**2008 KANSAS**

**SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK**

MARCH 10-14, 2008

**TORNADO SAFETY DRILL TUESDAY, MARCH 11th**

1:30 PM CDT

**INFORMATION PACKET**

National Weather Service

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**County Emergency Management Director,**

The National Weather Service, the Kansas Emergency Management
Association, and the Kansas Division of Emergency Management request
your participation in "**Kansas Severe Weather Awareness Week**"
activities from March 10 -- 14, 2008. The annual statewide tornado drill
will take place on Tuesday, March 11^th^ at 1:30 pm CDT, with a backup
date of Thursday, March 13^th^.

Enclosed is tornado and severe weather information that can be used for
preparedness activities in your local jurisdiction. Feel free to
duplicate and distribute this information as necessary.

2007 was another record breaking year for tornadoes in the state of
Kansas. A total of 137 tornadoes occurred in the state and resulted in
14 fatalities, 82 injuries and millions of dollars in damage to homes,
property and infrastructure. The 2007 total surpasses the previous
record of 135 tornadoes set in 2005. In addition, numerous severe
thunderstorms caused millions of dollars in damage to property and crops
by producing damaging winds and large hail. Flooding and flash flooding
was widespread in Kansas this year and caused millions of dollars in
damage to private property and infrastructure.

Kansans live with the threat of severe weather year round. Kansas Severe
Weather Awareness Week is the ideal time to prepare for severe weather.
Families should practice their severe weather safety plan at home, work,
school or other public locations that they frequent. They should develop
a safety plan for times when they are participating in outdoor
recreation activities, sporting events, or working outdoors. Each Kansan
should know where to go should severe weather strike their location.

All Hazards NOAA Weather Radio is like having your personal tornado
siren in your home or vehicle. We encourage Kansans to purchase a
weather radio and have it programmed to their county and/or surrounding
counties to receive severe weather warnings and information directly
from the National Weather Service. Now is a great time to replace the
back-up battery in your NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio so that you get
severe weather information even if the power goes out.

![](media/image4.jpeg){width="3.6041666666666665in"
height="1.9895833333333333in"}As always, the National Weather Service
offices that serve the state of Kansas look forward to partnering with
you and your staff to help Kansans prepare for severe weather. Please
contact the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at your local office if
you have any questions or comments regarding this packet. Visit our
webpages for the latest forecasts and severe weather information.

[www.weather.gov/topeka](http://www.weather.gov/topeka)

[www.weather.gov/wichita](http://www.weather.gov/wichita)

[www.weather.gov/dodgecity](http://www.weather.gov/dodgecity)

[www.weather.gov/goodland](http://www.weather.gov/goodland)

[www.weather.gov/kansascity](http://www.weather.gov/kansascity)

[www.weather.gov/springfield](http://www.weather.gov/springfield)

[www.weather.gov/hastings](http://www.weather.gov/hastings)

**[2007 Kansas Tornado Facts]{.underline}**

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**[Tornadoes:]{.underline} 137** (80 above the 1950-2007 average of 57)

**[Deaths]{.underline}: 14** **[Injuries]{.underline}: 82**

**[Longest Track:]{.underline} 34 miles** (Sherman-Cheyenne Counties -
March 28)

**[Strongest:]{.underline}** **EF5** (Greensburg, May 4)

**[Most in a county:]{.underline}** **11** (Stafford)

**[Days of occurrence:]{.underline} 22**

**[Most in one day:]{.underline} 36 (**May 5)

**[Most in one month:]{.underline}** **77** (June)

**[Record Months:]{.underline}** **February** (9), **March** (26),
**May** (77)

**[First tornado of the year:]{.underline}** **February 23** (Meade
County, 9:56 pm CST)

**[Last tornado of the year:]{.underline} September 28** (Gove County,
7:21 pm CDT)

\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-- **2007 Monthly
Tornado** **Totals** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--

  ----------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----------- ----------
  **Month**   **Jan**   **Feb**   **Mar**   **Apr**   **May**   **Jun**   **Jul**   **Aug**   **Sep**   **Oct**   **Nov**   **Dec**   **Total**   

  **Total**   **0**     **9**     **26**    **18**    **77**    **3**     **1**     **2**     **1**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **137**     **100%**

  **EF5**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **1**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **1**       **1%**

  **EF4**     **0**     **1**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **1**       **1%**

  **EF3**     **0**     **0**     **1**     **0**     **3**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **4**       **3%**

  **EF2**     **0**     **0**     **1**     **0**     **5**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **6**       **4%**

  **EF1**     **0**     **2**     **6**     **5**     **19**    **0**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **32**      **23%**

  **EF0**     **0**     **6**     **18**    **13**    **49**    **3**     **1**     **2**     **1**     **0**     **0**     **0**     **93**      **68%**
  ----------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----------- ----------

Weak (EF0, EF1) tornadoes shaded green, strong (EF2, EF3) shaded yellow,
violent (EF4, EF5) shaded red.

**Yearly Summary:** The number of Kansas tornadoes in 2007 set a new
record with 137, surpassing the record of 135 set just two years prior.
February, March and May of 2007 set new records for the number of
tornadoes in each of those months. The EF5 tornado which struck
Greensburg on May 4^th^ was the first (E)F5 tornado in the country since
May 3, 1999. One other violent tornado affected Kansas on February
28^th^. Ten strong tornadoes occurred in 2007, with 125 weak tornadoes.

**Other Kansas Tornado Facts:** May 5^th^ produced 36 tornadoes in the
state, falling just short of the all-time record of 39 tornadoes in one
day set in June of 1992. Fourteen fatalities were reported in 2007,
including 82 injuries. Thirteen of these fatalities occurred during the
May 5^th^ outbreak. 2007 is now ranked 6^th^ highest in Kansas
fatalities since reliable records began in 1950. Since the year 2000,
834 tornadoes have occurred in Kansas, which is greater than any decade
since 1950.

