Erie, KS Natural Disasters and Weather Extremes
Hot Rankings
The chance of earthquake damage in Erie is about the same as Kansas average and is much lower than the national average. The risk of tornado damage in Erie is lower than Kansas average and is much higher than the national average.
Earthquake Index, #709
| Erie, KS | 0.00 |
| Kansas | 0.05 |
| U.S. | 1.81 |
The earthquake index value is calculated based on historical earthquake events data using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the earthquake level in a region. A higher earthquake index value means a higher chance of an earthquake.
Volcano Index, #1
| Erie, KS | 0.0000 |
| Kansas | 0.0000 |
| U.S. | 0.0023 |
The volcano index value is calculated based on the currently known volcanoes using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the possibility of a region being affected by a possible volcano eruption. A higher volcano index value means a higher chance of being affected.
Tornado Index, #357
| Erie, KS | 231.98 |
| Kansas | 252.53 |
| U.S. | 136.45 |
The tornado index value is calculated based on historical tornado events data using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the tornado level in a region. A higher tornado index value means a higher chance of tornado events.
Other Weather Extremes Events
A total of 3,727 other weather extremes events within 50 miles of Erie, KS were recorded from 1950 to 2010. The following is a break down of these events:
| Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count |
| Avalanche: | 0 | Blizzard: | 2 | Cold: | 10 | Dense Fog: | 16 | Drought: | 10 |
| Dust Storm: | 0 | Flood: | 503 | Hail: | 1,638 | Heat: | 19 | Heavy Snow: | 21 |
| High Surf: | 0 | Hurricane: | 0 | Ice Storm: | 12 | Landslide: | 0 | Strong Wind: | 23 |
| Thunderstorm Winds: | 1,332 | Tropical Storm: | 0 | Wildfire: | 1 | Winter Storm: | 50 | Winter Weather: | 15 |
| Other: | 75 | ||||||||
Volcanos Nearby
No volcano is found in or near Erie, KS.
Historical Earthquake Events
No historical earthquake events that had recorded magnitudes of 3.5 or above found in or near Erie, KS.
No historical earthquake events found in or near Erie, KS.
Historical Tornado Events
A total of 90 historical tornado events that had recorded magnitude of 2 or above found in or near Erie, KS.
| Distance (miles) | Date | Magnitude | Start Lat/Log | End Lat/Log | Length | Width | Fatalities | Injuries | Property Damage | Crop Damage | Affected County |
| 3.0 | 2000-04-19 | 2 | 37°30'N / 95°20'W | 37°34'N / 95°06'W | 15.00 Miles | 440 Yards | 0 | 3 | 1.8M | 0 | Neosho |
| Brief Description: Forming at 1920 CST 6 miles southwest of Erie, the tornado moved northeast around 35 mph passing just south of Erie at 1931 CST. F2 intensity for much of it's track, the tornado injured 3 people on the southern periphery of Erie as it destroyed or heavily damaged 12 homes, several mobile homes, as well as a few trees. This tornado then crossed into Crawford county. | |||||||||||
| 4.7 | 1973-03-08 | 2 | 37°34'N / 95°14'W | 37°36'N / 95°05'W | 8.40 Miles | 440 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Neosho |
| 6.4 | 1973-03-08 | 2 | 37°26'N / 95°24'W | 37°34'N / 95°14'W | 12.80 Miles | 440 Yards | 0 | 1 | 250K | 0 | Neosho |
| 8.9 | 1973-05-11 | 2 | 37°36'N / 95°24'W | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Neosho | |||
| 9.2 | 1954-05-31 | 2 | 37°30'N / 95°31'W | 37°50'N / 94°44'W | 48.60 Miles | 210 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Neosho |
| 9.2 | 1954-05-31 | 2 | 37°30'N / 95°31'W | 37°50'N / 94°44'W | 48.60 Miles | 210 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Neosho |
| 10.2 | 1973-03-08 | 2 | 37°36'N / 95°05'W | 37°36'N / 95°02'W | 2.30 Miles | 440 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Crawford |
| 10.8 | 2005-04-21 | 3 | 37°25'N / 95°21'W | 37°26'N / 95°16'W | 5.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 200K | 0 | Neosho |
