-for-profit utility providing electric and water services to more than 67,000 electric and 53,000 water customers in Wyandotte County, Kansas. Learn more at
bpu.com.