An anonymously strong upper level system allowed everything to come together at the surface to produced what is perhaps the biggest tornado outbreak to ever occur in the Dodge City CWA!  Fifty-five tornadoes were documented during that afternoon and evening!  Some of the tornadoes were very large and damaging.  The character of the supercell thunderstorms that day had similarities to the storms that produced the Greensburg tornado a little over a year after.  In fact there was one tornado that was just as large and perhaps could have been just as damaging that was headed towards the small Kiowa county town but fortunately turned and dissipated.

Thunderstorm Wind in PRATT, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:28:00 to 23-MAY-08 20:28:00 (CST-6)
Location: BYERS
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Reported by: Storm Chaser

Moderate tree damage was reported in a wind break.

Tornado in EDWARDS, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 21:41:00 to 23-MAY-08 21:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: KINSLEY MUNI ARPT
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

EF2 damage was done to trees and a barn and two pivot sprinklers received EF1 damage.

Tornado in ELLIS, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 19:40:00 to 23-MAY-08 19:54:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELLIS
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

This tornado moved north and then northwest.  No damage was reported.

Tornado in ELLIS, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:08:00 to 23-MAY-08 20:11:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOG BACK
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved into Rooks county.  It produced EF1 damage to trees and power lines on the Rooks/Ellis county line.

Tornado in ELLIS, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:16:00 to 23-MAY-08 20:17:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELLIS
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

This was a brief tornado.

Hail in CLARK, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 17:40:00 to 23-MAY-08 17:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: ACRES
Magnitude: 2.75 
Reported by: Public

Hail in PRATT, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 21:16:00 to 23-MAY-08 21:16:00 (CST-6)
Location: SAWYER
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hail in NESS, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 18:00:00 to 23-MAY-08 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: LAIRD
Magnitude: 0.88 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm Wind in PRATT, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 23:00:00 to 22-MAY-08 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: PRATT
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Power lines were reported down on the east side of Pratt on Highway 54.

Thunderstorm Wind in PRATT, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 21:16:00 to 23-MAY-08 21:16:00 (CST-6)
Location: SAWYER
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hail in SEWARD, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 14:59:00 to 23-MAY-08 14:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: LIBERAL
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: County Official

Thunderstorm Wind in FINNEY, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 16:17:00 to 23-MAY-08 16:17:00 (CST-6)
Location: (GCK)GARDEN CITY ARPT
Magnitude: 63.00 EG
Reported by: ASOS

Hail in FORD, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 18:44:00 to 23-MAY-08 18:44:00 (CST-6)
Location: KINGSDOWN
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Thunderstorm Wind in FORD, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:40:00 to 23-MAY-08 20:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: WILROADS
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The officer reported that his care was nearly blown off the road by the high winds.

Tornado in CLARK, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 18:25:00 to 23-MAY-08 18:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLARK STATE LAKE
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This extremely large tornado (1.8 miles wide) moved east and then turned northeast towards Kiowa county. Many power poles were taken down by the tornado.  It also caused EF3 damage to trees, two old houses, barns and it carried an oil tank battery 1.8 miles depositing it in trees.   There was at least 20 head of cattle killed by the tornado.  There was minor injuries received by a 20 year old male as he took refuge in his truck that was parked next to a baler inside a barn.  The barn was completely swept away leaving the young man with cuts from broken glass.  The baler that was left standing probably protected him and his truck from going airborne, if not rolling.  Also, there was serious injury to a male in a semi on highway 34 in the vicinity of 37.3327 N, 99.6344 W probably by the RFD.  Two other semis parked at this location rolled over but no injuries were sustained by the drivers.  This extremely large tornado moved into Kiowa county.  The radar signature was eerily similar to the Greensburg tornado that occurred on May 4, 2007.

Tornado in LANE, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 17:35:00 to 23-MAY-08 17:38:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALAMOTA
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved out of Hodgeman county and moved northwest before dissipating.  This area is predominately grass land.

