Andover, Kansas Tornado Outbreak
Encyclopedia
The 1991 Andover, Kansas
tornado outbreak
was a violent outbreak of 55 tornado
es which took place on April 26, 1991, killing 24 people and injuring hundreds more. The Andover outbreak was featured in two different documentaries: the first one was Enemy Wind, a documentary produced by The Weather Channel. It was also covered in Cyclone, a documentary that was produced and distributed by National Geographic, which released this one and dozens of other documentaries under its National Geographic Home Video series, and were released in both VHS and DVD formats.
, forecast a high risk of severe weather for the following day. A strong storm system was due to move through the area the next afternoon & evening on April 26, 1991.
Ground zero for the outbreak was this tornado, because it reached a powerful F-5 status, and caused the most damage and deaths of the outbreak. To people of the area, and to storm chasers, it is simply known as "the Andover tornado". This tornado is one of the most filmed of all time, because by 1991, video camcorders were very popular and easily obtainable by the general public. So the Andover tornado was filmed from many different angles and during a large portion of its life, and the incredible number of videos that were released shocked the nation. All of the video, plus the tornado's F-5 power and the extensive damage it caused, has made this tornado very highly studied and notorious.
It first produced extensive damage forming south of Clearwater, Kansas
. It fluctuated between F2 and F3 intensity as it crossed I-35 and moved across the city of Haysville
. Widespread damage was reported in Haysville, but there were no fatalities. On the east side of Haysville, the tornado became a solid F3 in strength and expanded to around 300 feet wide as it crossed I-35 (the Kansas Turnpike
) and headed toward McConnell Air Force Base
.
Many people had advance warning before the tornado struck McConnell Air Force Base. The tornado struck the base school, hospital and housing at F2–F3 strength. It caused $62 million in damage on the base, narrowly missing a multi-billion dollar line of B-1 bombers. The damage path widened as the tornado intensified to F4 strength just east-northeast of the base.
By 6:35 p.m., the tornado had expanded to just over 600 yards wide and was producing F5 damage on the Fujita scale
. It continued to move northeast toward the Golden Spur Mobile Home Park in Andover, Kansas
; as it passed through, it obliterated the park and caused thirteen deaths. The tornado then veered north, missing Girl Scout Camp Seikooc, where summer camp training was being conducted as well as a troop campout.
The tornado then moved on to the northeast, passing just south of Towanda
. Most of the damage in this area was rated at F2–F3 intensity, though these numbers may be skewed: the rural area's lack of significant structures makes it difficult to accurately gauge the amount of damage. The tornado continued northeast and reached El Dorado Lake
just before 7 pm (CST). Video taken by local storm chasers shows that the tornado crossed over the lake and revealed a multiple vortex
structure. Just after crossing over the lake to the northeast, the original circulations dissipated and a new, much weaker tornado formed. The Andover tornado had traveled for nearly 46 miles, and was on the ground for over an hour.
This was the last F5 tornado that was recorded in Kansas under the old Fujita scale rating system. The next tornado of that scale, an EF5, was reported 16 years later on May 4, 2007
in Greensburg
in Kansas
about 120 miles west of the path of the 1991 tornado. Since February 1, 2007, the National Weather Service
uses the Enhanced Fujita Scale
.
The new tornado moved northeast toward Cassoday
. A news team from KSNW-TV in Wichita was returning to the station along the Kansas Turnpike
from a story unrelated to the tornado. Reporters Ted Lewis and Greg Jarrett soon encountered a tornado, and decided to try to shoot video of the storm. However, the tornado veered and began following the crew along the highway at a speed faster than they could drive. They reached an overpass where several people had already abandoned their cars. The cameraman advised the other people that they should all get into the very upper part of the overpass, thinking that this would shield them from the wind. The cameraman recorded the entire chain of events as the tornado passed nearby. The overpass itself did not receive a direct hit from the tornado, but it appeared to on camera. It lasted approximately 20 seconds. The tornado then continued northeast and dissipated at about 7:30 p.m., just Northeast of the Cassoday Interchange of the Kansas Turnpike. All the cars parked under the underpass had their windows blown out. Other cars and tractor-trailers on the turnpike (hit by the tornado) rolled multiple times and were tossed wildly on and near the roadway. It is now believed that highway overpasses provide little, if any, protection from tornadic winds, and the National Weather Service strongly advises against using overpasses for shelter.
, tornado chasers (including Warren Faidley
, Gene Moore, Howard Bluestein, KJRH-TV meteorologist Gary Shore and many other big-name chasers) observed the touchdown of what would be the longest tracked tornado of the outbreak. Initially, the storm was narrow and produced up to F3 damage to the south of Billings
. A few oil tanks were toppled and power poles were knocked down. As the funnel crossed into Noble County
, video and photographic evidence suggests dramatic widening and strengthening. The damage path across northern Noble County appeared to be between 3/4 and 1 mile in diameter. Trees were debarked and pavement was scoured off roads. The tornado encountered few man-made structures along its path. At least one home was completely demolished leaving no walls standing (indicating F4 damage). At one point a University of Oklahoma chase team used a portable doppler weather radar
to measure a windspeed of 257-268 mph in the funnel (near the F5 threshold). At the time, this was the fastest wind speed ever measured on the face of the earth (it has now been surpassed by the Moore, Oklahoma City tornado, which produced a 1/4 mile gust of 301 mph on May 3, 1999). As the tornado passed through Noble County and into Osage County
, two farms were completely destroyed and several additional oil rigs were toppled. The tornado lifted in central Osage County, after having traveled for 66 miles. It is likely that this was the most violent tornado of the outbreak (exhibited dramatic multiple vortices and motion); however, it encountered few man-made structures along its path, making it difficult for storm survey teams to rate it. It was given an F4 rating.
An overpass is an extremely dangerous spot to be in a tornado, especially if it does not have the open girder design like that in the video. That bridge design is very rare; the vast majority of underpasses are mere open slabs, offering no protection from wind and debris. Using these underpasses as protection does little more than raise people above ground level, exposing them to higher winds and more debris. Additionally, the windspeed may be increased by the wind tunnel effect. Another danger is the sheer number of people now congregating at underpasses blocks traffic, which has hindered emergency responders. Moreover, it presents the danger that an intense tornado will hit people taking shelter as well as bystanders stuck in traffic, who are massed in a vulnerable location incurring the possibility of a significant death toll.
