A destructive tornado, the first 5 rating on the new Enhanced-Fujita Scale and the first 5 classification since May 3, 1999 when an F5 tornado ripped through Moore, Oklahoma occurred on this day.  There were 16 tornadoes during about a 4 hour period, one a little over 2 miles wide! Two of the tornadoes existed for over 1 hour as they churned up the ground, leveling homes and causing fatalities along their path.  Miraculously, on 13 people perished, 11 in Greensburg - a miracle because over 90 percent of the town of Greensburg was literately wiped off the face of the earth.
Another round of tornadoes occurred the following day across generally the same area.  Nearly 250 pivot irrigation sprinklers were damaged or destroyed during the 2 day outbreak.  Due to the number of sprinklers involved and the lack of replacements, some farmers would be out of service for over 1 year.

Hail in EDWARDS, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 20:30:00 to 04-MAY-07 20:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: ARDELL
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Public

Hail in FORD, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 20:30:00 to 04-MAY-07 20:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: SPEARVILLE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Public

Hail in HODGEMAN, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 20:45:00 to 04-MAY-07 20:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: JETMORE
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Hail in TREGO, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 20:15:00 to 04-MAY-07 20:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: RIGA
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Public

Hail in KIOWA, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 20:25:00 to 04-MAY-07 20:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: MULLINVILLE
Magnitude: 1.25 
Reported by: Public

Hail in RUSH, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 20:25:00 to 04-MAY-07 20:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: RUSH CENTER
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Hail in ELLIS, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 20:15:00 to 04-MAY-07 20:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELLIS
Magnitude: 0.75 
Reported by: Public

Hail in PAWNEE, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 20:15:00 to 04-MAY-07 20:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: LARNED PAWNEE CO ARP
Magnitude: 2.00 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in PAWNEE, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 20:15:00 to 04-MAY-07 20:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: GARFIELD
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Law Enforcement

It hailed until 920 PM.

Hail in HODGEMAN, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 20:45:00 to 04-MAY-07 20:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: JETMORE MUNI ARPT
Magnitude: 0.88 
Reported by: Public

Hail in PAWNEE, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 20:45:00 to 04-MAY-07 20:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROZEL
Magnitude: 2.50 
Reported by: Public

Hail in HODGEMAN, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 20:53:00 to 04-MAY-07 20:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: JETMORE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Storm Chaser

Hail in PAWNEE, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 21:00:00 to 04-MAY-07 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROZEL
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Public

Tornado in CLARK, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 19:50:00 to 04-MAY-07 19:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: SITKA
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A farmer on a tractor was able to get out of the path of this tornado that curved northwest as it dissipated.  The tornado did strike a barn that caused EF1 damage but the tornado remained over farm land for most of it's life.

Tornado in COMANCHE, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 20:00:00 to 04-MAY-07 20:03:00 (CST-6)
Location: COLDWATER
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This was the beginning of the Greensburg tornado that eventually grew into a monster killer in Kiowa county (moving into Kiowa county at 2003 CST).  In Comanche county it struck some oil tanks and trees causing EF1 damage to those objects. Oil was strewn across pastures and a county road.

Hail in FORD, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 19:12:00 to 04-MAY-07 19:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: BUCKLIN
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Tornado in STAFFORD, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 23:28:00 to 04-MAY-07 23:39:00 (CST-6)
Location: HUDSON
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This was the final tornado of the night in the Dodge City National Weather Service County Warning Area.  EF1 damage was done to trees and pivot irrigation sprinklers.

Hail in CLARK, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 18:43:00 to 04-MAY-07 18:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: ASHLAND
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Tornado in EDWARDS, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 21:45:00 to 04-MAY-07 21:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: TROUSDALE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved across the southeast corner of Edward county, moving out of Kiowa county at 2145 CST and into Pratt county at 2148 CST.  Damage was done to trees and pivot irrigation sprinklers.

Tornado in PRATT, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 21:48:00 to 04-MAY-07 22:08:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOPEWELL
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved across out of southeast Edwards county at 2148 CST and grew into a large tornado of a little more than a mile wide.  A male was killed near Hopewell as a basement wall collapsed on him when his home was demolished.  Very little of the home was left visible.

Tornado in STAFFORD, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 22:08:00 to 04-MAY-07 22:37:00 (CST-6)
Location: MACKSVILLE
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved out of northwest Pratt county and dissipated just south of Macksville.  It did strong EF3 damage to farms, trees, machinery and vehicles. A Blazer was carried over 3/4 of a mile and was barely recognizable as a vehicle.  Several dozen head of cattle were killed along with wildlife in the area.  One well built home was completely swept off it's foundation.