Number range CHAPTER**KANSAS TORNADO STATISTICS**

**by County**

**1950 - 2007**

**TORNADOES, FATALITIES, AND INJURIES**

**County Tor Fat Inj County Tor Fat Inj County Tor Fat Inj**

  ---------------------------- --------------- ----------- ---------------
  Allen                        24              0           4

  Anderson                     14              3           12

  Atchison                     15              0           11

  Barber                       26              0           2

  Barton                       74              2           37

  Bourbon                      16              0           7

  Brown                        42              0           5

  Butler                       61              28          225

  Chase                        33              0           2

  Chautauqua                   15              0           0

  Cherokee                     34              4           41

  Cheyenne                     37              0           0

  Clark                        29              0           0

  Clay                         33              1           31

  Cloud                        43              1           8

  Coffey                       19              0           5

  Comanche                     29              0           2

  Cowley                       50              77          291

  Crawford                     33              4           43

  Decatur                      40              0           5

  Dickinson                    32              0           9

  Doniphan                     17              0           2

  Douglas                      34              1           48

  Edwards                      33              0           6

  Elk                          22              2           8

  Ellis                        45              0           5

  Ellsworth                    42              0           0

  Finney                       74              1           39

  Ford                         71              0           0

  Franklin                     25              3           34

  Geary                        16              0           3

  Gove                         24              0           1

  Graham                       33              0           0

  Grant                        24              0           9

  Gray                         29              0           3

  Greeley                      29              0           0

  Greenwood                    35              0           10

  Hamilton                     20              0           1

  Harper                       55              0           1

  Harvey                       46              1           63

  Haskell                      21              0           10

  Hodgeman                     41              0           4

  Jackson                      28              3           17

  Jefferson                    39              0           101

  Jewell                       30              0           1

  Johnson                      31              4           12

  Kearny                       30              0           0

  Kingman                      44              0           1

  Kiowa                        35              11          74

  Labette                      31              1           29

  Lane                         18              0           2

  Leavenworth                  28              2           30

  Lincoln                      27              0           2

  Linn                         12              0           3

  Logan                        18              0           0

  Lyon                         39              6           217

  McPherson                    41              1           16

  Marion                       43              1           2

  Marshall                     28              0           1

  Meade                        43              0           0

  Miami                        18              0           9

  Mitchell                     42              0           5

  Montgomery                   31              1           1

  Morris                       28              0           7

  Morton                       18              1           2

  Nemaha                       30              0           1

  Neosho                       28              0           4

  Ness                         33              0           4

  Norton                       19              0           0

  Osage                        36              17          6

  Osborne                      37              0           13

  Ottawa                       24              2           9

  Pawnee                       42              0           1

  Phillips                     37              0           1

  Pottawatomie                 29              0           5

  Pratt                        56              1           8

  Rawlins                      46              0           4

  Reno                         66              0           20

  Republic                     48              0           1

  Rice                         39              0           6

  Riley                        26              0           51

  Rooks                        40              0           6

  Rush                         28              0           8

  Russell                      63              1           7

  Saline                       27              0           66

  Scott                        35              1           1

  Sedgwick                     75              13          321

  Seward                       32              0           15

  Shawnee                      44              18          528

  Sheridan                     20              0           0

  Sherman                      91              0           0

  Smith                        39              0           1

  Stafford                     55              1           4

  Stanton                      18              0           0

  Stevens                      24              1           5

  Sumner                       71              5           14

  Thomas                       40              0           1

  Trego                        45              5           101

  Wabaunsee                    31              0           14

  Wallace                      35              0           4

  Washington                   31              2           12

  Wichita                      21              3           4

  Wilson                       13              0           0

  Woodson                      12              0           8

  Wyandotte                    9               2           36

  **Total**                    **3632**        **232**     **2809**
  ---------------------------- --------------- ----------- ---------------

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**First Ever EF5 Tornado Destroys A Small Kansas Town**

On May 4^th^, 2007, a monster tornado devastated the town of Greensburg,
Kansas and surrounding countryside. It was the strongest recorded
tornado since the May 3, 1999 Moore, Oklahoma twister. Despite a warning
with 26 minutes of lead time, the town of around 1500 persons still lost
11 lives. Many of those died in basements. There were also 63 injuries
reported. First responders arriving on the scene requested three
refrigerated refer trucks thinking there would be hundreds of
fatalities. Fate no doubt played a role in the relatively low loss of
life given the situation.

The killer tornado started in a neighboring county to the south and
crossed into Kiowa County shortly after 9 PM CST. It curved north then
northwest ![](media/image15.wmf){width="3.0875in" height="2.95in"}before
making a complete loop northwest of Greensburg, travelling nearly 26
miles and was on the ground for a little over 1 hour.

As the tornado was in a stage of dissipating it turned northwest, west,
south and then back east making a loop. This was documented on both high
resolution Doppler radar and through the ground survey. Also, as the
tornado was dissipating a new circulation quickly grew northeast of
town.

![](media/image16.jpeg){width="3.0875in"
height="2.158333333333333in"}Ninety percent of the town was destroyed or
heavily damaged. In Greensburg alone, 961 homes and businesses were
destroyed and 216 received major damage. The tornado also destroyed a
dozen homes and a church south of Greensburg, but did not cause injury
there. Remarkably, the tornado took down the town's only water
tower...which also stood above the famous "hand dug well" and meteorite.

Outside of town, several oil storage tanks were destroyed causing an
environmental concern.

![](media/image17.jpeg){width="6.5in" height="1.7770833333333333in"}

![](media/image18.jpeg){width="4.25625in"
height="3.207638888888889in"}In the town of Greensburg, hazardous
material was strewn everywhere. Even fire hydrants were displaced from
their original locations. As of July 26th, debris was still not fully
cleaned up. Two landfills were filled with debris from the town even
though most of the debris was burned. Hundreds of thousands of dump
truck loads were taken out. It was estimated that approximately 400,000
cubic yards of debris was removed.

The major highway running through town was closed for 1 full month. At
one time, there was over 150 law enforcement officers (from all over the
country) present. Military was called in for debris removal and
rebuilding.

**07 Severe Weather Summary**

**Southwest Kansas**

**National Weather Service, Dodge City**

![](media/image19.png){width="4.475694444444445in" height="3.6625in"}

Crippling weather greeted the new year of 2007 as the remnants of a
historic snow and ice storm left the area on New Year's Eve. Snowfall of
up to 32 inches fell near the Colorado border with huge drifts; up to 2
½ inches of ice brought down electrical and communication towers; and
the combination of rain, ice and snow brought up to 6 inches of moisture
that would eventually cause widespread flooding. Power was out in some
locations of rural Western Kansas until March!

![](media/image20.png){width="2.5625in"
height="1.7090277777777778in"}Late in February and into early March, the
massive amount of ice and snow, coupled with saturated ground led to a
tremendous amount of flooding in Stanton, Hamilton, Grant, Kearny,
Finney, Lane and Scott counties. Millions of dollars in damage was done
to county roads and a few structures. Many elderly farmers commented
that they had NEVER witnessed so much water or flooding!