Tornado in FORD, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 21:12:00 to 23-MAY-08 21:19:00 (CST-6)
Location: WINDTHORST
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado produced EF2 damage to trees and pivot irrigation systems.  It caused EF1 damage to a house and grain bin.  It took down several power poles and power lines.  The tornado moved into Edwards county at 22:19 CDT.

Tornado in EDWARDS, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 21:19:00 to 23-MAY-08 21:46:00 (CST-6)
Location: OFFERLE
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved out of Ford county at 22:19 CDT.  It took down power poles, overturned pivot irrigation sprinklers and produced low end EF2 damage to outbuildings and a house.

Hail in GRAY, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 15:45:00 to 23-MAY-08 15:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: COPELAND
Magnitude: 0.75 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Tornado in PRATT, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 21:21:00 to 23-MAY-08 21:22:00 (CST-6)
Location: SAWYER
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado caused minor tree damage as it crossed into the county from Barber county.  It lasted 1 minute in Pratt county.

Tornado in BARBER, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 21:15:00 to 23-MAY-08 21:19:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELM MILLS
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado did minor tree damage and then moved into Pratt county at 1019 PM CDT.

Tornado in TREGO, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 18:58:00 to 23-MAY-08 19:21:00 (CST-6)
Location: CEDAR BLUFF RES
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This 1.0 mile wide tornado moved over a sparsely populated area (including vegetation) but did EF2 damage to trees, power poles and a house.  A large outbuilding was completely destroyed.  Oil tanks ruptured and there were several head of cattle killed.  Also a combine was rolled.  Since this tornado moved north along a road, there was 2.4 miles of power poles taken down.

Tornado in FINNEY, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 17:25:00 to 23-MAY-08 17:29:00 (CST-6)
Location: KALVESTA
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This small tornado moved into Hodgeman county at 18:29 CDT.

Tornado in NESS, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 17:32:00 to 23-MAY-08 17:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: BEELER
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved out of Hodgeman county and made a sharp turn to the west/northwest and moved into southeast Lane county at 18:35.

Tornado in PRATT, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:13:00 to 23-MAY-08 20:17:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOPEWELL
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved out of Edwards county and passed over mainly farmland.

Hail in EDWARDS, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:07:00 to 23-MAY-08 20:07:00 (CST-6)
Location: TROUSDALE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Tornado in PRATT, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 21:19:00 to 23-MAY-08 21:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: SAWYER
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved out of Barber county at 1019 PM and caused EF1 damage to trees.

Tornado in CLARK, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 17:37:00 to 23-MAY-08 17:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: ENGLEWOOD
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

This tornado did minor tree damage and was witnessed by several storm spotters.

Hail in FINNEY, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 16:05:00 to 23-MAY-08 16:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: GARDEN CITY
Magnitude: 3.00 
Reported by: Public

Hail in FINNEY, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 16:08:00 to 23-MAY-08 16:08:00 (CST-6)
Location: TENNIS
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: County Official

Hail in FINNEY, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 18:55:00 to 23-MAY-08 18:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: GARDEN CITY
Magnitude: 0.88 
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Tornado in BARBER, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:41:00 to 23-MAY-08 20:47:00 (CST-6)
Location: DEERHEAD
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado turned north as it was dissipating.  It produced minor tree damage.

Tornado in BARBER, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:22:00 to 23-MAY-08 20:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: AETNA
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved over open range country and turned north as it dissipated.

Tornado in BARBER, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 21:08:00 to 23-MAY-08 21:22:00 (CST-6)
Location: LAKE CITY
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado produced EF2 damage to trees and turned sharply northwest as it dissipated.

Tornado in BARBER, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 21:17:00 to 23-MAY-08 21:21:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELM MILLS
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado did minor tree damage and crossed into Pratt county at 1021 PM CDT.