| Brief Description: Damage summary: Two miles south of Galesburg: One barn damaged & two out-buildings destroyed. Three miles southeast of Galesburg: Two mobile homes destroyed, one frame house dislodged from it's foundation & two barns destroyed. Four miles east-southeast of Galesburg: Frame house unroofed with two exterior walls collapsed. A garage and one shed were destroyed. Tree damage occurred at each of these locations. | |||||||||||
| 11.6 | 1988-11-15 | 2 | 37°24'N / 95°26'W | 37°29'N / 95°19'W | 7.50 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Neosho |
| 13.0 | 2000-04-19 | 2 | 37°33'N / 95°05'W | 37°40'N / 94°56'W | 8.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 200K | 0 | Crawford |
| Brief Description: An F2 tornado entered western Crawford County about 3 miles south of Walnut and moved through the northwest portion of the county. The damage path was intermittent and about 200 yards wide. The tornado stayed mainly over rural areas and uprooted trees and damaged or destroyed 3 homes and several outbuildings. The tornado exited the county just east of Hepler and moved into southern Bourbon County. | |||||||||||
| 13.5 | 1964-04-20 | 2 | 37°44'N / 95°18'W | 37°48'N / 95°14'W | 5.70 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Allen |
| 16.0 | 1982-03-15 | 2 | 37°23'N / 95°04'W | 37°24'N / 95°03'W | 2.00 Miles | 600 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Labette |
| 17.5 | 1956-07-20 | 3 | 38°11'N / 95°29'W | 37°24'N / 94°41'W | 69.50 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Anderson |
| 18.5 | 2000-04-19 | 3 | 37°15'N / 95°33'W | 37°24'N / 95°12'W | 21.00 Miles | 440 Yards | 0 | 27 | 71.0M | 0 | Labette |
| Brief Description: The same tornado that formed 3 miles south of Cherryvale at 1930 CST in eastern Montgomery County, the tornado entered western Labette County at 1934 CST, 10 miles southwest of Dennis. Moving northeast around 35 mph, the tornado passed 4 miles south of Dennis at 1940 CST. At 1945 CST, the tornado entered southwest Parsons where it inflicted major damage to a law enforcement center, a movie theater, and a carnival. In all, 750 buildings were damaged of which 633 were homes. Of the homes, 53 were destroyed, 112 sustained major damage and 468 received minor damage. Of the 117 commercial buildings that sustained damage, 20 were destroyed, 28 received major damage, and 69 received minor damage. Total damage estimate: $40 million. A total of 27 people were injured, most were minor. Though inflicting F3 damage when it hit Parsons, the tornado possessed F1 intensity for most of it's track. This same tornado would continue moving northeast, clipping southeast Neosho County. Area newspapers contributed to this report. | |||||||||||
| 18.9 | 2000-04-19 | 2 | 37°21'N / 95°03'W | 37°25'N / 94°56'W | 8.00 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 4 | 300K | 0 | Crawford |
| Brief Description: An F2 tornado entered the southwest corner of Crawford County west of McCune and traveled northeast over the southwest section of the county. The intermittent damage path was 300 yards wide. Although the tornado stayed over rural areas, it still managed to severely damage or destroy 5 homes and several outbuildings. Four persons were injured by flying debris. The tornado lifted about 6 miles northeast of McCune. | |||||||||||
| 19.2 | 2000-04-19 | 2 | 37°41'N / 94°56'W | 37°42'N / 94°55'W | 2.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Bourbon |
| Brief Description: An F2 tornado crossed the Bourbon and Crawford County line 4 miles southwest of Hiattville and lifted about 2 miles southwest of Hiattville. The path was intermittent and stayed over rural areas. | |||||||||||
| 19.4 | 1973-06-04 | 2 | 37°51'N / 95°12'W | 2.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Allen | |
