Kansas is known for its frequent tornadoes, ranking second in the U.S. in the number of tornadoes per year and first in terms of the total number of F5/EF5 tornadoes since 1950.
Locating in Tornado Alley, Kansas experiences an average of 60 tornadoes annually, with a significant number of these reaching destructive levels. An increase in reported tornadoes can be attributed to a comprehensive storm spotter network and chase teams that efficiently track and document tornado activity.
This tornado hit Sedgwick and Harvey counties, with a path length of 22 miles and a width of nearly 1 mile. It resulted in 8-19 deaths and 25 injuries, leaving multiple farms leveled. A misrecognition of the tornado funnel contributed to the fatalities.
Crossing counties such as Washington, Marshall, Nemaha, Brown, and Richardson (Nebraska), this tornado spanned approximately 100 miles and reached widths between 1-2¼ miles. It caused 21 fatalities, 200 injuries, and $400,000 in damages, severely affecting the towns of Seneca, Oneida, and Sabetha.
This tornado, affecting Kiowa county, traveled 15 miles and was almost 1 mile wide. Remarkably, it caused no deaths or injuries but resulted in $75,000 in damages. Its slow-moving nature allowed residents to take timely shelter.
Covering Sedgwick, Harvey, Northwest Butler, and Marion counties, this tornado spanned 65 miles with a width of ¾-1½ miles. It resulted in 23 deaths, 70 injuries, and $600,000 in damages. The tornado leveled 118 farms, homes, and businesses.
Affecting multiple counties including Comanche, Barber, Kingman, Reno, and McPherson, this tornado traveled 95 miles and was 1-2 miles wide. It caused 10 deaths, 300 injuries, and $1.3 million in damages. The visibility of the tornado allowed many to seek shelter in time.
This tornado hit Decatur county, spanning 20 miles with a width of 300 yards. It caused 15 deaths, 25 injuries, and $100,000 in damages, with major destruction reported in Oberlin.
Affecting Kay (Oklahoma), Sumner, and Cowley counties, the Udall Tornado traveled 30 miles with a width of ¾ mile. It resulted in 80 deaths (75 in Udall), 270 injuries, and $2.225 million in damages, making it the most devastating tornado in Kansas history.
This tornado affected Franklin, Miami, and Johnson counties. Spanning 71 miles and ½ mile wide, it resulted in 7 deaths, 31 injuries, and $2.5 million in damages. The tornado inflicted severe damage on towns and homes, with notable suction vortices reported.
Striking Shawnee county, this tornado traveled 22 miles and was ¾ mile wide. It resulted in 16 deaths, 406 injuries, and $100 million in damages. Significant damage was inflicted across the city, including Washburn University.
Affecting Reno, Harvey, and McPherson counties, the Hesston Tornado spanned 48 miles and ¾ mile wide. It caused 1 death, 60 injuries, and $25 million in damages. The tornado later merged with another F5 tornado.
This tornado impacted Sedgwick and Butler counties. It traveled 46 miles and was ½ mile wide. The tornado resulted in 17 deaths, 225 injuries, and $300 million in damages, causing severe destruction at McConnell Air Force Base and Golden Spur mobile home park.
Affecting Comanche and Kiowa counties, this tornado traveled 26 miles and was 1¾ miles wide. It resulted in 11 deaths, 63 injuries, and $250 million in damages, causing near-total destruction of Greensburg. It was the first tornado rated EF5 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.