February also brought night-time tornadoes to southwest Kansas which
produced damage and even left a bit of snow on the ground! Tornadoes in
February in southwest Kansas have never been documented before. The
twisters occurred late in the evening on the 23^rd^. Two tornadoes
danced across the farmland of Meade, Gray and Ford counties.  The
strongest and longest lived tornado had its sights set on Dodge City but
fortunately it dissipated before reaching the city of 30,000 plus. 
However, the tornado did produce EF1 damage southwest of town. 

![](media/image22.png){width="1.5166666666666666in"
height="2.275in"}Tornadoes occurred again in March, this time in an
outbreak of 9 twisters that caused significant damage during darkness on
the 28^th^. The strongest, and longest tracked tornado, passed from west
of Jetmore to west of Ness City. It had a path length of 29 miles and
was ¾ of a mile wide. Fortunately, folks in the path of the tornadoes
that night had ample warning and were able to take precautions to
prevent injury or death.  Although no human life was lost, there were
approximately 90 head of cattle that perished along the path of the
largest tornado.  A dozen homes were either destroyed or received some
damage. Over 150 power poles were taken down along with many miles of
transmission lines.  Some sheet metal debris from one farm was found
over 30 miles away. Also, a 5 ton storage tank was thrown 1 mile!

The weather got even crazier in April. On Friday the 13^th^, a major
snow storm struck much of western Kansas. The snow was also accompanied
by quite a bit of cloud-to-ground lightning. The heaviest amount of snow
reported was 15 inches near Ulysses. Ten to twelve inches was common
from Stanton into Ford County. Snow drifts were 2 to 4 feet.

![](media/image15.wmf){width="2.5555555555555554in"
height="2.441666666666667in"}Could it have gotten worse? Indeed, it
happened! May 4^th^, 2007 will go down as a historic day when the town
of Greensburg in Kiowa County was nearly wiped off the face of the earth
by an EF5 tornado, the strongest in a classification from 0 to 5.
Unfortunately, 11 people perished in Greensburg with dozens injured,
despite ample warning of 26 minutes. Fate surely played a role in the
"relatively" low number of deaths given the sheer magnitude of the
damage. Other killer tornadoes occurred with a death in Pratt County and
a death in Stafford County reported. Some of these monsters were nearly
2 miles wide! In all, 12 tornadoes occurred on the 4^th^. There was also
an environmental concern with the amount of toxic material that was
moved around by the tornadoes, ranging from asbestos, to solvents, to
crude oil. An oil storage tank south of Greensburg ruptured spilling
many barrels of oil onto the surrounding land.

![](media/image17.jpeg){width="6.5in" height="1.7916666666666667in"}

Another outbreak followed the next day on the 5^th^ of May when 17
tornadoes moved across nearly the same area. Fortunately, there were no
deaths reported but there was more substantial damage. Unbelievably,
another 3 tornadoes occurred on the 6^th^ but this time a bit farther
south and east.

![](media/image24.png){width="2.171527777777778in"
height="1.6263888888888889in"}Other than typical summer heat and
dryness, the weather was comparatively uneventful until August 20^th^
when severe thunderstorms produced widespread down bursts, heavy rain
and hail from Dighton to near Sublette. Sadly, one downburst rolled a
trailer house in western Garden City, claiming the life of an elderly
woman. Other downbursts caused considerable damage to the Holcomb high
school, especially to the auditorium and gymnasium roof. Damage was
around one million dollars there. Wind speeds in this area were
estimated to be 90 to100 mph. As the storm complex rolled on south it
produced considerable destruction along its path, taking out many
sprinkler irrigation pivots, power poles, and trees and also did quite a
bit of damage to the Sunflower Electric Power Corporation plant south of
Holcomb. Damage was close to a million dollars there too. Other pivot
sprinklers and damage to some mobile homes occurred on into Haskell
County.

Other than becoming extremely dry during the end of summer and into the
fall, there were a few daily temperature records set. In other words, it
was just a typical summer.

The number of tornadoes in southwest Kansas this year was astonishing as
53 twisters were reported! This follows last year when 41 were observed
and also in 2005 when there were 52 tornadoes reported. The average for
a year in southwest Kansas is 14 and the average for the whole state of
Kansas is around 55! Hopefully, the weather during 2008 will be much
less eventful. But, we do need rain for crops, streams and lakes...just
not accompanied by all the severe weather.

**White, Wild, Windy and Wet Spring/Summer of 2007**

**By: Chris Bowman Meteorologist Intern &**

**Andy Kleinsasser, General Meteorologist**

Once again, central, south-central and southeast Kansas lived up to its
notorious reputation for severe weather in 2007. But instead of the
expected high occurrence of tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds,
very heavy rainfall and flooding "stole the show." Not to say that
tornadoes large, large hail and damaging winds didn't occur, because
they certainly did, especially during the month of May, and occasionally
displayed quite a violent temper. Additionally, heavy snow and well
below freezing temperatures affected portions of the area relatively
late into the spring months.

While every significant weather event, regardless of magnitude, is
treated with the utmost respect and importance by The National Weather
Service, only the largest and most noteworthy events will be highlighted
in this article. These highlights include (in chronological order):
heavy April snowfall and early hard freeze, May 4-6th severe
thunderstorms, and May 31-June 1^st^ severe thunderstorms. The major
flooding that occurred in May, June and July across portions of the area
will be covered in another article.

**[Heavy April Snowfall and Early Hard Freeze]{.underline}**

Early on April 5^th^, a backdoor cold front pushed southwestward into
portions of central through southeast Kansas. This front stalled and
interacted with an upper level system to develop a rather intense and
narrow band of snow, stretching from Russell and Lincoln counties,
southeastward across Saline, McPherson and Marion counties, and
eventually losing steam across Greenwood and Elk counties. The heaviest
accumulations (6 to 8 inches) occurred from southwest Saline County to
southeast Marion County and encompassed the northeast two-thirds
McPherson County.

![](media/image26.png){width="3.96875in" height="2.5520833333333335in"}

A 2^nd^ powerful spring storm system moved through Kansas from the
afternoon of April 13th to the early morning hours of April 14th. A 5 to
6-inch swath of heavy, wet snow blanketed northern Harvey through Chase
Counties. Lesser amounts on the order of 2 to 4 inches blanketed areas
from Kingman through Reno and McPherson Counties. 1 to 2 inches fell
across Sedgwick County with Wichita's Mid-Continent Airport setting a
record for the latest measurable snowfall.

Between the two storms, several locations measured over 8 inches, and
recorded their snowiest April on record. A few notable amounts include
11.3 inches at Hillsboro, 10.5 inches at McPherson, 10 inches at
Cassoday, 10 inches at Marion Lake, 9.4 inches at Lindsborg, and 8.1
inches at Newton.