| 19.5 | 1954-03-24 | 2 | 37°43'N / 95°31'W | 37°57'N / 95°14'W | 22.20 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Wilson |
| 20.4 | 1982-03-15 | 2 | 37°24'N / 95°03'W | 37°29'N / 94°46'W | 15.00 Miles | 600 Yards | 0 | 3 | 2.5M | 0 | Crawford |
| 20.4 | 1973-09-27 | 2 | 37°49'N / 95°02'W | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Bourbon | |||
| 21.1 | 1991-03-26 | 2 | 37°49'N / 95°27'W | 37°53'N / 95°21'W | 8.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 1 | 2.5M | 0 | Allen |
| 21.6 | 2003-05-04 | 4 | 37°25'N / 95°06'W | 37°32'N / 94°38'W | 27.00 Miles | 880 Yards | 3 | 20 | 7.2M | 1.0M | Crawford |
| Brief Description: This storm is known to have initiated the unforgettable series of events of 4 May, 2003. This classic supercell rapidly developed over Montgomery County, Kansas, eventually moving into southwestern Crawford County, Kansas where it spawned a very large and destructive tornado. This tornado laid out a path of destruction for 27 miles of farm land and small communities through Crawford County. This event also claimed three lives and injured 20 in eastern sections of the county, where the tornado had strengthened to F-4 status. The tornado continued on the ground into Barton County, Missouri. Sharon Lasbrook age 48, was deceased from being thrown out of her mobile home and into a field. Her home was completely disintegrated by the twister. George Bolte age 68, was taking cover in his manufactured home and laying over his wife to protect her from flying debris. While saving her life, he was deceased from the debris. Josephine Maghe age 87, was taking cover within her frame home as the tornado arrived. She was deceased from being struck into the ground. F48MH, M68PH, F87PH | |||||||||||
| 22.2 | 1963-05-26 | 2 | 37°27'N / 94°58'W | 37°27'N / 94°46'W | 10.90 Miles | 27 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Crawford |
| 22.3 | 1958-05-31 | 3 | 37°15'N / 95°12'W | 0.30 Mile | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Labette | |
| 22.7 | 1984-04-27 | 2 | 37°23'N / 94°55'W | 37°29'N / 94°49'W | 8.50 Miles | 40 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Crawford |
| 22.9 | 1961-03-26 | 2 | 37°30'N / 94°50'W | 2.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Crawford | |
| 23.0 | 1973-05-11 | 2 | 37°18'N / 95°00'W | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Cherokee | |||
| 24.1 | 1991-04-26 | 2 | 37°16'N / 95°33'W | 37°22'N / 95°32'W | 6.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Montgomery |
| 27.4 | 1955-05-11 | 2 | 37°27'N / 94°46'W | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Crawford | |||
| 27.5 | 1957-05-16 | 2 | 37°14'N / 95°59'W | 37°35'N / 95°25'W | 39.30 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Chautauqua |
| 28.2 | 1962-06-02 | 2 | 37°27'N / 94°45'W | 0 | 0 | 3K | 0 | Crawford | |||
| 28.6 | 1954-05-01 | 2 | 37°08'N / 95°14'W | 37°11'N / 95°10'W | 5.10 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Labette |
| 28.8 | 1982-03-15 | 3 | 37°32'N / 94°48'W | 37°33'N / 94°38'W | 10.00 Miles | 600 Yards | 1 | 8 | 25.0M | 0 | Crawford |
| 28.9 | 1963-05-26 | 2 | 37°24'N / 94°46'W | 37°31'N / 94°42'W | 8.70 Miles | 27 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Crawford |
| 29.8 | 1954-07-22 | 2 | 37°05'N / 95°11'W | 37°13'N / 95°04'W | 11.20 Miles | 440 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Labette |
| 30.6 | 1982-03-15 | 3 | 37°09'N / 95°04'W | 37°11'N / 94°58'W | 6.00 Miles | 167 Yards | 1 | 6 | 2.5M | 0 | Cherokee |
| 31.5 | 1983-03-26 | 3 | 37°26'N / 94°42'W | 37°33'N / 94°39'W | 7.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 4 | 2.5M | 0 | Crawford |
| 31.6 | 1982-03-15 | 2 | 37°47'N / 95°51'W | 37°58'N / 95°30'W | 24.00 Miles | 500 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Woodson |
| 31.7 | 1982-03-15 | 2 | 37°58'N / 95°30'W | 38°02'N / 95°24'W | 6.00 Miles | 500 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Allen |