Hail in CLARK, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 17:53:00 to 23-MAY-08 17:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: ENGLEWOOD
Magnitude: 2.50 
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Hail in COMANCHE, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:25:00 to 23-MAY-08 20:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: PROTECTION
Magnitude: 1.25 
Reported by: Public

Hail in EDWARDS, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 19:45:00 to 23-MAY-08 19:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: CENTERVIEW
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hail in LANE, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 14:29:00 to 23-MAY-08 14:29:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHIELDS
Magnitude: 1.25 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in LANE, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 15:50:00 to 23-MAY-08 15:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: AMY
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Public

Hail in LANE, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 14:29:00 to 23-MAY-08 14:29:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHIELDS
Magnitude: 1.25 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in MEADE, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 16:59:00 to 23-MAY-08 16:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: MEADE STATE PARK
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Public

Hail in EDWARDS, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:20:00 to 23-MAY-08 20:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: BELPRE
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hail in GRAY, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 19:25:00 to 23-MAY-08 19:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: COPELAND
Magnitude: 0.88 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm Wind in GRAY, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 16:50:00 to 23-MAY-08 16:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: CIMARRON ARPT
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Reported by: Storm Chaser

Power poles were blown down by the high wind.  A nearby wall cloud had rapid rotation.

Hail in LANE, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 14:15:00 to 23-MAY-08 14:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: PENDENNIS
Magnitude: 0.75 
Reported by: Public

Hail in LANE, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 14:30:00 to 23-MAY-08 14:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHIELDS
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Public

Tornado in COMANCHE, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:52:00 to 23-MAY-08 21:03:00 (CST-6)
Location: COLDWATER
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved north into Kiowa county and caused EF1 damage to trees, pivot sprinklers and a house.

Tornado in KIOWA, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 21:03:00 to 23-MAY-08 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: MULLINVILLE
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved out of Comanche county and did EF2 damage to trees and power poles.  It crossed the path of the tornado that occurred on May 4, 2007.

Tornado in STAFFORD, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:25:00 to 23-MAY-08 20:42:00 (CST-6)
Location: MACKSVILLE SMITH ARP
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This large tornado moved out of Pratt county and did EF3 damage before moving into Edwards county. EF3 damage was done to trees and a pivot sprinkler.  Other pivot sprinklers received EF1-2 damage along with EF2 damage done to a house and grain bins.

Hail in CLARK, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 18:31:00 to 23-MAY-08 18:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: SITKA
Magnitude: 0.75 
Reported by: Public

Hail in CLARK, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 19:50:00 to 23-MAY-08 19:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLARK STATE LAKE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Tornado in TREGO, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 19:44:00 to 23-MAY-08 19:47:00 (CST-6)
Location: RIGA
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Power poles and trees were damaged by this tornado.  It moved into Ellis county at 20:47 CDT.

Tornado in ELLIS, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 19:47:00 to 23-MAY-08 19:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELLIS
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved out of Trego county at 20:47 CDT.  It was in it's dissipating stage as it moved into the town of Ellis.  Damage was done to outbuildings, power poles, shingles on quite a few homes and minor roof damage to a few other homes.

Tornado in KIOWA, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 18:45:00 to 23-MAY-08 19:14:00 (CST-6)
Location: MULLINVILLE
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This large tornado moved out of Clark county where it had done EF3 damage.  In Kiowa county, EF2 damage was done to a concrete walled house.  Trees also received EF2 damage.  A power pole with transmission wire attached was deposited from an unknown location.  The tornado turned sharply west towards the end of it's life.

Tornado in CLARK, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 18:43:00 to 23-MAY-08 18:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLARK STATE LAKE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This was a satellite tornado that produced EF1 damage to trees as it moved southwest, south then southeast as it was on the west side of the 1.8 mile wide parent tornado.

Tornado in CLARK, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 18:42:00 to 23-MAY-08 18:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLARK STATE LAKE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado was witnessed by residents of the area and surveyed by the NWS.  It occurred shortly after an extremely large tornado from a separate supercell passed by to the north.  EF1 damage was done to trees, outbuildings and pivot sprinklers.

Tornado in ELLIS, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:10:00 to 23-MAY-08 20:19:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELLIS
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved out of Trego county and did EF1 damage to trees.