Andover, Kansas
Andover is a city in Butler and Sedgwick counties in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 11,791. Located almost entirely in Butler County, it is part of the Wichita Metropolitan Statistical Area...
tornado outbreak
Tornado outbreak
While there is no single agreed upon definition, generally at least 6-10 tornadoes produced by the same synoptic scale weather system is considered a tornado outbreak. The tornadoes usually occur within the same day, or continue into the early morning hours of the succeeding day, and within the...
was a violent outbreak of 55 tornado
Tornado
A tornado is a violent, dangerous, rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the earth and a cumulonimbus cloud or, in rare cases, the base of a cumulus cloud. They are often referred to as a twister or a cyclone, although the word cyclone is used in meteorology in a wider...
es which took place on April 26, 1991, killing 24 people and injuring hundreds more. The Andover outbreak was featured in two different documentaries: the first one was Enemy Wind, a documentary produced by The Weather Channel. It was also covered in Cyclone, a documentary that was produced and distributed by National Geographic, which released this one and dozens of other documentaries under its National Geographic Home Video series, and were released in both VHS and DVD formats.
Forecast
On April 25, 1991, the National Severe Storms Forecast Center, now called the Storm Prediction CenterStorm Prediction Center
The Storm Prediction Center , located in Norman, Oklahoma, is tasked with forecasting the risk of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in the contiguous United States. The agency issues convective outlooks, mesoscale discussions, and watches as a part of this process...
, forecast a high risk of severe weather for the following day. A strong storm system was due to move through the area the next afternoon & evening on April 26, 1991.
Confirmed tornadoes
(based on NOAA Storm Data)| F# Fujita scale The Fujita scale , or Fujita-Pearson scale, is a scale for rating tornado intensity, based primarily on the damage tornadoes inflict on human-built structures and vegetation... |
Location | County | Time (UTC) | Path length | Damage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Oklahoma Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state... |
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| F2 | Tonkawa Tonkawa, Oklahoma Tonkawa is a city in Kay County, Oklahoma, United States, along the Salt Fork Arkansas River. The population was 3,299 at the 2000 census.-History:... area |
Kay Kay County, Oklahoma Kay County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of 2000, the population was 48,080. Its county seat is Newkirk. The largest city in Kay County is Ponca City.-19th century:... |
0545 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
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| F3 | E of Enid Enid, Oklahoma Enid is a city in Garfield County, Oklahoma, United States. In 2010, the population was 49,379, making it the ninth largest city in Oklahoma. It is the county seat of Garfield County. Enid was founded during the opening of the Cherokee Outlet in the Land Run of 1893, and is named after Enid, a... |
Garfield Garfield County, Oklahoma Garfield County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma named after President James A. Garfield. As of 2010, the population was 60,580. Enid is the county seat and largest city within Garfield County... |
1700 | 6 miles (9.7 km) |
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| F0 | W of Garber Garber, Oklahoma Garber is a city in Garfield County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 845 at the 2000 census. The city is named after Martin Garber, father of Milton C. Garber, former U.S. Congressman, Enid Mayor, newspaper editor, and Judge. The Garber family participated in the Land Run of 1893,... |
Garfield Garfield County, Oklahoma Garfield County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma named after President James A. Garfield. As of 2010, the population was 60,580. Enid is the county seat and largest city within Garfield County... |
1715 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
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| F4 | E of Garber Garber, Oklahoma Garber is a city in Garfield County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 845 at the 2000 census. The city is named after Martin Garber, father of Milton C. Garber, former U.S. Congressman, Enid Mayor, newspaper editor, and Judge. The Garber family participated in the Land Run of 1893,... to NW of Pawhuska Pawhuska, Oklahoma Pawhuska is a city in and the county seat of Osage County, Oklahoma, United States, and the capital of the Osage Nation. The population was 3,589 at the 2010 census, a decline of 1.2 percent from 3,629 at the 2000 census. The ZIP Code for the city is 74056... |
Garfield Garfield County, Oklahoma Garfield County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma named after President James A. Garfield. As of 2010, the population was 60,580. Enid is the county seat and largest city within Garfield County... , Noble Noble County, Oklahoma Noble County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of 2010, the population was 11,561. Its county seat is Perry.-21st century:In 2010, the Keystone-Cushing Pipeline was constructed north to south through Noble County.... , Osage Osage County, Oklahoma Osage County is a county in the northern part of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Coterminous with the Osage Indian Reservation, it is the home of the federally recognized Osage Nation. As of the 2010 census, the population was 47,472 a 6.8 percent increase from 2000, when the population was 44,437... |
1730 | 66 miles (107.0 km) |
Longest tracked and probably most violent tornado of the outbreak. The tornado was followed and documented for most of its 66 mile path by numerous storm chasers. It spent most of its life in open country and only affected a handful of man-made structures causing minimal injuries/damage. The highest rating that could be given was F4 based on the small amount of damage done. If the tornado tracked through a populated area, the damages and potential loss of life would have been greater. - See section on this tornado | |
| F2 | SW of Yale Yale, Oklahoma Yale is a city in Payne County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 1,342 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Yale is located at . According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all land.... |
Payne Payne County, Oklahoma Payne County is a county in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. The population as of 2010 was 77,350. Its county seat is Stillwater, and the county is named for Capt. David L. Payne... |
1838 | 7 miles (11.3 km) |
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| F4 | SW of Terlton Terlton, Oklahoma Terlton is a town in Pawnee County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 85 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Terlton is located at . According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , all of it land.-Demographics:... to SW of Skiatook Skiatook, Oklahoma Skiatook is a town in Osage and Tulsa counties in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Located in the northeastern part of the state, it is a suburb of Tulsa. The population was 7,397 in the 2010 census, compared to 5,396 at the 2000 census.-History:William C... |
Pawnee Pawnee County, Oklahoma Pawnee County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of 2000, the population was 16,612. Its county seat is Pawnee.-History:The Osage Tribe used the area that contains present day Pawnee County as buffalo hunting grounds... , Osage Osage County, Oklahoma Osage County is a county in the northern part of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Coterminous with the Osage Indian Reservation, it is the home of the federally recognized Osage Nation. As of the 2010 census, the population was 47,472 a 6.8 percent increase from 2000, when the population was 44,437... |
1910 | 32 miles (51.9 km) |
1 death - Very large and dangerous tornado moved through the Westport area, leveling several well constructed homes/buildings and causing 24 injuries. One fatality occurred when a man was killed in his car on the Cimarron Turnpike. | |
| F1 | E of Little Chief | Osage Osage County, Oklahoma Osage County is a county in the northern part of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Coterminous with the Osage Indian Reservation, it is the home of the federally recognized Osage Nation. As of the 2010 census, the population was 47,472 a 6.8 percent increase from 2000, when the population was 44,437... |
1927 | 0.3 miles (0.5 km) |
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| F2 | E of Copan Copan, Oklahoma Copan is a town in Washington County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 796 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Copan is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , all of it land.... |