Furthermore, an unwelcomed late season Arctic blast plummeted nighttime
temperatures into the 20s across central, south central and southeast
Kansas April 4^th^ through the 8^th^. Although readings rose above
freezing during the daytime hours, the prolonged and bitter cold
nighttime temperatures wreaked havoc on Kansas crops. The winter wheat
crop was in the jointing stage of development, and thus suffered the
most damage. Strangely, some fields received negligible freeze damage,
while an adjacent field sustained extensive damage. Central Kansas
crops, traditionally known as the heart of Kansas wheat production, felt
the brunt of the freeze. Winter wheat crop damage from the Easter
Weekend freeze is unknown, but estimates place it at hundreds of
millions of dollars.

**[May 4^th^-6^th^ Severe Thunderstorms]{.underline}**

![](media/image27.png){width="3.2979166666666666in"
height="1.9270833333333333in"}A stalled dryline across western and
central Kansas produced several bouts of severe thunderstorms from very
late in the day on May 4^th^ through late in the day on May 6^th^,
including the devastating Greensburg tornado. Twenty tornadoes occurred
across Barton, Rice, Russell, Lincoln, Harper and Reno counties over the
3 day blight, as well as countless large hail and damaging wind reports.
Fortunately, the tornadoes were rated as EF1 or EF0, meaning significant
damage to well built structures did not occur. Most of the tornado and
wind damage was limited to trees, outbuildings, barns, sheds and power
lines. Well built structures such as homes and businesses did receive
some damage, but was for the most part relatively minor. Barton county
was hit particularly hard a few nights in a row, where 500 power poles
including several large transmission lines were downed, causing at least
4.5 million dollars in damage. Additionally, a tornado destroyed five
100,000 bushel grain bins in Claflin, with two of them being flung onto
the local Dillon\'s grocery store. Near the intersection of Highway 56
and 156, another tornado damaged several center pivot irrigation
devices, and also damaged a gasoline pipeline terminal and specialized
trailer company near the intersection of U.S. 56 and K-156. Portions of
Ellsworth, Rice, Russell and Lincoln Counties were also hit hard by
tornadoes and/or damaging straight-line winds.

[**May 31^st^ --June 1^st^ Severe Thunderstorms**]{.underline}

![](media/image28.png){width="3.5729166666666665in"
height="1.9479166666666667in"}A strong upper level disturbance
approached from the northwest and spawned a powerful squall line during
the evening hours of May 31^st^. The squall line moved east to southeast
across portions of central and south-central Kansas, producing large
hail and high winds in its path. Extreme straight-line winds on the
order of 90 to 100 mph ravaged the community of Moundridge in southeast
McPherson County, inflicting a narrow swath of substantial damage. Three
businesses and one residence received major damage. Numerous trees were
uprooted across town. The damage path was relatively narrow, indicating
an intense channel microburst. Three individuals received minor
injuries.

As the first squall dissipated around midnight, a 2^nd^ powerful squall
line developed over south-central Kansas and moved east, producing high
winds across portions of Sumner and Cowley Counties. Damage was rather
widespread in and around Arkansas City, where damaging winds downed
numerous trees and power lines/poles, and inflicted roof damage to
several homes and businesses. Several grave stones at the local cemetery
were damaged and 69 power poles and 24 transformers were damaged or
destroyed across the Arkansas City area. In the vicinity of Geuda
Springs, numerous trees and power poles/lines were downed, and several
buildings and residences received major damage. The strong winds ripped
off the roof of an old school gymnasium.

**Northwest Kansas Weather Summary -- 2007**

**National Weather Service - Goodland, KS**

![](media/image29.png){width="2.7715277777777776in"
height="2.259027777777778in"}The 2007 severe weather season in northwest
Kansas got off to a roaring start when a major tornado outbreak occurred
on March 28^th^. Sixteen tornadoes developed during a 4-hour period
beginning around 6:00 pm, including an EF2 tornado which remained on the
ground for over an hour, covering 34 continuous miles. March 28^th^ set
a new record for number of tornadoes occurring in March. This was also
the greatest number of tornadoes reported for any calendar day on record
in northwest Kansas. Strong jet stream winds combined with favorable low
level moisture resulted in a series of supercell thunderstorms which
rolled north during the evening. This image shows a radar reflectivity
display indicating two severe thunderstorms. The storm in the right half
of the image is producing an EF2 tornado just east of Bird City, KS in
Cheyenne County.

![](media/image30.jpeg){width="3.1354166666666665in" height="2.0875in"}A
few weeks after the March 28^th^ outbreak, conditions again were
favorable for severe weather, and on April 23^rd^, seven tornadoes were
reported in northwest Kansas, including four EF1 tornadoes. One tornado
remained on the ground for over 15 miles, severely damaging one home and
numerous trees and outbuildings (see image at left). The large,
slow-moving weather system which produced tornadoes on April 23^rd^
lingered in the area, producing yet another round of severe weather on
April 24^th^, including reports of flash flooding in Rawlins County
where torrential rainfall of 5-6 inches occurred.

In May, it was the last week of the month which was the most noteworthy
in terms of the number of severe weather reports. Law enforcement, storm
spotters and chasers, and the public called in over 70 severe reports on
May 22^nd^, the 29^th^ and the 31^st^. The highlights included five
tornadoes (all rated EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale), flash flooding
in Graham, Logan and Sherman counties, hail up to 2.5 inches in diameter
in Graham County near St Peter, and damaging thunderstorm winds near 75
mph just east of Brewster in Thomas County.

June 19^th^ was the standout day during that month when 26 reports of
severe weather were logged, including an 18 minute duration tornado in
Sheridan County near Tasco. Fortunately, the tornado was slow-moving and
remained over open fields and there were no reports of damage. Many
spotters reported hail to the size of golf balls on this day.

A heat burst occurred in Greeley County at Tribune around 7:00 am on
August 22^nd^. Thunderstorm downdrafts produced severe wind gusts
measured at 67 mph, while the air temperature rose from 77 degrees to 95
degrees just after daybreak. The dew point also plunged from 66 degrees
to 34 degrees during the event. There was no known damage from the
strong thunderstorm outflow winds.

![](media/image31.jpeg){width="3.09375in"
height="2.0541666666666667in"}A severe downburst occurred on September
6^th^ in McDonald in far western Rawlins County. Straight line winds
estimated at 85 to 90 mph slammed into the west edge of McDonald during
the early evening hours, causing significant damage to several
structures. A trailer home was overturned and destroyed, but fortunately
it was unoccupied when the storm hit (see image). A large storage garage
nearby was also completely destroyed, and numerous other buildings
suffered damage, including a large grain bin.