| 31.7 | 1973-09-24 | 2 | 37°57'N / 95°03'W | 38°02'N / 94°58'W | 7.20 Miles | 60 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Bourbon |
| 32.1 | 1954-05-01 | 2 | 37°13'N / 95°40'W | 37°18'N / 95°41'W | 5.60 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Montgomery |
| 32.3 | 1961-05-07 | 2 | 37°06'N / 95°01'W | 37°11'N / 95°00'W | 5.70 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Cherokee |
| 32.6 | 1958-11-17 | 2 | 37°31'N / 94°39'W | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Crawford | |||
| 33.3 | 1961-03-12 | 2 | 37°55'N / 94°49'W | 2.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Bourbon | |
| 33.7 | 1982-03-15 | 3 | 37°01'N / 95°26'W | 37°09'N / 95°04'W | 24.00 Miles | 167 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Labette |
| 34.1 | 1959-09-27 | 2 | 37°03'N / 95°12'W | 37°07'N / 95°06'W | 7.20 Miles | 440 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Labette |
| 34.7 | 1963-04-03 | 2 | 37°50'N / 94°42'W | 0.30 Mile | 77 Yards | 0 | 0 | 3K | 0 | Bourbon | |
| 34.9 | 2003-05-08 | 2 | 38°01'N / 95°18'W | 38°08'N / 95°05'W | 15.00 Miles | 800 Yards | 0 | 3 | 1.1M | 0 | Anderson |
| Brief Description: A tornado formed 5 miles southeast of Colony and traveled a 15 mile path northeast before entering Linn county and dissipating. While in Anderson county the tornado injured 3 people, destroyed 7 homes and seriously damaged 2 others. Severe weather erupted over a large part of the area during the afternoon and evening hours of the 8th. Numerous reports of large hail and a few reports of strong winds were received. In addition 12 tornadoes were reported (discussed separately), some doing considerable damage. Four funnel clouds were also sighted. May 8, 2003, was estimated to be the most significant and widespread tornado outbreak in northeast Kansas since April 26, 1991. All meteorological severe weather forecast parameters came together over northeast Kansas on the afternoon of May 8 to produce an SPC "high risk" area of potential severe weather. The possibility of strong, long-lived destructive tornadoes was highlighted for nearly 24 hours in advance in nearly every NWS statement and product. The significant and widespread tornado outbreak in the nearby Kansas City area just four days before increased public weather awareness and concern, and together with timely watches, statements and warnings, helped prevent tornado related deaths and minimized storm injuries. | |||||||||||
| 35.1 | 2003-05-08 | 3 | 37°48'N / 95°57'W | 38°00'N / 95°31'W | 22.00 Miles | 350 Yards | 0 | 3 | 2.5M | 261K | Woodson |
| Brief Description: Damage summary: Toronto: Outbuildings destroyed. 1N Toronto: Trees & limbs downed. 1W Batesville: Large trees uprooted and sheared off, sheet metal in trees, old wood shed destroyed. 1N Batesville: Oil tank 12-15 feet high toppled (leaked profusely), power pole blown over. 2NE Batesville: House destroyed, 2 vehicles heavily damaged, pair of 2-3 foot diameter trees stripped 4 feet off ground. 3-4NE Batesville: Cattle barn & garage destroyed, windows blown out of house, large pick-up truck rolled onto side. 1N Yates Center: House & barn destroyed on Highway 75, horse trailer flipped over, large trees uprooted or snapped off at bases, broke or toppled 70 grave markers at the cemetery. 1NW Yates Center: Two-story house and 3 barns destroyed, trees completely shreaded. Yates Center: Five homes destroyed and 30 damaged. Two of the three injuries occurred at one residence with both requiring transport to a hospital. Forty-five miles of fence damaged. Stored hay contaminated by embedding of wiring and nails. Estimated crop losses: Corn: 300 acres. Wheat: 100 acres. Pasture: 1312 acres. Hay: 655 acres. Of the estimated $2.5 million damage, $1.506 million inflicted upon farming facilities. Farming facility damage breakdown: Dwellings and Service Buildings: $900,000; Structures: $6,000; Machinery & equipment: $600,000. USDA Flash Situation Report contributed greatly to this narrative. This tornado would cross just barely into extreme Northwest Allen County. | |||||||||||