Washington Washington County, Oklahoma Washington County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. It is, in total area, the smallest county in Oklahoma, adjacent to the largest county in Oklahoma, Osage County. It is the second smallest county, by land only size, i.e., not including water. As of 2000, the population was... |
2005 | 6 miles (9.7 km) |
1 death - Fatality was passenger in automobile that was struck. | |
| F4 | Oologah Oologah, Oklahoma Oologah is a town in Rogers County, Oklahoma, United States. Renowned humorist Will Rogers was born on a ranch two miles east of Oologah, though he usually claimed Claremore as his birthplace, "because nobody but an Indian can pronounce 'Oologah.'"... area |
Rogers Rogers County, Oklahoma Rogers County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of 2010, the population was 86,905. Its county seat is Claremore. The county was originally created in 1906 and named Cooweescoowee... |
2045 | 4 miles (6.5 km) |
Though short-lived, this large and violent tornado destroyed several homes and severely damaged a high school in the Oologah Oologah, Oklahoma Oologah is a town in Rogers County, Oklahoma, United States. Renowned humorist Will Rogers was born on a ranch two miles east of Oologah, though he usually claimed Claremore as his birthplace, "because nobody but an Indian can pronounce 'Oologah.'"... area before abruptly dissipating. Multiple school buses were transported 3/4 mile (1.20 km) to Three-Mile Creek. 22 people were injured; however, there were no fatalities. On top of the destruction this tornado caused, a downburst Downburst A downburst is created by an area of significantly rain-cooled air that, after reaching ground level, spreads out in all directions producing strong winds. Unlike winds in a tornado, winds in a downburst are directed outwards from the point where it hits land or water... that followed the storm caused further damage. |
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| F1 | Chelsea Chelsea, Oklahoma Chelsea is a town in Rogers County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 2,136 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Chelsea is located at . According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land.... area |
Rogers Rogers County, Oklahoma Rogers County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of 2010, the population was 86,905. Its county seat is Claremore. The county was originally created in 1906 and named Cooweescoowee... |
2110 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
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| Kansas Kansas Kansas is a US state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. The tribe's name is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south... |
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| F2 | N of Cherryvale Cherryvale, Kansas Cherryvale is a city in Montgomery County, Kansas, United States. The population was 2,386 at the 2000 census.-History:Cherryvale was founded on the land of the Osage Indians who were pushed out by veterans of the American Civil War looking for land. The first white man to purchase property and... |
Montgomery Montgomery County, Kansas Montgomery County is a county located in southeast Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 35,471. Its county seat is Independence, and its most populous city is Coffeyville. The Coffeyville Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Montgomery... |
0945 | 6 miles (9.7 km) |
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| F2 | NW of Washington Washington, Kansas Washington is a city in and the county seat of Washington County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,131.-Geography:Washington is... |
Washington Washington County, Kansas Washington County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 5,799... |
1425 | 4 miles (6.5 km) |
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| F0 | N of Strong City Strong City, Kansas Strong City is a city in Chase County, Kansas, United States. It is named after William Barstow Strong, former president of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 485.-19th century:... |
Chase Chase County, Kansas Chase County is a county located in Central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 2,790. Its county seat and most populous city is Cottonwood Falls. Chase County is part of the Emporia Micropolitan Statistical Area.The county has been the subject... |
1445 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
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| F3 | NW of Hanover, KS Hanover, Kansas Hanover is a city in Washington County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 682.-Geography:Hanover is located at . According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 653... to S of Beatrice, NE Beatrice, Nebraska Beatrice is a city in and the county seat of Gage County, Nebraska.Beatrice is located south of Lincoln on the Big Blue River. It is surrounded by agricultural country. The population was 12,459 at the 2010 census.-History:... |
Washington, KS Washington County, Kansas Washington County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 5,799... , Gage, NE Gage County, Nebraska -History:Gage County was formed with land taken from the Oto in an 1854 treaty. It was named after the minister William D. Gage.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 22,993 people, 9,316 households, and 6,204 families residing in the county. The population density was 27 people per... |
1450 | 25 miles (40.5 km) |
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| F0 | NE of Council Grove Council Grove, Kansas Council Grove is a city in Morris County, Kansas, United States. It was named after an agreement between European Americans and the Osage Nation about allowing settlers' wagon trains to pass through the area and proceed to the West. Pioneers gathered at a grove of trees so that wagons could band... |
Morris Morris County, Kansas Morris County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 5,923. The largest city and county seat is Council Grove.-19th century:... , Wabaunsee Wabaunsee County, Kansas Wabaunsee County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 7,053. Its county seat is Alma. It is part of the Topeka, Kansas Metropolitan Statistical Area... |
1510 | 13 miles (21.1 km) |
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| F2 | N of Bushong Bushong, Kansas Bushong is a city in Lyon County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 34. It is part of the Emporia Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Bushong is located at... to NE of Grove |
Wabaunsee Wabaunsee County, Kansas Wabaunsee County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 7,053. Its county seat is Alma. It is part of the Topeka, Kansas Metropolitan Statistical Area... , Shawnee Shawnee County, Kansas Shawnee County is a county located in northeast Kansas, in the central United States of America. Its most populous city, Topeka, is the state capital and county seat. The county's population was 177,934 for the 2010 census... , Jackson Jackson County, Kansas Jackson County is a county located in Northeast Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 13,462. Its county seat and most populous city is Holton... |
1535 | 44 miles (71.3 km) |
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| F0 | SW of Danville Danville, Kansas Danville is a city in Harper County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 38.-Geography:Danville is located at . According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 59... |
Harper Harper County, Kansas Harper County is a county located in South Central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 6,034. Its county seat and most populous city is Anthony... |
1620 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
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| F0 | SE of Freeport Freeport, Kansas Freeport is a city in Harper County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 5, making it the smallest incorporated city in the state of Kansas.-Geography:Freeport is located at... to NE of Argonia Argonia, Kansas Argonia is a city in Sumner County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 501.-Geography:Argonia is located at . According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 534... |
Sumner Sumner County, Kansas Sumner County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. The county's population was 24,132 for the 2010 census. Its county seat is Wellington. Sumner County is part of the Wichita, Kansas Metropolitan Statistical Area. It was named in honor of Charles Sumner, a U.S... |
1630 | 16 miles (25.6 km) |
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| F1 | N of Goddard Goddard, Kansas Goddard is a city in Sedgwick County, Kansas, United States. Part of the Wichita metropolitan area, it is a suburb of Wichita, Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 4,344.-History:... |