Tornado in STAFFORD, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 22:34:00 to 04-MAY-07 22:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: MACKSVILLE
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This killer tornado formed just east of another large but dissipating tornado that was approaching Macksville.  Unfortunately a law officer watching the dissipating tornado was unaware that this one was rapidly forming and could not get out of harms way.  His car was thrown at least 1/4 of a mile and was found in a field.  He died several days later from catastrophic injuries received in the crushed vehicle.  EF3 damage was done to over a dozen farms, trees, machinery, vehicles, pivot irrigation sprinklers and power poles.

Hail in CLARK, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 18:45:00 to 04-MAY-07 18:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: SITKA
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in PAWNEE, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 20:00:00 to 04-MAY-07 20:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: GARFIELD
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Public

Hail in EDWARDS, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 20:01:00 to 04-MAY-07 20:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: WILLIAMS
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Hail in FORD, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 20:05:00 to 04-MAY-07 20:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: FORD
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Public

Hail in KIOWA, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 19:18:00 to 04-MAY-07 19:18:00 (CST-6)
Location: MULLINVILLE
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Hail in FORD, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 20:00:00 to 04-MAY-07 20:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: FORD
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Public

Hail in CLARK, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 19:03:00 to 04-MAY-07 19:03:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLARK STATE LAKE
Magnitude: 2.50 
Reported by: Public

Hail in KIOWA, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 19:10:00 to 04-MAY-07 19:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: MULLINVILLE
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Public

Hail in RUSH, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 21:01:00 to 04-MAY-07 21:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: RUSH CENTER
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Hail in PAWNEE, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 21:10:00 to 04-MAY-07 21:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: BURDETT ROZEL ARPT
Magnitude: 0.88 
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Tornado in KIOWA, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 20:09:00 to 04-MAY-07 20:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: MULLINVILLE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This was a satellite tornado that moved into Kiowa county from Comanche county at 2009 CST.  The tornado caused EF1 damage to some trees and was documented by both video from storm chasers and from a ground survey.

Hail in NESS, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 21:41:00 to 04-MAY-07 21:41:00 (CST-6)
Location: BAZINE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Storm Chaser

Hail in NESS, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 21:45:00 to 04-MAY-07 21:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: BROWNELL
Magnitude: 0.75 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Tornado in KIOWA, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 20:55:00 to 04-MAY-07 20:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: GREENSBURG ARPT
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: Storm Chaser

This was a satellite tornado that developed to the east of the Greensburg tornado.  This tornado absorbed an even smaller satellite tornado.  This event was captured by storm chasers with video.  Storm spotters that had taken one of the city fire trucks east of the approaching storm were returning to town when this tornado moved across the highway throwing debris around.  Trees, power lines and wire spools were damaged and moved.

Tornado in KIOWA, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 21:39:00 to 04-MAY-07 21:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: WELLSFORD
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved into Edwards, Pratt and Stafford counties as it traveled around 18 miles.  Unfortunately, it took the life of a man in Pratt county.  Damage was done to trees and pivot irrigation sprinklers in Kiowa county.

Hail in NESS, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 21:50:00 to 04-MAY-07 21:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: BROWNELL
Magnitude: 0.75 
Reported by: Public

Tornado in KIOWA, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 20:18:00 to 04-MAY-07 20:19:00 (CST-6)
Location: MULLINVILLE
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

This was a brief satellite tornado that made contact for perhaps 30 seconds.

Tornado in KIOWA, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 20:18:00 to 04-MAY-07 20:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: JOY
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

This satellite tornado moved northwest towards the larger tornado but did not strike anything.  It was observed with a second smaller satellite tornado.

Tornado in KIOWA, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 20:25:00 to 04-MAY-07 20:26:00 (CST-6)
Location: GREENSBURG
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

This was another satellite tornado (to the big Greensburg tornado) that appeared to be anticyclonic.  It did not strike anything.

Tornado in CLARK, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 19:32:00 to 04-MAY-07 19:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: SITKA
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

This tornado moved across range land missing two farms and a feedlot operation by only one half of a mile.

Tornado in CLARK, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 19:34:00 to 04-MAY-07 19:39:00 (CST-6)
Location: SITKA
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

This was the second of two tornadoes that were occurring simultaneously at one point.  This tornado passed over range land and did not strike anything to damage.

