Rooks County, Kansas tornadoes

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52confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1951). Most recent: May 21, 2019, 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 Rooks County

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The record

At a glance

Total521950 to 2025
Per year0.7average since 1950
Peak monthMay22 of 52
StrongestF4May 10, 1985
Deaths0whole paths, see note
Injuries5whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

220 Jan: 0Feb: 0Mar: 2Apr: 11May: 22Jun: 12Jul: 4Aug: 0Sep: 0Oct: 1Nov: 0Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

May is the peak month, with 22 of 52 tornadoes.

By time of day

120 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 0: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 012 PM: 0: 0: 13 PM: 12: 8: 106 PM: 8: 3: 39 PM: 3: 3: 112 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 3:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

80 1950: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 11960: 0: 3: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 1: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 3: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 2: 0: 1: 0: 01990: 1: 2: 3: 0: 0: 2: 0: 0: 0: 12000: 1: 6: 1: 0: 1: 5: 0: 0: 8: 02010: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 2: 1: 0: 12020: 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
23
EF1
21
EF2
5
EF3
2
EF4
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

Strongest

F4, May 10, 1985

33 mile path Longest path

52 miles, F1

April 25, 1990, whole path Widest

1,000 yards, F4

May 10, 1985
Every tornado

All 52 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
May 21, 2019EF00.23 mi50 yd00
Oct 1, 2017EF00.01 mi15 yd00
May 8, 2016EF12.82 mi500 yd00
May 8, 2016EF26.88 mi440 yd00
Jun 14, 2014EF10.78 mi110 yd00
May 29, 2008EF00.6 mi20 yd00
May 29, 2008EF00.35 mi10 yd00
May 29, 2008EF10.38 mi25 yd00
May 29, 2008EF11.75 mi200 yd00
May 23, 2008EF16.15 mi100 yd00
May 23, 2008EF14.29 mi450 yd00
Apr 24, 2008EF00.1 mi10 yd00
Apr 24, 2008EF00.1 mi25 yd00
Jun 9, 2005F14 mi50 yd00
Jun 9, 2005F16 mi90 yd00
Jun 9, 2005F19 mi60 yd00
Jun 9, 2005F02.5 mi40 yd00
Apr 5, 2005F01 mi20 yd00
Jul 7, 2004F00.1 mi25 yd00
May 5, 2002F03 mi30 yd00
May 20, 2001F00.5 mi30 yd00
May 20, 2001F01 mi50 yd00
May 20, 2001F00.5 mi30 yd00
Apr 10, 2001F03 mi75 yd01
Apr 10, 2001F114 mi300 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.