Sedgwick Sedgwick County, Kansas Sedgwick County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. The county's population was 498,365 for the 2010 census. The largest city and county seat is Wichita. The county was named after General John Sedgwick... |
1647 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
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| F5 | SW of Haysville Haysville, Kansas Haysville is a city in Sedgwick County, Kansas, United States. It is a suburb of Wichita. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 10,826.-History:... to N of El Dorado El Dorado, Kansas El Dorado is a city situated along the Walnut River in the central part of Butler County, located in south-central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 13,021. It is the county seat and most populous city of Butler County... |
Sedgwick Sedgwick County, Kansas Sedgwick County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. The county's population was 498,365 for the 2010 census. The largest city and county seat is Wichita. The county was named after General John Sedgwick... , Butler Butler County, Kansas Butler County is a county located in South Central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 65,880. Its county seat and most populous city is El Dorado. The county is a part of the Wichita Metropolitan Statistical Area.-19th century:It was named in... |
1657 | 46 miles (74.6 km) |
17 deaths - Began as a narrow F2-F3 tornado in Haysville Haysville, Kansas Haysville is a city in Sedgwick County, Kansas, United States. It is a suburb of Wichita. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 10,826.-History:... ; however, it rapidly widened and intensified as it moved through McConnell Air Force Base McConnell Air Force Base McConnell Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located four miles southeast of the central business district of Wichita, a city in Sedgwick County, Kansas, United States. The base was named in honor of Wichita brothers Fred and Thomas McConnell, both Air Force pilots and World War II... . There was immense damage on the Air Force base's grounds, and many well constructed homes were swept off their foundations in Andover Andover, Kansas Andover is a city in Butler and Sedgwick counties in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 11,791. Located almost entirely in Butler County, it is part of the Wichita Metropolitan Statistical Area... . Golden Spur Mobile Home Park demolished with numerous injuries and fatalities. Many eyewitnesses documented this storm through photographs and videos.- See section on this tornado |
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| F1 | S of Putnam | Sedgwick Sedgwick County, Kansas Sedgwick County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. The county's population was 498,365 for the 2010 census. The largest city and county seat is Wichita. The county was named after General John Sedgwick... , Harvey Harvey County, Kansas Harvey County is a county located in South Central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 34,684. Its county seat and most populous city is Newton. The county is a part of the Wichita Metropolitan Statistical Area which also includes Butler,... |
1710 | 16 miles (25.6 km) |
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| F4 | W of Arkansas City Arkansas City, Kansas Arkansas City is a city situated at the confluence of the Arkansas and Walnut rivers in the southwestern part of Cowley County, located in south-central Kansas, in the central United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 12,415.... to NW of Cambridge Cambridge, Kansas Cambridge is a city in Cowley County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 82.-History:Cambridge is named after Cambridge University in England.... |
Cowley Cowley County, Kansas Cowley County is a county located in south-central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 36,311. Its county seat and most populous city is Winfield... |
1730 | 25 miles (40.5 km) |
1 death - Tornado passed Arkansas City to the west, and then moved between the communities of Strother Field Strother Field Strother Field is a public airport located in Cowley County, Kansas, five miles southwest of the central business district of Winfield and north of Arkansas City... and Hackney Hackney, Kansas Hackney is a small unincorporated community in Cowley County, Kansas, United States.-History:The post office was established March 31, 1894, and discontinued February 15, 1924. It is the home of Strother Field Industrial Park. The town was named after William P. Hackney, a colorful frontier lawyer... . Many suburban homes were completely destroyed, and one woman was killed in her home. |
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| F0 | W of McFarland McFarland, Kansas McFarland is a city in Wabaunsee County, Kansas, United States. The population was 271 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Topeka, Kansas Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:... |
Wabaunsee Wabaunsee County, Kansas Wabaunsee County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 7,053. Its county seat is Alma. It is part of the Topeka, Kansas Metropolitan Statistical Area... |
1735 | 9 miles (14.6 km) |
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| F2 | NE of El Dorado El Dorado, Kansas El Dorado is a city situated along the Walnut River in the central part of Butler County, located in south-central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 13,021. It is the county seat and most populous city of Butler County... to E of Matfield Green Matfield Green, Kansas Matfield Green is a city in Chase County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 47.-Geography:Matfield Green is located at ., in the scenic Flint Hills of the Great Plains... |
Butler Butler County, Kansas Butler County is a county located in South Central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 65,880. Its county seat and most populous city is El Dorado. The county is a part of the Wichita Metropolitan Statistical Area.-19th century:It was named in... , Chase Chase County, Kansas Chase County is a county located in Central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 2,790. Its county seat and most populous city is Cottonwood Falls. Chase County is part of the Emporia Micropolitan Statistical Area.The county has been the subject... |
1810 | 21 miles (33.6 km) |
Tornado touched down near El Dorado Lake El Dorado Lake El Dorado Lake is a reservoir in Butler County, Kansas, northeast of El Dorado.El Dorado Reservoir was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was completed in June 1981. The lake consists of approximately of water, of park lands and of wildlife area. Management of the reservoir... . It was captured on video by several reporters who sought shelter under a highway overpass - see section on this |
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| F3 | W of Howard Howard, Kansas Howard is a city in and the county seat of Elk County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 687.-Geography:Howard is located at... to Severy Severy, Kansas Severy is a city in Greenwood County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 259.-Geography:Severy is located at , along K-99 south of its intersection with U.S. Route 400... |
Elk Elk County, Kansas Elk County is a county located in Southeast Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 2,882... , Greenwood Greenwood County, Kansas Greenwood County is a county located in Southeast Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 6,689... |
1826 | 14 miles (22.7 km) |
1 death - Spawn from the same storm that produced the Strother Strother Field Strother Field is a public airport located in Cowley County, Kansas, five miles southwest of the central business district of Winfield and north of Arkansas City... /Hackney Hackney, Kansas Hackney is a small unincorporated community in Cowley County, Kansas, United States.-History:The post office was established March 31, 1894, and discontinued February 15, 1924. It is the home of Strother Field Industrial Park. The town was named after William P. Hackney, a colorful frontier lawyer... F4 tornado. Six miles north of Howard Howard Howard is a popular English language occupational given name of Old English origin, meaning "noble watchman". A diminutive is "Howie" and its shortened form is "Ward" . Between 1900-1960, Howard ranked in the U.S. Top 200; between 1960–1990, it ranked in the U.S. Top 400; between 1990–2004, it... the tornado leveled a mobile home killing the occupant. |
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| F0 | W of Strong City Strong City, Kansas Strong City is a city in Chase County, Kansas, United States. It is named after William Barstow Strong, former president of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 485.-19th century:... |