The last tornado report for the year in Kansas occurred on September
28^th^ in Gove County. A weak (EF0) tornado was reported by spotters and
law enforcement during the evening hours, associated with a large
complex of severe thunderstorms.

The last severe thunderstorm report of the season occurred October
14^th^ near the Nebraska border where nickel sized hail occurred in
extreme northern Rawlins county during the early morning hours.

A total of 32 tornadoes were logged in 2007 in the Kansas counties
served by the Goodland office. A record 56 tornadoes were reported in
the Goodland office area of responsibility in 2007, which serves 3
Colorado, 3 Nebraska and 13 Kansas counties. The previous record was 42
tornadoes.

**North-Central Kansas 2007 Severe Weather Summary**

**By Steve Kisner, NWS Hastings, NE**

The severe weather season started off during the first week of May. On
May 4^th^, severe thunderstorms rumbled across north-central Kansas. The
storms produced gusty winds and hail up to the size of quarters. There
were also 2 tornadoes from the storms. The first twister briefly touched
down southeast of Gaylord in Smith County. Luckily, it occurred in an
open field where it only damaged a center pivot system. The other
tornado occurred in Phillipsburg. The narrow twister damaged a few
rooftops, a children's outdoor play set, some fencing, uprooted trees
and broke a few windows. The tornado was on the ground for about a half
mile and was rated as an EF-1.

On the next day, May 5^th^, another round of storms brought severe
weather in the form of hail and another tornado to parts of
north-central Kansas. The tornado sat down about 3 miles south of
Osborne and moved north. The twister finally lifted near the
Smith-Osborne county line. This EF-2 tornado destroyed two mobile homes,
damaged roofs, fences, cars and windows, and damaged 2 restaurants. The
Pizza Hut sustained minor damage but the Circle Inn lost a large part of
its roof, a couple of outside walls, and had substantial damage to the
interior portion of the restaurant. Eleven people were injured by this
tornado, luckily none were seriously injured.

The last tornado to occur this season happened on May 31^st^. A tornado
briefly touched down just west of Prairie View in western Phillips
County. The twister, rated EF-0, didn't cause any damage but photos of
it were featured in the local newspaper and on CNN news. The storms on
the last day of May also produced hail up to baseballs in size along
with 60 to 70 mph winds. Damage was noted in the Smith Center area,
where a couple of outbuildings were destroyed and siding on several
houses was damaged by the wind-driven hail. Crops north of Smith Center
were also stripped or mowed down by the hail.

August started out wet when thunderstorms dumped heavy rains in Smith
County. The storms produced 2 to 4 inches of rain that resulted in
localized flooding. Water flowed across Highway 36 near Smith Center and
there was street flooding in Lebanon. More storms on the 20^th^ brought
strong winds, hail and more heavy rains. The strong winds damaged a
carport and another outbuilding in Agra and caused considerable tree
damage in Beloit where several folks were without power for a time. The
month ended with more heavy rain producing storms. On the 28^th^ and
29^th^, thunderstorms produced 3 to 5 inches of rainfall that caused
flash flooding in southern Rooks County. The flooding was in the
Paradise Creek basin and impacted locations along Highway 18 from Palco
to Codell. Water was nearly 5 feet deep on a county road east of Codell.

The severe weather season in north-central Kansas ended in the middle of
October when on the 17^th^, storms brought hail, funnel clouds and heavy
rains. In Phillipsburg, the storms produced nickel to golf ball sized
hail and several funnel clouds. The local newspaper featured several
photographs of the funnels that drifted over town. Luckily, they did not
touch the ground or cause any damage. Rains of about 2 inches did cause
some minor flooding in low lying areas

**Extreme Southeast Kansas 2007 Severe Weather Summary**

**National Weather Service Springfield, MO**

During the January 12th ice storm, portions of extreme southeast Kansas
received a sleet pack that accumulated up to four inches in some
locations. Following this ice storm, weather conditions were quiet
through March and April. Only two episodes of marginally severe hail and
two episodes of minor flooding occurred during those months.

Frequent waves of thunderstorms containing heavy rain during May, June
and July caused significant flooding, nearly on a continuous basis for
Cherokee County. As a matter of fact, there were several periods when
both the Neosho River and Spring River experienced historical flooding.
Only one tornado occurred during the year 2007. This tornado touched
down two miles west of Weir. No damage occurred and the tornado was
rated an EF-0.

On October 17th, a line of severe storms caused significant damage in
the city of Baxter Springs. A National Weather Service storm survey
revealed that wind speeds up to 85 mph had occurred over south and east
sections of the city.

Finally, Cherokee County was hit by a major ice storm in early December
2007. Nearly 100% of the county experienced power outages as an inch and
a half of ice accumulated on exposed objects. Numerous trees were
damaged while power lines were downed.

**Extreme Northeast and East Central Kansas**

**Weather Summary -- 2007**

National Weather Service Pleasant Hill, MO

This past year saw a variety of hazardous weather, as is typical.
However, 2007 was quieter than usual with very few large severe weather
outbreaks.

![](media/image32.png){width="2.1215277777777777in" height="1.875in"}

The season started off with a bang, as a strong low pressure system and
attendant warm front lifted northeast out of Oklahoma during the late
afternoon and early evening hours of February 28. The first EF4 tornado
in the country occurred in Linn county near Blue Mound, KS. It touched
down shortly before 7:30 pm and was on the ground for nearly 24 miles.
The tornado rumbled across mainly rural Linn County, however it did
destroy a home and several out buildings on a farm near Blue Mound. The
system also went on to produce hail up to the size of baseballs and
additional tornadoes as it moved east across central Missouri.

March was relatively quiet, however April was marked by weather
extremes. Widespread frost and freezing temperatures occurred April
4^th^ through the 10^th^. Low temperatures dropped into the upper teens
and twenties. Trees and flowers which had budded or bloomed were
severely damaged or destroyed. A late season snow storm hit Johnson,
Linn and Miami counties with 1 to 3 inches of snow on April 14^th^.
April also had its share of severe weather. Storm systems moved across
east central Kansas into west central Missouri on April 25^th^ and
27^th^. Numerous reports of hail and funnel clouds were received on both
days in extreme east central Kansas. The storms went on to produce a
brief tornado in far southwest Bates County the evening of the 27^th^.