| 36.1 | 1959-09-27 | 4 | 37°00'N / 95°08'W | 37°07'N / 95°06'W | 8.20 Miles | 440 Yards | 1 | 1 | 25K | 0 | Labette |
| 36.5 | 2003-05-04 | 4 | 37°34'N / 94°37'W | 37°35'N / 94°32'W | 6.00 Miles | 880 Yards | 1 | 10 | 13.0M | 1.0M | Barton |
| Brief Description: M88PH An F-4 tornado tracked over the Kansas-Missouri state line and into west central Barton County. The tornado destroyed several farm houses and outbuildings prior to dissipating one mile north of Liberal. Ten injuries and one fatality can be accounted for from this large tornado. Rex Smith age 88, was in his frame house two miles west of Liberal when the tornado approached. He was deceased from flying debris. While this tornado was dissipating, a second tornado had formed one mile east of Liberal. This feature then tracked 23 miles through mainly rural farm land of central and northeast Barton County, and eventually through Cedar, Polk, Hickory, and Dallas counties. Altogether there were approximately 50 homes and outbuildings that were destroyed from the twisters. | |||||||||||
| 37.1 | 1982-03-15 | 3 | 37°19'N / 94°39'W | 37°20'N / 94°38'W | 1.00 Mile | 400 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Crawford |
| 37.3 | 1958-11-17 | 3 | 37°38'N / 94°34'W | 37°39'N / 94°34'W | 1.10 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Barton |
| 37.3 | 1973-06-04 | 2 | 37°42'N / 95°57'W | 37°44'N / 95°51'W | 5.90 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Greenwood |
| 38.9 | 1961-04-21 | 2 | 38°05'N / 95°09'W | 38°10'N / 95°04'W | 7.20 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Anderson |
| 39.1 | 1958-11-17 | 3 | 37°39'N / 94°34'W | 37°43'N / 94°31'W | 5.20 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Vernon |
| 39.3 | 2006-03-30 | 2 | 37°08'N / 95°55'W | 37°21'N / 95°44'W | 16.00 Miles | 125 Yards | 0 | 1 | 1.0M | 0K | Montgomery |
| Brief Description: The tornado produced F2 damage 4 miles north of Wayside, and again 2 miles southwest of Sycamore. Several homes and mobile homes were damaged or destroyed along its 16 mile path. The most concentrated damage occurred roughly 2 to 3 miles southwest of Sycamore in the township of Radical, where several homes and mobile homes sustained damage, some of which was major. Additionally, numerous trailers were overturned at Elk City Lake, along with damage at Elk City Lake State Park. Unfortunately, one man was seriously injured (direct) 3 miles southwest of Sycamore, when his home was hit by the tornado. Average path width ranged from 75 to 125 yards. | |||||||||||
| 39.8 | 2003-05-04 | 3 | 37°05'N / 94°57'W | 37°10'N / 94°37'W | 20.00 Miles | 880 Yards | 3 | 19 | 2.7M | 1.0M | Cherokee |
| Brief Description: A classic supercell thunderstorm moved out of southern Labette County, Kansas and into southwest Cherokee County, Kansas. Intermittent, brief tornado touch downs were observed from storm spotters in rural sections of southeast Labette County, however, the storm eventually produced a long lived tornado that initially touched down north of Melrose. This feature then progressed through rural areas of central and east central Cherokee County. This large and destructive tornado is accountable for 19 injuries and three fatalities, before moving into Jasper County, Missouri. Julie Green age 50, was eating supper in her home a few miles southeast of Columbus when the tornado struck. She was thrown about one quarter of a mile southeast of the home in a field where she deceased. Charles Ross Jr. age 80 and Phyllis Ross age 73, lived in a frame home about five miles east of Crestline near the Kansas-Missouri state line. After deciding not to leave their home to seek shelter away from the path of the tornado, the tornado struck their location. The couple were deceased from flying debris. F50PH, M80PH, F73PH | |||||||||||