Chase Chase County, Kansas Chase County is a county located in Central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 2,790. Its county seat and most populous city is Cottonwood Falls. Chase County is part of the Emporia Micropolitan Statistical Area.The county has been the subject... |
1840 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
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| F0 | S of Wichita Wichita, Kansas Wichita is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kansas.As of the 2010 census, the city population was 382,368. Located in south-central Kansas on the Arkansas River, Wichita is the county seat of Sedgwick County and the principal city of the Wichita metropolitan area... |
Sedgwick Sedgwick County, Kansas Sedgwick County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. The county's population was 498,365 for the 2010 census. The largest city and county seat is Wichita. The county was named after General John Sedgwick... |
1933 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
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| F3 | SW of Toronto Toronto, Kansas Toronto is a city in Woodson County, Kansas, United States, along the Verdigris River. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 281.-Geography:Toronto is located at... to SE of Virgil Virgil, Kansas Virgil is a city in Greenwood County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 71.-Geography:Virgil is located at . According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 113... |
Greenwood Greenwood County, Kansas Greenwood County is a county located in Southeast Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 6,689... , Woodson Woodson County, Kansas Woodson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 3,309... |
1935 | 15 miles (24.3 km) |
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| F1 | S of Meriden Meriden, Kansas Meriden is a city in Jefferson County, Kansas, United States. The population was 706 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Topeka, Kansas Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Meriden is located at .... |
Shawnee Shawnee County, Kansas Shawnee County is a county located in northeast Kansas, in the central United States of America. Its most populous city, Topeka, is the state capital and county seat. The county's population was 177,934 for the 2010 census... , Jefferson Jefferson County, Kansas Jefferson County is a county located in Northeast Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 19,126. Its county seat is Oskaloosa, and its most populous city is Valley Falls... |
1954 | 11 miles (17.8 km) |
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| F2 | NE of Valley Falls Valley Falls, Kansas Valley Falls is a city in Jefferson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,192. Valley Falls is part of the Topeka, Kansas Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:... to SW of Doniphan Doniphan, Kansas Doniphan is a small unincorporated community in Doniphan County, Kansas, United States. The company that founded the town was organized on November 11, 1854. The post office opened March 3, 1855, and closed August 15, 1943.... |
Jefferson Jefferson County, Kansas Jefferson County is a county located in Northeast Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 19,126. Its county seat is Oskaloosa, and its most populous city is Valley Falls... , Atchison Atchison County, Kansas Atchison County is a county located in Northeast Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 16,924. Its county seat and most populous city is Atchison. The county is named in honor of David Rice Atchison, a United States Senator from Missouri... |
2025 | 25 miles (40.5 km) |
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| F0 | W of Coffeyville Coffeyville, Kansas Coffeyville is a city situated along the Verdigris River in the southeastern part of Montgomery County, located in Southeast Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 10,295... |
Montgomery Montgomery County, Kansas Montgomery County is a county located in southeast Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 35,471. Its county seat is Independence, and its most populous city is Coffeyville. The Coffeyville Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Montgomery... |
2120 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
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| Nebraska Nebraska Nebraska is a state on the Great Plains of the Midwestern United States. The state's capital is Lincoln and its largest city is Omaha, on the Missouri River.... |
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| F1 | N of Ohiowa Ohiowa, Nebraska Ohiowa is a village in Fillmore County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 115 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Ohiowa is located at .... |
Fillmore Fillmore County, Nebraska -Hunting:Fillmore is popular with hunters of pheasant, deer, Canada goose and other popular game animals.-Organizations:Fillmore County is home to a nonprofit organization which promotes education and the development of habitat for butterflies in Nebraska.... |
1440 | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
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| F2 | E of Adams Adams, Nebraska Adams is a village in Gage County, Nebraska, United States. The population was 489 at the 2000 census.-History:The area that would become the village of Adams was initially colonized by the namesake of the settlement, an Indiana pioneer named John O. Adams. Adams arrived in 1857; however, the... |
Gage Gage County, Nebraska -History:Gage County was formed with land taken from the Oto in an 1854 treaty. It was named after the minister William D. Gage.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 22,993 people, 9,316 households, and 6,204 families residing in the county. The population density was 27 people per... |
1600 | 4 miles (6.5 km) |
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| F3 | E of Palmyra | Otoe Otoe County, Nebraska -History:Otoe County was formed in 1854. It was named after the Otoe Indian tribe.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 15,396 people, 6,060 households, and 4,229 families residing in the county. The population density was 25 people per square mile . There were 6,567 housing units... |
1615 | 14 miles (22.7 km) |
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| F0 | SW of Plainview Plainview, Nebraska Plainview is a city in Pierce County, Nebraska, United States. It is part of the Norfolk, Nebraska Micropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,353 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Plainview is located at .... |
Pierce Pierce County, Nebraska -History:Pierce County was formed in 1856. It was named after President Franklin Pierce.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 7,857 people, 2,979 households, and 2,141 families residing in the county. The population density was 14 people per square mile . There were 3,247 housing... |
1715 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
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| Texas Texas Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in... |
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| F2 | E of Reese Reese, Texas Reese is an unincorporated rural community in Cherokee County, Texas, United States, situated in the East Texas region. Its population was last estimated at 75 , but no current U.S. Census data is available.-Geography and topography:... |
Cherokee Cherokee County, Texas As of the census of 2000, there were 46,659 people, 16,651 households, and 12,105 families residing in the county. The population density was 44 people per square mile . There were 19,173 housing units at an average density of 18 per square mile... |
1800 | unknown | ||
| F3 | S of Mount Selman Mount Selman, Texas Mount Selman is an unincorporated community in Cherokee County, Texas, United States. It is located at the junction of U.S. Route 69, Farm to Market Road 177, and Farm to Market Road 855, north of Rusk.-History:... |
Cherokee Cherokee County, Texas As of the census of 2000, there were 46,659 people, 16,651 households, and 12,105 families residing in the county. The population density was 44 people per square mile . There were 19,173 housing units at an average density of 18 per square mile... |
1811 | 3 miles (4.9 km) |
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| F2 | S of Wright City | Smith Smith County, Texas As of the census of 2000, there were 174,706 people, 65,692 households, and 46,904 families residing in the county. The population density was 188 people per square mile . There were 71,701 housing units at an average density of 77 per square mile... , Rusk Rusk County, Texas As of the census of 2000, there were 47,372 people, 17,364 households, and 12,727 families residing in the county. The population density was 51 people per square mile . There were 19,867 housing units at an average density of 22 per square mile... |