![](media/image33.jpeg){width="2.6770833333333335in"
height="1.875in"}May and most of June were relatively quiet across
extreme east central and northeast Kansas, however numerous rounds of
heavy rainfall affected much of the lower Missouri River Valley between
June 27 and July 1. This resulted in widespread flooding across the
region. Some of the harder hit areas included locations along the Marais
des Cygne River including Osawatomie and La Cygne, Kansas. Five day
rainfall totals were extraordinary across Linn and Miami Counties.

Pleasanton Linn, KS 15.80"

Mound City Linn, KS 15.01"

La Cygne Linn, KS 14.90"

Trading Post Linn, KS 13.28"

Paola Miami, KS 9.86"

Osawatomie Miami, KS 8.70"

The rest of 2007 saw mainly isolated severe thunderstorms producing hail
from 1 to 1.5 inches, wind gusts to around 60 mph and a few very brief
tornado touchdowns across extreme portions of east central and northeast
Kansas.

**North Central Northeast and East Central Kansas 2007 Summary**

**National Weather Service Topeka, KS**

The severe weather season got off to an early start in east central
Kansas in 2007. On February 28, 2007 supercell thunderstorms developed
rapidly in the early evening hours. The severe thunderstorms produced
several rounds of severe weather in east central Kansas. Hail up to the
size of golfballs was reported in Osage, Lyon, Coffey, and Franklin
Counties. Three tornadoes occurred during the evening hours in Anderson
County. The first tornado touched down briefly just west of Colony and
was on the ground for just over one mile. It was rated an EF0 and no
damage was observed. The same supercell produced another tornado that
touched down just east of Colony. This tornado was on the ground for 9
miles and was rated a strong EF1. Along the 9 mile track of this
tornado, damage to homes, outbuildings, trees and power lines was
observed. Some of the most impressive damage was noted 3 miles northwest
of Lone Elm, where a large, covered indoor riding arena was completely
destroyed. The large metal building anchored by concrete footings was
pulled out of the ground and thrown across a nearby road. People inside
the arena escaped serious injury when the tornado struck. A third
tornado touched down briefly just inside the Anderson County line before
moving into Linn County. This tornado was rated an EF0 in Anderson
County, but it became much stronger in Linn County.

Very cold late season temperatures occurred in April 2007. The passage
of a cold front April 3rd drove cold arctic air into the Central Plains
states, and forced temperatures to plummet to some of the coolest
readings ever recorded during early April. Topeka and Concordia both saw
their coldest ever April 4th through April 8th average temperatures.
Record low maximum temperatures were recorded at Topeka, 38F degrees,
and Concordia, 31F degrees on April 5th. Temperatures dipped down into
the middle to upper teens overnight the 6th and the 7th across Northeast
Kansas, which caused a hard freeze for much of Kansas. Early season
crops, including wheat, alfalfa, berries, spinach, and apples were
significantly damaged by the cold. Cool weather and below normal
temperatures continued for the next week, and then a second round of
very cold temperatures settled over far northeast and east central
Kansas the weekend of the April 13^th^ through the 15^th^. This cold
snap followed on the heels of unseasonably warm temperatures in late
March that caused crops, trees and shrubs to respond to the warm spring
temperatures. The late spring freeze left many farmers out in the cold.
The Kansas State Farm Services Agency reported that all 23 counties in
the Topeka County Warning Area recorded a 30% or greater loss of the
wheat and alfalfa crops.

![](media/image34.jpeg){width="3.4375in"
height="2.2395833333333335in"}May 1^st^ brought some severe weather to
northeast Kansas with flash flooding and funnel clouds reported in
Pottawatomie, Morris, Wabaunsee, Shawnee and Jefferson Counties.
Unfortunately, this round of severe weather paled in comparison to what
occurred just a few days later. An upper level low pressure system
brought bouts of severe thunderstorms and heavy rains to the Topeka
County Warning Area from the afternoon hours of Saturday, May 5th
through Monday, May 7th.

There was a series of tornadoes that affected portions of north central
Kansas the night of Saturday, May 5th. Concurrently, a strong squall
line pushed eastward across much of north central Kansas, bringing a
widespread swath of damage through the area. The entire weekend was
affected by round after round of strong thunderstorms and very heavy
rainfall. Five tornadoes touched down on the night of May 5th across
north central Kansas. Two of these were brief touchdowns that caused
only minor damage and were rated EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita scale. Two
were rated EF1, and the strongest was rated an EF2. The supercell
thunderstorm that produced four of the five tornadoes the night of the
5th moved north through eastern Ottawa County between 11:30 and
midnight, then became embedded in a squall line as it continued
northward into eastern Cloud and western Washington Counties.

The EF2 tornado in eastern Ottawa County damaged or destroyed numerous
homes, cabins, campers, outbuildings and small cottages along an 11 mile
path just west of the State Fishing Lake. Tragically, this tornado was
also responsible for five injuries and one fatality. One of the EF1
tornadoes that night touched down in Ottawa County before tracking to
the north-northeast along a 7 mile path into southeastern Cloud County,
just west of Miltonvale. The second EF1 of the night was a brief
touchdown that hit a residence near the abandoned town of Enosdale in
Washington County.

The second major event during the weekend was the squall line that
produced extensive straight- line wind damage across much of north
central Kansas. This squall line developed due to a merger of a few
supercell thunderstorms over western Ottawa County around midnight, May
6th. The primary swath of damage began in Ottawa County and then
continued northeast into Clay, Cloud, Washington, Marshall and Riley
Counties. The squall line commonly produced winds in excess of 80 mph,
with numerous farm buildings, grain bins, homes, trees, outbuildings and
power poles sustaining significant damage. Some of the most concentrated
damage occurred in Clay County, where 35 residences sustained damage.\
\
The most widespread event of the weekend was the extensive flooding
which affected almost all of northeast Kansas. From an area roughly
along and southeast of a Minneapolis to Marysville line; and along and
northwest of the Kansas Turnpike, locations received anywhere from 4 to
11 inches of rain during the 48-hr period of May 5th to May 7th. The
heavy rainfall caused nearly every river basin in the area to rise above
flood stage. In Topeka, significant flash flooding along the Shunganunga
Creek stranded nearly 500 residents. Emergency personnel performed
numerous water rescues before dawn on May 7th. The entire town of
Wakarusa was inundated with floodwaters, leaving homes across the town
virtually underwater. Several residents needed to be rescued from their
rooftops. Significant flooding continued in northern Osage County where
at one time Burlingame was completely isolated because water covered
every road in or out of town.\
\
After a break of several weeks, very heavy rain producing thunderstorms
again rolled over a number of counties during the evening and early
morning hours of May 23^rd^ to May 24th. Dickinson County was hit hard
for the second time in the month with significant flooding along the
Smoky Hill River. Runoff caused several major streams and rivers to go
above flood stage for several days. Rainfall totals were mostly in the
two to four inch range; however, four to six inches were noted in parts
of Marshall, Riley, Clay and Dickinson counties.

