Russell County, Kansas tornadoes

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82confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1952). Most recent: May 19, 2024, EF1. 2026 so far: 2 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 Russell County

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The record

At a glance

Total821950 to 2025
Per year1.1average since 1950
Peak monthMay32 of 82
StrongestF4May 7, 1993
Deaths1whole paths, see note
Injuries10whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

320 Jan: 0Feb: 1Mar: 0Apr: 11May: 32Jun: 6Jul: 19Aug: 9Sep: 1Oct: 3Nov: 0Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

May is the peak month, with 32 of 82 tornadoes.

By time of day

220 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 1: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 012 PM: 6: 3: 33 PM: 4: 12: 226 PM: 11: 16: 29 PM: 2: 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

150 1950: 0: 0: 1: 0: 2: 1: 2: 0: 0: 21960: 1: 0: 0: 0: 5: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 2: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 0: 01990: 0: 1: 3: 4: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 02000: 0: 4: 6: 0: 15: 5: 1: 2: 0: 02010: 0: 4: 7: 2: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 12020: 0: 0: 2: 1: 1: 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: 2 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
55
EF1
15
EF2
6
EF3
3
EF4
1
Unknown
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

F4, May 7, 1993

1 deaths, 6 injuries Strongest

F4, May 7, 1993

25.5 mile path Longest path

28.7 miles, F3

October 29, 1956, whole path Widest

1,320 yards, F2

May 5, 1964
Every tornado

All 82 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
May 19, 2024EF11.62 mi15 yd00
Jul 16, 2023EF00.88 mi300 yd00
Jun 23, 2022EFU0.1 mi50 yd00
Jun 23, 2022EFU0.1 mi50 yd00
May 28, 2019EF224.41 mi880 yd00
Apr 24, 2015EF00.18 mi40 yd00
Aug 28, 2014EF12 mi220 yd00
May 8, 2013EF00.41 mi50 yd00
Apr 7, 2013EF00.48 mi50 yd00
May 25, 2012EF20.17 mi150 yd00
May 25, 2012EF05.81 mi100 yd00
May 25, 2012EF00.62 mi50 yd00
May 25, 2012EF01.4 mi50 yd00
Apr 14, 2012EF02.85 mi75 yd00
Apr 14, 2012EF01.77 mi75 yd00
Apr 14, 2012EF00.53 mi75 yd00
Jun 1, 2011EF00.36 mi50 yd00
May 19, 2011EF00.78 mi50 yd00
May 19, 2011EF04.08 mi60 yd00
May 19, 2011EF02.4 mi60 yd00
May 5, 2007EF01 mi50 yd00
Feb 24, 2007EF00.25 mi25 yd00
Sep 21, 2006F16 mi75 yd00
Apr 10, 2005F01 mi110 yd00
Apr 10, 2005F01 mi110 yd00
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Sep 30, 20266 S LucasNot yet rated
Sep 30, 20263 E Bunker HillNot 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 13, 2026.