1840 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
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| F2 | W of Henderson Henderson, Texas Henderson is a city in Rusk County, Texas, United States. The population was 11,273 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Rusk County... |
Rusk Rusk County, Texas As of the census of 2000, there were 47,372 people, 17,364 households, and 12,727 families residing in the county. The population density was 51 people per square mile . There were 19,867 housing units at an average density of 22 per square mile... |
1900 | unknown | ||
| F1 | Henderson Henderson, Texas Henderson is a city in Rusk County, Texas, United States. The population was 11,273 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Rusk County... area |
Rusk Rusk County, Texas As of the census of 2000, there were 47,372 people, 17,364 households, and 12,727 families residing in the county. The population density was 51 people per square mile . There were 19,867 housing units at an average density of 22 per square mile... |
1922 | unknown | ||
| F2 | S of Detroit Detroit, Texas Detroit is a town in Red River County, Texas, United States. The population was 776 at the 2000 census.John Nance Garner, 32nd Vice President of the United States, was born outside of Detroit but lived most of his life in Uvalde on the southern rim of the Texas Hill Country.-Geography:Detroit is... |
Red River | 2100 | unknown | ||
| F1 | NW of Bagwell Bagwell, Texas Bagwell is an unincorporated community in Red River County, Texas, United States. Although it is unincorporated, Bagwell has a post office, with the ZIP code of 75412.-External links:... |
Red River | 2119 | unknown | ||
| F2 | S of Negley Negley, Texas Negley, Texas is an unincorporated community in Red River County, Texas, about ten miles north of Clarksville. Located on Farm-to-Market Road 2118, Negley had a population of 136 in 2000.-History:... |
Red River | 2130 | unknown | ||
| F1 | N of Detroit Detroit, Texas Detroit is a town in Red River County, Texas, United States. The population was 776 at the 2000 census.John Nance Garner, 32nd Vice President of the United States, was born outside of Detroit but lived most of his life in Uvalde on the southern rim of the Texas Hill Country.-Geography:Detroit is... |
Red River | 0105 | unknown | ||
| Iowa Iowa Iowa is a state located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the "American Heartland". It derives its name from the Ioway people, one of the many American Indian tribes that occupied the state at the time of European exploration. Iowa was a part of the French colony of New... |
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| F1 | NW of Westphalia Westphalia, Iowa Westphalia is a city in Shelby County, Iowa, United States. The population was 160 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Westphalia is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land.... |
Shelby Shelby County, Iowa -2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 12,167 in the county, with a population density of . There were 5,542 housing units, of which 5,085 were occupied.-2000 census:... |
1844 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
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| F3 | Denison Denison, Iowa Denison is a city in Crawford County, Iowa, United States, along the Boyer River. The population was 7,339 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Crawford County.-Geography:Denison is located at .... area |
Crawford Crawford County, Iowa -2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 17,096 in the county, with a population density of . There were 6,943 housing units, of which 6,413 were occupied.-2000 census:... , Sac Sac County, Iowa -2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 10,350 in the county, with a population density of . There were 5,429 housing units, of which 4,482 were occupied.-2000 census:... |
1900 | 7.7 miles (12.3 km) |
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| F2 | Milford Milford, Iowa Milford is a city in Dickinson County, Iowa, United States. The population was 2,474 at the 2000 census. The town includes many businesses related to its location in the Iowa Great Lakes region.-Old Town:... area |
Dickenson | 2000 | 18 miles (29.3 km) |
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| F2 | Allerton Allerton, Iowa Allerton is a city in Wayne County, Iowa, United States. The population was 559 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Allerton is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land... area |
Wayne Wayne County, Iowa -2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 6,403 in the county, with a population density of . There were 3,212 housing units, of which 2,652 were occupied.-2000 census:... |
2210 | 9 miles (14.6 km) |
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| F2 | S of Sewa to SE of Confidence Confidence, Iowa Confidence is a small unincorporated community in Wayne County, Iowa, United States. Located in south central Iowa, the community lies along County Highway J18 in the northeastern corner of its county, just west of Rathbun Lake.... |
Wayne Wayne County, Iowa -2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 6,403 in the county, with a population density of . There were 3,212 housing units, of which 2,652 were occupied.-2000 census:... |
2210 | 15 miles (24.3 km) |
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| F2 | SE of Victor Victor, Iowa Victor is a city in Poweshiek and Iowa Counties in the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 893 in the 2010 census, a decline from the 952 population in the 2000 census.-History:-Geography:Victor is located at .... |
Iowa Iowa County, Iowa -2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 16,355 in the county, with a population density of . There were 7,258 housing units, of which 6,677 were occupied.-2000 census:... |
0055 | 5 miles (8.1 km) |
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| F1 | S of Marengo Marengo, Iowa Marengo is a city in and the county seat of Iowa County, Iowa, United States. It has served as the county seat since August 1845, even though it was not incorporated until July 1859. The population was 2,528 in the 2010 census, a decline from 2,535 in the 2000 census. -Geography:Marengo's longitude... |
Iowa Iowa County, Iowa -2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 16,355 in the county, with a population density of . There were 7,258 housing units, of which 6,677 were occupied.-2000 census:... |
0109 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
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| Missouri Missouri Missouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It... |
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| F1 | NE of Rochester | Andrew Andrew County, Missouri -External links:* from University of Missouri Division of Special Collections, Archives, and Rare Books... |
2115 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
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| F0 | S of Joplin Joplin, Missouri Joplin is a city in southern Jasper County and northern Newton County in the southwestern corner of the US state of Missouri. Joplin is the largest city in Jasper County, though it is not the county seat. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 50,150... |
Newton | 2239 | 3 miles (4.9 km) |
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| F1 | N of Cosby Cosby, Missouri Cosby is a village in Andrew County, Missouri, United States. The population was 143 at the 2000 census. It is part of the St. Joseph, MO–KS Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Cosby is located at .... |
Andrew Andrew County, Missouri -External links:* from University of Missouri Division of Special Collections, Archives, and Rare Books... |
2257 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
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| F0 | W of Joplin Joplin, Missouri Joplin is a city in southern Jasper County and northern Newton County in the southwestern corner of the US state of Missouri. Joplin is the largest city in Jasper County, though it is not the county seat. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 50,150... |
Jasper Jasper County, Missouri Jasper County is a county located in the US state of Missouri. It is included in the Joplin, Missouri Metropolitan Statistical Area. The 2010 total population of Jasper County was 117,404. It is the ninth most populous county in Missouri. Its county seat is Carthage, making it one of the few... |
2305 | unknown | ||
| Sources: NOAA Storm Data, Tornado History Project - Storm Data for April 26, 1991 | ||||||
The Andover tornado
It first produced extensive damage forming south of Clearwater, Kansas
Clearwater, Kansas
Clearwater is a city in Sedgwick County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,481.-Geography:Clearwater is located just southwest of Wichita, Kansas at...
