EF3 Tornado — Greenwood, Kansas

2018-06-26 · near Eureka, Greenwood, Kansas

Event narrative

A large circulation around tree top level moved into the southwest side of town causing minimal damage initially to trees and one business, before descending fully to the ground, as it moved northeast across town. The tornado fully came down to the ground, on the northeast side of town, intensifying, and causing significant damage to homes and businesses. The worst damage, rated EF-3, occurred just south of the high school, with one home having only interior walls remaining standing. Eight injuries were reported due to the tornado, with three of the injuries occurring in one house.

Wider weather episode

A few thunderstorms developed in Central Kansas in the morning, primarily over Barton County where golf ball-sized hail was reported 5 miles south/southwest of Great Bend. That afternoon and evening, the severe thunderstorms increased considerably as a weak cold front moved across South-Central and Southeast Kansas into a moisture-rich environment. Both large hail, which at times was very large, was the primary severe weather mode early in the event while damaging winds were the dominant mode as the event progressed. One rapidly developing thunderstorm did produce a strong tornado over Greenwood County that touched down on the southwest side of Eureka. The tornado tore a path through town from southwest to northeast, producing EF3 damage on the northeast side of town. Eight injuries occurred with the tornado but fortunately none were life-threatening.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (37.8115, -96.3084)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 757551. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.