Tornado in COMANCHE, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 19:48:00 to 04-MAY-07 19:52:00 (CST-6)
Location: PROTECTION
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

This was the third in a series of tornadoes that moved over range land.  There was nothing to strike to cause damage.

Hail in HODGEMAN, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 21:15:00 to 04-MAY-07 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRAY
Magnitude: 0.88 
Reported by: Public

Hail in RUSH, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 21:15:00 to 04-MAY-07 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: BISON
Magnitude: 0.88 
Reported by: Public

Tornado in KIOWA, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 20:03:00 to 04-MAY-07 21:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: MULLINVILLE
Tornado F-scale: EF5
Property damage: 250.00M
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This killer tornado started in Comanche county and crossed into Kiowa county at 2003 CST / 2103 CDT.  It curved north then northwest before making a complete loop northwest of Greensburg.  Thus, the path was 25.8 miles.
This tornado destroyed nearly 95 percent of the town of Greensburg and despite adequate warning, unfortunately took the life of 11 people, some that were in basements.  First responders arriving on the scene requested three refrigerated refer trucks thinking there would be hundreds of fatalities. It also destroyed a dozen homes and a church south of Greensburg but did not cause injury.  In all, 961 homes and businesses were destroyed, 216 received major damage and 307 received minor damage.
As the tornado was 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.
Several oil storage tanks were destroyed causing an environmental concern.  In the town of Greensburg, hazardous material was strewn everywhere.  As of July 26th, the debris was still not fully cleaned up.  Two landfills were filled with debris from the town and this was even as most 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 were over 150 law enforcement officers (from all over the country) present.  Military was called in for debris removal and rebuilding.
Damage of insured losses exceeded $150 million, but including un-insured losses, was roughly 250 million dollars.
**** NOTE **** The 11th victim passed away on September 19th, 2007 after a long battle with a head injury sustained during the tornado.

Tornado in KIOWA, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 21:03:00 to 04-MAY-07 21:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: GREENSBURG ARPT
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This monster tornado formed as the Greensburg tornado was dissipating and quickly grew into a nearly 2 mile wide tornado.  Two farms received strong EF3 damage and destroyed several pieces of machinery.  A combine was thrown at least 1/4 of a mile and it disintegrated upon impact.  Numerous pivot irrigation sprinklers were destroyed, along with trees and power lines.  The tornado moved into Edwards county at 2131 CST.

Hail in NESS, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 21:30:00 to 04-MAY-07 21:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: BAZINE
Magnitude: 0.88 
Reported by: Public

Hail in TREGO, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 22:05:00 to 04-MAY-07 22:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: RIGA
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Public

Hail in RUSH, KANSAS
From 05-MAY-07 23:00:00 to 05-MAY-07 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: OTIS
Magnitude: 0.75 
Reported by: Public

Hail in PAWNEE, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 23:05:00 to 04-MAY-07 23:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: LARNED
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Public

Tornado in EDWARDS, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 21:31:00 to 04-MAY-07 22:08:00 (CST-6)
Location: TROUSDALE
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Property damage: 1.50M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This 2.2 wide monster moved out of Kiowa county at 2231 CST.  It caused high end EF3 damage to farms, trees, machinery, pivot sprinklers and power lines.  It killed dozens of cattle and horses. As the tornado dissipated, it curved back to the west.

Hail in CLARK, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 18:42:00 to 04-MAY-07 18:42:00 (CST-6)
Location: ASHLAND
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Tornado in KIOWA, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 20:24:00 to 04-MAY-07 20:27:00 (CST-6)
Location: GREENSBURG
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

Yet another satellite tornado associated with the large Greensburg tornado.  This satellite tornado did not strike anything to damage.

Tornado in KIOWA, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 20:55:00 to 04-MAY-07 20:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: GREENSBURG ARPT
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

One other small satellite tornado developed on the east side of the Greensburg monster tornado and combined with a larger satellite tornado as they moved north across highway 54.  Video was provided to document these two satellite tornadoes.

Hail in COMANCHE, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 19:30:00 to 04-MAY-07 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: PROTECTION
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Tornado in COMANCHE, KANSAS
From 04-MAY-07 20:08:00 to 04-MAY-07 20:09:00 (CST-6)
Location: COLDWATER
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This was a satellite tornado that moved into Kiowa county. It was confirmed by both video from storm chasers and by a ground survey.  It struck some trees causing EF1 damage.