| 40.0 | 1971-05-05 | 2 | 37°08'N / 94°46'W | 1.00 Mile | 440 Yards | 0 | 0 | 3K | 0 | Cherokee | |
| 40.1 | 1986-04-07 | 2 | 37°57'N / 95°56'W | 37°53'N / 95°44'W | 14.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Woodson |
| 40.3 | 2003-05-08 | 2 | 38°06'N / 95°04'W | 38°10'N / 95°01'W | 7.00 Miles | 300 Yards | 0 | 0 | 15K | 0 | Linn |
| Brief Description: Tornado crossed from Anderson county into Linn county 3 miles west northwest of Blue Mound and produced tree damage in rural county before dissipating. However...a cemetery was hit with many tombstones knocked over and damage to mausoleums. | |||||||||||
| 40.6 | 1982-03-15 | 3 | 37°33'N / 94°38'W | 37°38'N / 94°22'W | 14.00 Miles | 500 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25.0M | 0 | Barton |
| 40.7 | 1961-02-17 | 2 | 37°09'N / 94°43'W | 37°14'N / 94°38'W | 7.30 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 0 | 3K | 0 | Cherokee |
| 40.7 | 1982-03-15 | 3 | 37°20'N / 94°37'W | 37°21'N / 94°30'W | 8.00 Miles | 150 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Jasper |
| 41.1 | 2008-05-10 | 2 | 37°00'N / 95°08'W | 36°59'N / 95°01'W | 5.00 Miles | 500 Yards | 0 | 0 | 600K | 0K | Craig |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: A tornado developed just south of the Oklahoma-Kansas border north-northwest of Welch. It moved rapidly east across northeastern Craig County, intensifying and widening as it moved into Ottawa County. In Craig County, the tornado destroyed several mobile homes, severely damaged about a dozen other homes, snapped or uprooted numerous trees, and blew down power poles and power lines. EPISODE NARRATIVE: Elevated severe thunderstorms containing large hail developed north of a warm front that was moving slowly northward across eastern Oklahoma and west central Arkansas during the morning and early afternoon of the 10th. Another round of severe thunderstorms developed late in the afternoon as a dry line approached the area from the west. Extreme instability and strong vertical wind shear resulted in the development of long-lived supercell thunderstorms that moved across eastern Oklahoma and northwestern Arkansas during the late afternoon and evening. Several of these supercells became tornadic and a few produced long-lived damaging tornadoes. One such supercell developed and moved along the Oklahoma-Kansas border and then into southwestern Missouri. This storm produced a tornado in northeastern Craig County OK that remained on the ground for 29 miles in Oklahoma, continued for about 31 miles in Newton County MO, and finally dissipated about 15 miles into Barry County MO. It produced EF-4 damage in several locations, including Picher, a small town in north-central Ottawa County OK. Twenty-one fatalities, over 350 injuries, and an estimated $60 million in property damage resulted from this tornado in Oklahoma and Missouri. Six of the fatalities and about 150 injuries occurred in Picher OK. Other strong tornadoes developed and moved across portions of Pittsburg and Latimer Counties. A EF-2 tornado was on the ground for about eight miles west of McAlester, damaging numerous homes in its path. Another EF-2 tornado developed southwest of Hartshorne in Pittsburg County and moved 19 miles before dissipating just east of Yanush in Latimer County. Four injuries resulted from that tornado and numerous homes were severely damaged or destroyed. | |||||||||||
| 42.0 | 1956-04-02 | 4 | 37°47'N / 95°58'W | 37°48'N / 95°57'W | 1.30 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 5 | 25K | 0 | Woodson |
| 42.9 | 1964-03-14 | 2 | 38°04'N / 94°46'W | 0.50 Mile | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Linn | |
| 43.3 | 1972-04-19 | 2 | 37°36'N / 96°02'W | 20.00 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Greenwood | |