. It fluctuated between F2 and F3 intensity as it crossed I-35 and moved across the city of Haysville
Haysville, Kansas
Haysville is a city in Sedgwick County, Kansas, United States. It is a suburb of Wichita. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 10,826.-History:...
. Widespread damage was reported in Haysville, but there were no fatalities. On the east side of Haysville, the tornado became a solid F3 in strength and expanded to around 300 feet wide as it crossed I-35 (the Kansas Turnpike
Kansas Turnpike
The Kansas Turnpike is a freeway-standard toll road that lies entirely within the U.S. state of Kansas. It runs in a general southwest-northeast direction from the Oklahoma border, and passes through several major Kansas cities, including Wichita, Topeka, Lawrence and Kansas City...
) and headed toward McConnell Air Force Base
McConnell Air Force Base
McConnell Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located four miles southeast of the central business district of Wichita, a city in Sedgwick County, Kansas, United States. The base was named in honor of Wichita brothers Fred and Thomas McConnell, both Air Force pilots and World War II...
.
Many people had advance warning before the tornado struck McConnell Air Force Base. The tornado struck the base school, hospital and housing at F2–F3 strength. It caused $62 million in damage on the base, narrowly missing a multi-billion dollar line of B-1 bombers. The damage path widened as the tornado intensified to F4 strength just east-northeast of the base.
By 6:35 p.m., the tornado had expanded to just over 600 yards wide and was producing F5 damage on the Fujita scale
Fujita scale
The Fujita scale , or Fujita-Pearson scale, is a scale for rating tornado intensity, based primarily on the damage tornadoes inflict on human-built structures and vegetation...
. It continued to move northeast toward the Golden Spur Mobile Home Park in Andover, Kansas
Andover, Kansas
Andover is a city in Butler and Sedgwick counties in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 11,791. Located almost entirely in Butler County, it is part of the Wichita Metropolitan Statistical Area...
; as it passed through, it obliterated the park and caused thirteen deaths. The tornado then veered north, missing Girl Scout Camp Seikooc, where summer camp training was being conducted as well as a troop campout.
The tornado then moved on to the northeast, passing just south of Towanda
Towanda, Kansas
Towanda is a city in Butler County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,450.-21st century:In 2010, the Keystone-Cushing Pipeline was constructed a few blocks west of Towanda , running north to south through Butler County, with much controversy over tax...
. Most of the damage in this area was rated at F2–F3 intensity, though these numbers may be skewed: the rural area's lack of significant structures makes it difficult to accurately gauge the amount of damage. The tornado continued northeast and reached El Dorado Lake
El Dorado Lake
El Dorado Lake is a reservoir in Butler County, Kansas, northeast of El Dorado.El Dorado Reservoir was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was completed in June 1981. The lake consists of approximately of water, of park lands and of wildlife area. Management of the reservoir...
just before 7 pm (CST). Video taken by local storm chasers shows that the tornado crossed over the lake and revealed a multiple vortex
Multiple vortex tornado
A multiple-vortex tornado is a tornado that contains several vortices rotating around, inside of, and as part of the main vortex. These multiple vortices are somewhat similar to eyewall mesovortices found in intense tropical cyclones...
structure. Just after crossing over the lake to the northeast, the original circulations dissipated and a new, much weaker tornado formed. The Andover tornado had traveled for nearly 46 miles, and was on the ground for over an hour.
This was the last F5 tornado that was recorded in Kansas under the old Fujita scale rating system. The next tornado of that scale, an EF5, was reported 16 years later on May 4, 2007
May 2007 Tornado Outbreak
The May 2007 Tornado Outbreak was an extended tornado outbreak that started on May 4, 2007, affecting portions of the Central United States. The most destructive tornado in the outbreak occurred on the evening of May 4 in western Kansas, where about 95% of the city of Greensburg in Kiowa County was...
in Greensburg
Greensburg, Kansas
Greensburg is a city in and the county seat of Kiowa County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 777. Greensburg is also home to the world's largest hand-dug well....
in Kansas
Kiowa County, Kansas
Kiowa County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 2,553...
about 120 miles west of the path of the 1991 tornado. Since February 1, 2007, the National Weather Service
National Weather Service
The National Weather Service , once known as the Weather Bureau, is one of the six scientific agencies that make up the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States government...
uses the Enhanced Fujita Scale
Enhanced Fujita Scale
The Enhanced Fujita Scale rates the strength of tornadoes in the United States based on the damage they cause.Implemented in place of the Fujita scale introduced in 1971 by Ted Fujita, it began operational use on February 1, 2007. The scale has the same basic design as the original Fujita scale:...
.
