McPherson County, Kansas tornadoes

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55confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1950). Most recent: May 2, 2018, EF0. 2026 so far: 0 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.

Recent warnings

Recent warnings in McPherson County

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The record

At a glance

Total551950 to 2025
Per year0.7average since 1950
Peak monthMay19 of 55
StrongestF5Mar 13, 1990
Deaths6whole paths, see note
Injuries120whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

190 Jan: 0Feb: 1Mar: 6Apr: 9May: 19Jun: 11Jul: 1Aug: 4Sep: 2Oct: 0Nov: 2Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

May is the peak month, with 19 of 55 tornadoes.

By time of day

100 12 AM: 0: 0: 23 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 012 PM: 0: 5: 53 PM: 4: 5: 106 PM: 5: 7: 69 PM: 5: 0: 112 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 5:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

40 1950: 1: 2: 0: 0: 1: 4: 2: 0: 0: 11960: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 3: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 1: 0: 3: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 01990: 4: 3: 3: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 2: 22000: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 22010: 3: 1: 4: 0: 3: 0: 0: 0: 1: 02020: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 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.

By rating

EF0
28
EF1
12
EF2
7
EF3
3
EF4
3
EF5
2

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

F3, September 25, 1973

3 deaths, 42 injuries Strongest

F5, March 13, 1990

48 mile path Longest path

169.7 miles, F3

September 25, 1973, whole path Widest

1,320 yards, F5

March 13, 1990
Every tornado

All 55 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
May 2, 2018EF01.98 mi75 yd00
May 11, 2014EF01.13 mi75 yd00
May 11, 2014EF00.68 mi50 yd00
May 11, 2014EF01.25 mi75 yd00
Apr 14, 2012EF17.01 mi250 yd00
Apr 14, 2012EF00.62 mi100 yd00
Apr 14, 2012EF450.28 mi400 yd00
Feb 28, 2012EF02.29 mi50 yd00
Jul 2, 2011EF00.57 mi50 yd00
May 12, 2010EF00.53 mi75 yd00
May 12, 2010EF01.58 mi100 yd00
May 12, 2010EF00.77 mi75 yd00
Jun 20, 2009EF04.54 mi100 yd00
Jun 20, 2009EF10.87 mi75 yd00
May 8, 2005F00.7 mi75 yd00
May 8, 2002F02 mi110 yd00
Apr 18, 2002F00.5 mi55 yd00
May 4, 1999F02 min/a00
May 4, 1999F18 min/a00
May 11, 1998F01 mi100 yd00
May 11, 1998F01 mi100 yd00
Jun 15, 1992F117 mi100 yd00
Jun 15, 1992F27 mi73 yd00
Jun 15, 1992F46 mi73 yd010
Aug 16, 1991F00.5 mi27 yd00
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 13, 2026.