Rice County, Kansas tornadoes

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51confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1950). Most recent: May 26, 2021, EF0. 2026 so far: 1 preliminary report 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

Total511950 to 2025
Per year0.7average since 1950
Peak monthMay24 of 51
StrongestF4Jun 8, 1950
Deaths4whole paths, see note
Injuries60whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

240 Jan: 0Feb: 0Mar: 1Apr: 5May: 24Jun: 12Jul: 2Aug: 3Sep: 1Oct: 2Nov: 1Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

May is the peak month, with 24 of 51 tornadoes.

By time of day

120 12 AM: 1: 0: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 012 PM: 0: 0: 03 PM: 8: 6: 126 PM: 6: 11: 69 PM: 1: 0: 012 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

60 1950: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 3: 1: 2: 1: 61960: 1: 0: 0: 1: 3: 0: 1: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 1: 0: 1: 2: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 01990: 3: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 12000: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 2: 0: 4: 0: 02010: 2: 0: 2: 0: 2: 1: 0: 1: 0: 22020: 0: 1: 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. This year so far: 1 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
26
EF1
13
EF2
1
EF3
8
EF4
2
Unknown
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

F3, September 25, 1973

3 deaths, 42 injuries Strongest

F4, June 8, 1950

17.1 mile path Longest path

169.7 miles, F3

September 25, 1973, whole path Widest

2,640 yards, EF3

April 14, 2012
Every tornado

All 51 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
May 26, 2021EF00.25 mi70 yd00
May 5, 2019EF00.5 mi75 yd00
May 5, 2019EFU0.22 mi50 yd00
Oct 6, 2017EF00.73 mi50 yd00
Jul 13, 2015EF35.32 mi350 yd00
May 11, 2014EF01.02 mi50 yd00
May 11, 2014EF00.42 mi50 yd00
Apr 14, 2012EF339.67 mi2,640 yd00
Apr 14, 2012EF450.28 mi400 yd00
Jun 12, 2010EF11.85 mi75 yd00
Jun 12, 2010EF00.42 mi50 yd00
May 5, 2007EF14.49 mi75 yd00
May 5, 2007EF01.5 mi40 yd00
May 5, 2007EF00.3 mi40 yd00
May 5, 2007EF15.19 mi100 yd00
Aug 19, 2005F00.5 mi55 yd00
Aug 19, 2005F00.5 mi55 yd00
Jul 9, 2003F01 mi50 yd00
May 11, 2002F00.5 mi110 yd00
May 10, 1999F01 min/a00
May 7, 1993F11 mi100 yd00
May 16, 1991F01 mi50 yd00
May 24, 1990F360 mi400 yd00
May 24, 1990F326 mi1,320 yd06
Mar 11, 1990F114 mi440 yd00
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Jun 10, 20262 N NickersonNot 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.