EF3 Tornado — Norton, Kansas

2011-06-20 · near Almena, Norton, Kansas

Event narrative

A strong tornado developed just northeast of Almena and traveled roughly along Highway 383 to the Phillips county line near roads E and 14. (The tornado continued northeast for several miles into Phillips county before dissipating). One residence was completely destroyed, but a mother and her four children amazingly escaped without injury after seeking shelter in the basement. Many other farmsteads suffered significant damage to the residence itself, as well as to outbuildings, irrigation pivots, farm machinery and livestock.

Wider weather episode

A strong, slow-moving low pressure system moved across northwest Kansas during the afternoon, resulting in over a dozen tornadoes, some strong and long-lived. The strongest tornadoes occurred over Graham and Norton counties. Other reports of baseball sized hail were received.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (39.9001, -99.6932)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 327315. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.