![](media/image35.jpeg){width="3.1354166666666665in"
height="2.3541666666666665in"}Flooding and flash flooding returned to
east central Kansas in late June and continued into early July. A
persistent upper level system anchored over the area for several days
late in the month and dumped excessive rain on Osage, Franklin, Coffey
and Anderson counties. Some parts of Douglas and Lyon counties also had
some flooding and flash flooding. The highest rainfall amount reported
was 20 inches in central Anderson County. However, 10 to 15 inches of
rainfall was common across much of Coffey, Franklin and Osage counties.
Record flooding occurred along the Pottawatomie Creek at both Scipio and
Lane Kansas and at Quenemo and Pomona along the Marais des Cygnes. The
flooding near Scipio appeared to be the worst since the 1850\'s. The
flood gates in Ottawa were closed to protect the city from flooding
along the Marais des Cygnes River although the crest was not a record
there. The bridge that connects the north and south parts of Ottawa was
covered with water and only the flood gates kept downtown Ottawa from
flooding. Forty to fifty homes were evacuated in Franklin County.
Several swift water rescues were done in Anderson and Coffey counties,
some with the assistance of a black hawk helicopter.

A few more rounds of severe weather were observed during the late summer
and early fall months. However, none of this severe weather impacted
such a wide area as the flooding during May, June and July.

![](media/image36.jpeg){width="3.59375in" height="2.28125in"}An ice
storm crippled portions of north central, northeast and east central
Kansas beginning the evening of December 10^th^ and continuing through
the 11th. Freezing rain deposited significant accumulations of ice on
area power lines and trees. Area roadways were less susceptible to the
icing conditions because roads were pre-treated and surface temperatures
remained just below freezing. Damage to trees and power lines caused
tens of thousands of residences and businesses to lose power for several
days to weeks following the storm. Utility companies and debris removal
crews worked for weeks following the storm to restore power, phone
service, water and heat. The hardest hit areas were generally north of
the I-35 turnpike from Emporia to Topeka and north of a Topeka to
Lawrence line. Following on the heels of the ice storm, were additional
snow storms that hampered clean-up and recovery efforts in the region.

***Tornado Safety***

![](media/image37.jpeg){width="2.3541666666666665in"
height="2.7493055555555554in"}When it comes to tornado safety, there is
not any fool proof measure that can guarantee your safety. However, by
following the tips listed below, your chances of survival are greatly
increased.

**Before a tornado strikes:**

1.  Look for approaching storms which:

    a.  May include a dark greenish tint

    b.  Contain large hail

    c.  Produce a loud roaring noise of rushing wind

2.  Monitor NOAA Weather Radio for the latest updates

**Where to go when a tornado warning has been issued for your area:**

1.  **Indoors:**

    a.  Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room,
        basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there
        is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the
        lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners,
        windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible
        between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use
        your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.

2.  **In a vehicle:**

    a.  Your 1^st^ option might be driving away from the danger. Notice
        the direction of movement of the tornado and drive at a right
        angle to a shelter. Remember to drive at a right angle, never
        try to outrun the tornado.

    b.  Otherwise, get out of your vehicle and Lie flat in a nearby
        ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be
        aware of the potential for flooding.

    c.  Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low,
        flat location.

3.  **In a trailer or mobile home:**

    a.  Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy,
        nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied
        down, offer little protection from tornadoes.

If all else fails remember the word **DUCK**:

**D**own to the lowest level

**U**nder something sturdy

**C**over your head

**K**eep in shelter until the storm passes

**Lightning - The Underrated Killer**

In the United States, there are an estimated 25 million lightning
flashes each year. During the past 30 years, lightning killed an average
of 62 people per year. This ties the average of 62 deaths per year
caused by tornadoes. Yet, because lightning usually claims only one or
two victims at a time and does not cause mass destruction of property,
it is underrated as a risk. While documented lightning injuries in the
United States average about 300 per year, undocumented injuries are
likely much higher.

-   **Watch for Developing Thunderstorms:** Thunderstorms are most
    likely to develop on spring or summer days, but can occur year
    round. As the sun heats the air, pockets of warmer air start to rise
    and cumulus clouds form. Continued heating can cause these clouds to
    grow vertically into towering cumulus clouds, often the first sign
    of a developing thunderstorm.

-   **An Approaching Thunderstorm: When to Seek Safe Shelter:**
    Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from an area where it is
    raining. That\'s about the distance you can hear thunder. **If you
    can hear thunder, you are within striking distance. Seek safe
    shelter immediately**.

-   ![](media/image38.jpeg){width="2.9375in"
    height="1.9993055555555554in"}**Outdoor Activities: Minimize the
    Risk of Being Struck:** Most lightning deaths and injuries occur in
    the summer. Where organized outdoor sports activities take place,
    coaches, camp counselors and other adults must stop activities at
    the first roar of thunder to ensure everyone time to get a large
    building or enclosed vehicle. Leaders of outdoors events should have
    a written plan that all staff are aware of and enforce.

-   **Indoor Activities: Things to Avoid:** If you are inside a
    building, stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical
    equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity. Stay away
    from pools, indoor or outdoor, tubs, showers and other plumbing. Buy
    surge suppressors for key equipment. Install ground fault protectors
    on circuits near water or outdoors. When inside, wait 30 minutes
    after the last strike, before going out again.

-   **Helping a Lightning Strike Victim:** If a person is struck by
    lightning, call 911 and get medical care immediately. Cardiac arrest
    and irregularities, burns, and nerve damage are common in cases
    where people are struck by lightning. However, with proper
    treatment, including CPR if necessary, most victims survive a
    lightning strike. You are in no danger helping a lightning victim.
    The charge will not affect you.

-   **Summary: Lightning is Dangerous!** With common sense, you can
    greatly increase your safety and the safety of those you are with.
    At the first clap of thunder, go to a large building or fully
    enclosed vehicle and wait 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder
    to go back outside.

    **When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!**

Did you know that floods, especially flash foods, kill more people each
year than any other weather phenomenon? And do you know why? Well, the
main reason is that people underestimate the force and power of water.
As little as six inches of fast moving water can sweep you off your feet
and 18 to 24 inches of water is enough to float a car and carry it away.
If you see a road barrier across a flooded roadway, then "**Turn Around.
Don't Drown!**" This is the National Weather Service's motto. We want
you to remember this if you encounter a situation where you see water
covering a roadway. You will not know the depth of the water or know the
condition of the road under the water. Did you also know that about 60
percent of all flood deaths result from people trying to cross flooded
roads in vehicles when the moving water sweeps them away? **So Turn
Around.** **Don't Drown!** Don't become one of the statistics.

