Johnson County, Kansas tornadoes

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49confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1952). Most recent: May 19, 2024, EF1. 2026 so far: 3 preliminary reports preliminary

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Map

Every tornado path in the county

Tornado paths, 1950 to 2025
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(E)F0(E)F1(E)F2(E)F3(E)F4(E)F5Unrated

Each path is a straight line from where the tornado started to where it ended, which is all most NOAA records hold. Tap a path for its details.

The record

At a glance

Total491950 to 2025
Per year0.6average since 1950
Peak monthMay20 of 49
StrongestF5May 20, 1957
Deaths44whole paths, see note
Injuries224whole paths, see note

Deaths and injuries are NOAA's totals for each tornado's whole path, which can extend beyond Johnson County.

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

200 Jan: 0Feb: 0Mar: 5Apr: 7May: 20Jun: 7Jul: 5Aug: 1Sep: 4Oct: 0Nov: 0Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

May is the peak month, with 20 of 49 tornadoes.

By time of day

90 12 AM: 2: 0: 13 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 3: 012 PM: 0: 0: 13 PM: 4: 9: 46 PM: 7: 8: 49 PM: 3: 2: 112 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 4:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

50 1950: 0: 0: 1: 0: 2: 1: 0: 3: 2: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 5: 1: 1: 0: 0: 11970: 0: 1: 2: 1: 0: 0: 0: 2: 0: 01980: 1: 1: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 01990: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 02000: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 4: 02010: 0: 3: 2: 0: 0: 2: 0: 1: 1: 02020: 0: 1: 1: 0: 3: 019501960197019801990200020102020

The line is the five-year average. Tornadoes before about 1953 were under-reported, and better radar since the 1990s finds more weak ones. This year so far: 3 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
23
EF1
16
EF2
6
EF3
2
EF4
1
EF5
1

Ratings before February 2007 use the original F scale; the numbers line up with today's EF scale. Unknown means NOAA could not assign a rating.

The record

Notable tornadoes

Deadliest

F5, May 20, 1957

44 deaths, 207 injuries Strongest

F5, May 20, 1957

69.4 mile path Longest path

69.4 miles, F5

May 20, 1957, whole path Widest

440 yards, F4

May 22, 1952
Every tornado

All 49 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
May 19, 2024EF12.63 mi150 yd00
May 19, 2024EF11.63 mi105 yd00
May 19, 2024EF10.88 mi75 yd00
Jun 8, 2022EF114.36 mi125 yd00
Mar 15, 2021EF01.36 mi50 yd00
May 2, 2018EF14.72 mi25 yd00
Mar 6, 2017EF00.32 mi100 yd00
Jul 6, 2015EF00.23 mi30 yd00
Jul 6, 2015EF18.3 mi250 yd00
May 6, 2012EF00.09 mi25 yd00
May 6, 2012EF00.05 mi25 yd00
May 25, 2011EF00.05 mi40 yd00
May 25, 2011EF00.05 mi40 yd00
May 25, 2011EF00.68 mi60 yd00
Sep 12, 2008EF00.12 mi25 yd00
Sep 12, 2008EF00.11 mi25 yd00
Sep 12, 2008EF00.11 mi25 yd00
Sep 12, 2008EF00.03 mi25 yd00
May 16, 1995F11 mi60 yd02
Mar 30, 1993F11.3 mi13 yd00
Jun 8, 1990F00.1 mi10 yd00
Mar 24, 1988F00.1 mi23 yd00
May 25, 1982F00.1 mi10 yd00
May 15, 1982F00.1 mi10 yd00
Jun 20, 1981F00.2 mi17 yd00
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Apr 26, 20261 NW BucyrusNot yet rated
Apr 26, 20262 ENE Spring HillNot yet rated
Mar 6, 20262 ESE Lake QuiviraNot yet rated

Preliminary reports from the Storm Prediction Center. One tornado can be reported more than once, and NOAA confirms the final record months later.

Nearby

Nearby counties

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Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center severe weather database, 1950 to 2025, and SPC preliminary reports for 2026. Page built October 12, 2026.