| 44.2 | 1956-04-02 | 4 | 37°48'N / 95°57'W | 38°02'N / 95°54'W | 16.30 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Woodson |
| 44.3 | 1958-11-17 | 3 | 37°43'N / 94°31'W | 37°48'N / 94°25'W | 7.90 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 1 | 250K | 0 | Vernon |
| 44.4 | 1991-04-26 | 3 | 37°51'N / 95°57'W | 37°57'N / 95°56'W | 5.00 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Woodson |
| 44.7 | 1959-09-27 | 4 | 36°51'N / 95°15'W | 37°00'N / 95°08'W | 12.20 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Craig |
| 44.9 | 1956-04-02 | 4 | 37°36'N / 96°08'W | 37°47'N / 95°58'W | 15.50 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 5 | 250K | 0 | Greenwood |
| 45.0 | 1959-09-03 | 2 | 37°05'N / 94°42'W | 1.00 Mile | 200 Yards | 0 | 1 | 3K | 0 | Cherokee | |
| 45.2 | 1991-04-26 | 3 | 37°45'N / 96°05'W | 37°51'N / 95°57'W | 10.00 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Greenwood |
| 45.4 | 1964-11-15 | 2 | 37°39'N / 96°04'W | 0.80 Mile | 400 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Greenwood | |
| 45.6 | 1982-03-15 | 2 | 37°40'N / 96°04'W | 1.00 Mile | 300 Yards | 0 | 0 | 2.5M | 0 | Greenwood | |
| 45.7 | 2003-05-04 | 3 | 37°10'N / 94°37'W | 37°12'N / 94°31'W | 5.00 Miles | 880 Yards | 2 | 15 | 21.2M | 0 | Jasper |
| Brief Description: This tornado is a continuation of the Cherokee County, Kansas tornado. This feature crossed the Kansas-Missouri state line near the community of Smithfield, and then wreaked havoc through the center of Carl Junction. Around 112 homes and outbuildings were destroyed while 487 were damaged. The tornado claimed the lives of two local residents and injuring 15. Kenneth and Ethel LaNear ages 71 and 62, were taking shelter in a closet of their frame home when the tornado struck. Both were deceased from being struck into the ground and hit by flying debris. M71PH, F62PH | |||||||||||
| 46.3 | 1964-04-12 | 4 | 38°07'N / 95°18'W | 38°22'N / 95°08'W | 19.40 Miles | 880 Yards | 3 | 9 | 250K | 0 | Anderson |
| 46.9 | 1956-04-03 | 4 | 37°00'N / 94°46'W | 37°02'N / 94°44'W | 2.70 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 5 | 2.5M | 0 | Cherokee |
| 47.1 | 2007-02-28 | 4 | 38°07'N / 95°04'W | 38°15'N / 94°39'W | 24.00 Miles | 800 Yards | 0 | 0 | 400K | 0K | Linn |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: EF4 tornado crossed from Anderson county into Linn county in Kansas at 7:30 PM CST, 4 miles northwest of Blue Mound. The tornado moved east-northeast over mainly rural areas of the county. A home, several farm buildings, and garage were completely destroyed. Other buildings received minor to moderate damage. There were no injuries or deaths with this tornado. The tornado also downed trees and power lines. The tornado lifted 6 miles north-northeast of Pleasanton at 8:10 PM CST. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A strong storm system lifted northeast into the region from Oklahoma, during the late afternoon and early evening hours on February 28th. The dynamics from this storm system provided the lift for rapid thunderstorm development along and north of a warm front by the early evening hours. There were numerous reports of hail with the storms, as well as some flash flooding. The most significant severe thunderstorm produced a tornado in Anderson county Kansas, which then tracked east into Linn county Kansas. The EF4 tornado took a nearly 24 mile continuous path, where it caused damage to mainly rural areas. Just north of Blue Mound a single residence, garage, and several farm buildings were completely destroyed. The tornado was historic, since it was the first time anywhere in the country that a tornado was rated as high as EF4, since switching to the new Enhanced Fujita scale February 1st, 2007. | |||||||||||
| 47.7 | 1982-03-15 | 3 | 37°01'N / 95°51'W | 37°04'N / 95°45'W | 6.00 Miles | 300 Yards | 1 | 1 | 2.5M | 0 | Montgomery |