The El Dorado Lake tornado
| State | Total | County | County total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas Kansas Kansas is a US state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. The tribe's name is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south... |
19 | Butler Butler County, Kansas Butler County is a county located in South Central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 65,880. Its county seat and most populous city is El Dorado. The county is a part of the Wichita Metropolitan Statistical Area.-19th century:It was named in... |
13 |
| Cowley Cowley County, Kansas Cowley County is a county located in south-central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 36,311. Its county seat and most populous city is Winfield... |
1 | ||
| Elk Elk County, Kansas Elk County is a county located in Southeast Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 2,882... |
1 | ||
| Sedgwick Sedgwick County, Kansas Sedgwick County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. The county's population was 498,365 for the 2010 census. The largest city and county seat is Wichita. The county was named after General John Sedgwick... |
4 | ||
| Oklahoma Oklahoma Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state... |
2 | Pawnee Pawnee County, Oklahoma Pawnee County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of 2000, the population was 16,612. Its county seat is Pawnee.-History:The Osage Tribe used the area that contains present day Pawnee County as buffalo hunting grounds... |
1 |
| Washington Washington County, Oklahoma Washington County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. It is, in total area, the smallest county in Oklahoma, adjacent to the largest county in Oklahoma, Osage County. It is the second smallest county, by land only size, i.e., not including water. As of 2000, the population was... |
1 | ||
| Totals | 21 | ||
| All deaths were tornado-related | |||
Cassoday, Kansas
Cassoday is a city in Butler County, Kansas, United States. It is known as the "Prairie Chicken Capital of the World." As of the 2010 census, the city population was 129.-Geography:Cassoday is located at , in the scenic Flint Hills...
. A news team from KSNW-TV in Wichita was returning to the station along the Kansas Turnpike
Kansas Turnpike
The Kansas Turnpike is a freeway-standard toll road that lies entirely within the U.S. state of Kansas. It runs in a general southwest-northeast direction from the Oklahoma border, and passes through several major Kansas cities, including Wichita, Topeka, Lawrence and Kansas City...
from a story unrelated to the tornado. Reporters Ted Lewis and Greg Jarrett soon encountered a tornado, and decided to try to shoot video of the storm. However, the tornado veered and began following the crew along the highway at a speed faster than they could drive. They reached an overpass where several people had already abandoned their cars. The cameraman advised the other people that they should all get into the very upper part of the overpass, thinking that this would shield them from the wind. The cameraman recorded the entire chain of events as the tornado passed nearby. The overpass itself did not receive a direct hit from the tornado, but it appeared to on camera. It lasted approximately 20 seconds. The tornado then continued northeast and dissipated at about 7:30 p.m., just Northeast of the Cassoday Interchange of the Kansas Turnpike. All the cars parked under the underpass had their windows blown out. Other cars and tractor-trailers on the turnpike (hit by the tornado) rolled multiple times and were tossed wildly on and near the roadway. It is now believed that highway overpasses provide little, if any, protection from tornadic winds, and the National Weather Service strongly advises against using overpasses for shelter.
The Red Rock tornado
South of Wichita, in Garfield County, OklahomaGarfield County, Oklahoma
Garfield County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma named after President James A. Garfield. As of 2010, the population was 60,580. Enid is the county seat and largest city within Garfield County...
, tornado chasers (including Warren Faidley
Warren Faidley
Warren Faidley is an author, lecturer, journalist, photographer, cinematographer, corporate spokesperson, extreme weather adventurer and storm safety/survival consultant. Faidley was the first storm chaser to create a full-time, professional occupation solely from pursuing severe weather...
, Gene Moore, Howard Bluestein, KJRH-TV meteorologist Gary Shore and many other big-name chasers) observed the touchdown of what would be the longest tracked tornado of the outbreak. Initially, the storm was narrow and produced up to F3 damage to the south of Billings
Billings, Oklahoma
Billings is a town in Noble County, Oklahoma, United States. The population was 436 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Billings is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , all of it land.-Demographics:...
. A few oil tanks were toppled and power poles were knocked down. As the funnel crossed into Noble County
Noble County, Oklahoma
Noble County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of 2010, the population was 11,561. Its county seat is Perry.-21st century:In 2010, the Keystone-Cushing Pipeline was constructed north to south through Noble County....
, video and photographic evidence suggests dramatic widening and strengthening. The damage path across northern Noble County appeared to be between 3/4 and 1 mile in diameter. Trees were debarked and pavement was scoured off roads. The tornado encountered few man-made structures along its path. At least one home was completely demolished leaving no walls standing (indicating F4 damage). At one point a University of Oklahoma chase team used a portable doppler weather radar
Weather radar
Weather radar, also called weather surveillance radar and Doppler weather radar, is a type of radar used to locate precipitation, calculate its motion, estimate its type . Modern weather radars are mostly pulse-Doppler radars, capable of detecting the motion of rain droplets in addition to the...
to measure a windspeed of 257-268 mph in the funnel (near the F5 threshold). At the time, this was the fastest wind speed ever measured on the face of the earth (it has now been surpassed by the Moore, Oklahoma City tornado, which produced a 1/4 mile gust of 301 mph on May 3, 1999). As the tornado passed through Noble County and into Osage County
Osage County, Oklahoma
Osage County is a county in the northern part of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Coterminous with the Osage Indian Reservation, it is the home of the federally recognized Osage Nation. As of the 2010 census, the population was 47,472 a 6.8 percent increase from 2000, when the population was 44,437...
, two farms were completely destroyed and several additional oil rigs were toppled. The tornado lifted in central Osage County, after having traveled for 66 miles. It is likely that this was the most violent tornado of the outbreak (exhibited dramatic multiple vortices and motion); however, it encountered few man-made structures along its path, making it difficult for storm survey teams to rate it. It was given an F4 rating.
Aftermath
In addition to the millions of dollars of damage, 225 injuries and seventeen deaths, the tornado also contributed to the commonly held (albeit false) belief regarding tornado safety. Due to the popularity of the news team's video, in which they are depicted surviving by using an overpass for shelter, overpasses are now frequently jammed with people seeking shelter during tornado activity. Such was the case in many areas during the 1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak, in which some people left the safety of their homes when the tornado warning was issued to take shelter under overpasses. One tornado hit three underpasses and killed people at each one.An overpass is an extremely dangerous spot to be in a tornado, especially if it does not have the open girder design like that in the video. That bridge design is very rare; the vast majority of underpasses are mere open slabs, offering no protection from wind and debris. Using these underpasses as protection does little more than raise people above ground level, exposing them to higher winds and more debris. Additionally, the windspeed may be increased by the wind tunnel effect. Another danger is the sheer number of people now congregating at underpasses blocks traffic, which has hindered emergency responders. Moreover, it presents the danger that an intense tornado will hit people taking shelter as well as bystanders stuck in traffic, who are massed in a vulnerable location incurring the possibility of a significant death toll.