Helpful safety rules to adhere to:

![](media/image39.png){width="1.7145833333333333in"
height="1.6458333333333333in"}When heavy rains threaten, monitor NOAA
Weather Radio or favorite news source for weather information. If
flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Leave areas subject to flooding,
such as dips, low spots and underpasses. Avoid areas already flooded. Do
not attempt to cross flowing streams. Never drive through flooded
roadways. ***Turn Around.** **Don't Drown.*** If your vehicle is
suddenly caught in rising water, leave it immediately and seek higher
ground. Look for a floatation device. Be especially cautious at night
when it is harder to see flood dangers.

Please report flooding to your local authorities or The National Weather
Service. Finally, know when you are at risk. Keep abreast of the latest
weather watches and warnings. Let caution and good sense be your guides.
Remember, **Turn Around. Don't Drown**!

![](media/image40.jpeg){width="2.560416666666667in"
height="1.9479166666666667in"}

Many times when storm damage occurs to buildings, trees or other
objects, people automatically say it was **a Tornado!** The "glamour" of
having a tornado seems to overwhelm scientific evidence and common
sense.  Although difficult for many to understand, in most years,
**thunderstorm winds cause more damage, and are more frequent than
tornadoes**. In addition, property and crop damage can be more severe
from thunderstorm winds than from tornadoes. Thunderstorms winds can
exceed 100 mph while the most common tornado winds are generally not
this strong.  

![](media/image41.jpeg){width="2.76875in"
height="2.076388888888889in"}Thunderstorm winds come in many forms,
sometimes from squall lines of thunderstorms and other times in the form
of downburst winds.  The most frequently encountered type of damaging
**straight-line wind** in a thunderstorm is that associated with the
leading edge of the rain-cooled outflow, known as the **gust front**. 
Although most thunderstorm outflow winds range from 30 to 50 mph, on
occasion these winds can exceed 100 mph.  Downburst-producing storms
often give little advance indications of the imminent danger on weather
radar or to the spotter, so warnings are difficult to issue.

In 2004, thunderstorm winds produced an estimated \$5.5 million in
property damage, according to the publication *Storm Data*. This was
about 1/6^th^ the amount of tornado damage in 2004. However, in most
years, thunderstorm wind damage is more than that caused by tornadoes.

To be safe from strong thunderstorm winds, go inside a sturdy building
but stay away from windows that could break. If available, get to a
basement or underground shelter. Large hail and flooding rains may
accompany strong winds, so be alert to these dangers. Stay informed
about the weather at all times!

Every year the National Weather Service and the Emergency Management
communities get together and provide severe weather information for the
public. Every year we emphasize the fact that the Outdoor Sirens are
just that...an Outdoor Warning System. Every year we get a multitude of
calls telling us that the sirens can't be heard while in the house.

![](media/image42.jpeg){width="2.1972222222222224in"
height="3.0520833333333335in"}Severe weather season usually begins in
the early spring in Kansas. We all need to be prepared for severe
weather at any time of the day or night and at any time of year. The
National Weather Service, Emergency Management, Law Enforcement, the
9-1-1 Center, and the Fire Department cannot notify every individual of
the possibility of severe weather in their town. The local media outlets
and All Hazards NOAA Weather Radio are your best sources for information
concerning severe weather watches and warnings. Do not wait for the
sirens to be your warning system at home, sirens may not be working if
the power is out and oftentimes cannot be heard indoors. Sirens are not
activated for other severe threats such as damaging straight line winds
in excess of 60 mph, large hail and flooding. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio
and local media, then take the appropriate action for the severe weather
threat. If it appears that a severe thunderstorm is approaching your
location, do not wait for the outdoor sirens, take immediate action to
protect your life and the lives of others in your home.

![](media/image43.jpeg){width="1.5in" height="2.125in"}Hundreds of
volunteer storm spotters, amateur radio operators, and first responders
put their lives on the line every time there is severe weather in the
local area. They do this because they care about the people in their
communities and want to make sure those people are given the best chance
at survival. The storm spotters, emergency managers, law enforcement and
other volunteers immediately relay severe weather reports to the
National Weather Service. The National Weather Service in turn
disseminates that information to the media and public through warnings,
statements and local storm reports. Getting the word out to the public
in a timely manner may save lives. When severe weather threatens at
night, when most people are sleeping, it can be especially dangerous.
Oftentimes, in the heat of the spring and summer, we cannot hear outdoor
sirens over running air conditioners. A NOAA Weather Radio with a
back-up battery can make the difference for you and your family.

Take responsibility...listen to the media....take protective
action....survive to enjoy the wonderful warm sunny days that also come
this time of year.

![](media/image44.png){width="5.75in"
height="1.7395833333333333in"}Americans live in the most severe
weather-prone country on Earth and the state of Kansas is no exception.
Each year a startling 10,000 thunderstorms, 2,500 floods, 1,000
tornadoes, and 10 hurricanes impact the United States. Potentially
deadly severe weather impacts every American. Communities can rely on
the National Weather Service's StormReady program to help them guard
against the ravages of Mother Nature.

**What is StormReady?**

Ninety percent of all presidentially declared disasters are weather
related. Through the StormReady program, NOAA's National Weather Service
gives communities the skills and education needed to survive severe
weather -- before and during the event. StormReady helps community
leaders and emergency managers strengthen their local hazardous weather
operations.

**StormReady Does Not Mean Storm Proof**

StormReady communities are better prepared to save lives from the
onslaught of severe weather through better planning, education and
awareness. Communities have fewer fatalities and property damage if they
plan before dangerous weather arrives. No community is storm proof, but
StormReady can help communities save lives.

**How Can My Community Become StormReady?**

The entire community -- from the mayor and emergency managers, to
business leaders and civic groups -- can take the lead on becoming
StormReady. Local National Weather Service forecast offices work with
communities to complete an application and review process. To be
recognized as StormReady, a community must:

-   Establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center.

-   Have more than one way to receive severe weather warnings and
    forecasts and to alert the public.

-   Create a system that monitors local weather conditions.

-   Promote the importance of public readiness through community
    seminars.

-   Develop a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training
    severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.

Go to [http://www.stormready.noaa.gov](http://www.stormready.noaa.gov/)
for more information.