Kansas Tornado History
Every recorded tornado in Kansas from 1950 to present, with counts, fatalities, EF ratings, and notable events — sourced from the NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
Kansas lies squarely within the traditional heart of Tornado Alley. The state averages approximately 90 tornadoes per year and has recorded some of the most famous violent tornadoes in US history, including the 2007 Greensburg EF5, which destroyed 95% of the town of Greensburg on May 4, 2007. While recent research has suggested that the center of maximum tornado activity has shifted eastward into the Mississippi Valley since 2000, Kansas continues to produce strong spring and early-summer tornadoes with the frequency and intensity that made the state a defining example of Great Plains severe weather.
The Tornado Climate of Kansas
Notable Kansas Tornadoes
Seasonality
Kansas tornado season peaks sharply in May, which accounts for roughly 30% of annual tornadoes. April and June are each responsible for approximately 20%. The state does not see the same October secondary peak as Oklahoma. Winter tornadoes in Kansas are rare but not unheard of, and a warm-autumn outbreak is possible every few years.
Monthly distribution of all recorded Kansas tornadoes since 1950.
Top 10 Deadliest Kansas Tornadoes
| Date | Rating | Deaths | Injuries | Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 20, 1957 | F5 | 44 | 207 | 69.4 mi |
| April 26, 1991 | F5 | 17 | 225 | 46.0 mi |
| June 8, 1966 | F5 | 16 | 450 | 21.1 mi |
| June 17, 1978 | F1 | 16 | 3 | 7.3 mi |
| June 10, 1958 | F4 | 15 | 5 | 9.0 mi |
| May 4, 2007 | EF5 | 11 | 63 | 28.8 mi |
| June 8, 1974 | F4 | 6 | 177 | 37.5 mi |
| May 3, 1999 | F4 | 6 | 150 | 24.0 mi |
| June 27, 1951 | F4 | 5 | 100 | 0.8 mi |
| May 4, 2003 | F3 | 5 | 34 | 25.0 mi |
Annual Tornado Counts
Hover a bar for the year-specific count. Reporting improved significantly with Doppler radar deployment in the 1990s, inflating modern counts relative to pre-1990s.
Regional Patterns
Tornado activity in Kansas has a distinct east-west gradient. The eastern third of the state (including Wichita, Topeka, Kansas City) records the most tornadoes. The central Flint Hills region is active but sparsely populated, producing long-tracked but often unobserved events. The western quarter of Kansas is part of the high plains zone and typically produces fewer but photogenic tornadoes, making it one of the most popular regions in the country for storm-chasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many EF5 tornadoes has Kansas had?
Kansas has recorded 6 F5 or EF5 tornadoes since 1950, one of the highest totals in the United States. Notable events include the 1955 Udall F5 (80 deaths, state record), the 1966 Topeka F5, the 1990 Hesston F5, the 1991 Andover F5, and the 2007 Greensburg EF5 — the most recent EF5 in Kansas.
What is the deadliest tornado in Kansas history?
The Udall, Kansas tornado of May 25, 1955 killed 80 people and injured 273 when an F5 tornado struck the small town of Udall at 10:30 p.m. CDT. It remains the deadliest tornado in Kansas history and one of the deadliest late-night tornadoes ever recorded in the United States.
Is Kansas part of Tornado Alley?
Yes. Kansas is a core state of traditional Tornado Alley. Research since 2000 has highlighted a broader "Dixie Alley" in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee as similarly active or more active for violent tornadoes, but Kansas remains one of the top five states by tornado count and EF5 frequency.
How many tornadoes has Kansas had since 1950?
Kansas has recorded 4,544 tornadoes from 1950 through the most recent NOAA SPC dataset update. The state averages approximately 61 tornadoes per year. 6 of these tornadoes were rated F5 or EF5 — the highest rating on the scale. The deadliest year on record was 1957, with 44 deaths, and the most active year was 2008 with 185 tornadoes.
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Data: NOAA Storm Prediction Center 1950–present tornado database. Counts and fatality totals reflect official post-event damage assessments. Current-year tornadoes may appear as preliminary until NWS surveys are finalized.