| 47.8 | 1981-05-23 | 2 | 36°57'N / 95°42'W | 36°59'N / 95°38'W | 4.50 Miles | 100 Yards | 0 | 3 | 250K | 0 | Nowata |
| 48.4 | 1956-04-03 | 4 | 37°02'N / 94°44'W | 37°03'N / 94°36'W | 7.40 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 6 | 250K | 0 | Kiowa |
| 48.8 | 1981-05-23 | 2 | 36°57'N / 95°47'W | 36°59'N / 95°37'W | 9.50 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 3 | 0K | 0 | Nowata |
| 48.9 | 2008-05-10 | 4 | 36°59'N / 95°01'W | 36°55'N / 94°37'W | 24.00 Miles | 1760 Yards | 6 | 150 | 15.0M | 0K | Ottawa |
| Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: This tornado developed at 1620 cst in northeastern Craig County and continued into Ottawa County. The tornado moved rapidly eastward toward the town of Picher where it destroyed about 200 homes, killed six people, and injured another 150 people at about 540 pm. Damage in and around Picher was rated EF-4 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. The tornado began moving more southeasterly near Picher and struck the north side of Quapaw. While this tornado was beginning to weaken east of Quapaw, the supercell produced another tornado a few miles east-northeast of Quapaw that merged with this tornado just east of I-44. After the merger of the two tornadoes, a single tornadic circulation reintensified and became about a mile wide for several miles before moving into Newton County MO. EPISODE NARRATIVE: Elevated severe thunderstorms containing large hail developed north of a warm front that was moving slowly northward across eastern Oklahoma and west central Arkansas during the morning and early afternoon of the 10th. Another round of severe thunderstorms developed late in the afternoon as a dry line approached the area from the west. Extreme instability and strong vertical wind shear resulted in the development of long-lived supercell thunderstorms that moved across eastern Oklahoma and northwestern Arkansas during the late afternoon and evening. Several of these supercells became tornadic and a few produced long-lived damaging tornadoes. One such supercell developed and moved along the Oklahoma-Kansas border and then into southwestern Missouri. This storm produced a tornado in northeastern Craig County OK that remained on the ground for 29 miles in Oklahoma, continued for about 31 miles in Newton County MO, and finally dissipated about 15 miles into Barry County MO. It produced EF-4 damage in several locations, including Picher, a small town in north-central Ottawa County OK. Twenty-one fatalities, over 350 injuries, and an estimated $60 million in property damage resulted from this tornado in Oklahoma and Missouri. Six of the fatalities and about 150 injuries occurred in Picher OK. Other strong tornadoes developed and moved across portions of Pittsburg and Latimer Counties. A EF-2 tornado was on the ground for about eight miles west of McAlester, damaging numerous homes in its path. Another EF-2 tornado developed southwest of Hartshorne in Pittsburg County and moved 19 miles before dissipating just east of Yanush in Latimer County. Four injuries resulted from that tornado and numerous homes were severely damaged or destroyed. | |||||||||||
| 49.1 | 1996-05-26 | 2 | 36°50'N / 95°29'W | 36°55'N / 95°21'W | 8.00 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 0 | 75K | 0 | Craig |
| 49.1 | 1974-04-20 | 2 | 38°17'N / 95°14'W | 1.00 Mile | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Anderson | |
| 49.2 | 1956-04-02 | 4 | 38°02'N / 95°54'W | 38°06'N / 95°53'W | 4.50 Miles | 880 Yards | 0 | 5 | 25K | 0 | Coffey |
| 50.0 | 1958-05-31 | 2 | 37°57'N / 94°32'W | 37°59'N / 94°25'W | 6.40 Miles | 367 Yards | 0 | 0 | 250K | 0 | Vernon |
* The information on this page is based on the global volcano database, the U.S. earthquake database of 1638-1985, and the U.S. Tornado and Weather Extremes database of 1950-2010.