Hail in GRAY, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 15:48:00 to 23-MAY-08 15:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: COPELAND
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Storm Chaser

Hail in GRAY, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 15:52:00 to 23-MAY-08 15:52:00 (CST-6)
Location: COPELAND
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in GRAY, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 15:55:00 to 23-MAY-08 15:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: COPELAND
Magnitude: 3.00 
Reported by: Public

Some of the hail stones weighed 5 ounces.

Hail in GRAY, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 17:25:00 to 23-MAY-08 17:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAGGARD
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Tornado in EDWARDS, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:11:00 to 23-MAY-08 20:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: TROUSDALE
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved over mainly farmland and passed into Pratt county at 21:13 CDT.

Tornado in NESS, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 18:29:00 to 23-MAY-08 18:42:00 (CST-6)
Location: OSGOOD
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado caused EF3 damage to trees and an old stone home.  A farm implement was carried 1/2 mile south of it's original starting point.  EF3 damage was also done to trees.  Another home sustained EF1 damage.  There were numerous power poles taken down and at least 5 head of cattle perished in the tornado.  The tornado moved into Trego county  at 19:42 CDT.

Tornado in TREGO, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 18:42:00 to 23-MAY-08 18:52:00 (CST-6)
Location: CEDAR BLUFF RES
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved out of Ness county at 19:42 CDT.  EF2 damage was done to trees and fences.  Otherwise, this is a sparely populated area (farms and vegetation).

Tornado in CLARK, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 18:01:00 to 23-MAY-08 18:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: ASHLAND
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

This tornado was making contact over open range land.  It was witnessed by storm spotters and the Emergency Manager.

Tornado in CLARK, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:26:00 to 23-MAY-08 20:32:00 (CST-6)
Location: SITKA
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Minor tree damage was done by the tornado as it moved into Comanche county.

Hail in SEWARD, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 16:31:00 to 23-MAY-08 16:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: KISMET
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Tornado in FINNEY, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 15:29:00 to 23-MAY-08 15:32:00 (CST-6)
Location: FRIEND
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Minor tree damage was done by this small tornado.

Tornado in FORD, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:26:00 to 23-MAY-08 20:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: BLOOM
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 145.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

EF1 damage was done to two pivot irrigation sprinklers and a grain bin.

Tornado in GRAY, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 16:24:00 to 23-MAY-08 16:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: INGALLS
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

There was a brief spin-up making contact with the ground that lasted about 45 seconds to a minute.

Tornado in KIOWA, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 19:11:00 to 23-MAY-08 19:14:00 (CST-6)
Location: JOY
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

There was minor tree damage done by the tornado.

Tornado in LANE, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 16:01:00 to 23-MAY-08 16:18:00 (CST-6)
Location: DIGHTON ARPT
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado produced EF1 damage to two pivot irrigation sprinklers and to power poles.

Tornado in LANE, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 16:13:00 to 23-MAY-08 16:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: DIGHTON ARPT
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 65.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This was a satellite tornado that moved northwest along the eastern edge of the larger parent tornado. It produced EF1 damage to a pivot irrigation sprinkler.

Tornado in LANE, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 16:15:00 to 23-MAY-08 16:21:00 (CST-6)
Location: DIGHTON
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Minor tree damage was noticed.

Tornado in NESS, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 18:07:00 to 23-MAY-08 18:39:00 (CST-6)
Location: LAIRD
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This was a large tornado that produced EF2 damage.  It turned northwest towards the end of its life cycle but dissipated before reaching Arnold. Damage was done to trees, large power poles, a large tank, a barn and hay bales.

Tornado in NESS, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 18:25:00 to 23-MAY-08 18:27:00 (CST-6)
Location: ARNOLD
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This was a satellite tornado that moved south on the west side of its large parent tornado.  EF2 damage was done to trees (uprooted).

Hail in STAFFORD, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 21:55:00 to 23-MAY-08 21:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: MACKSVILLE
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Tornado in LANE, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 16:22:00 to 23-MAY-08 16:24:00 (CST-6)
Location: HEALY
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved over farmland and did not strike anything.

Tornado in PRATT, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 22:04:00 to 23-MAY-08 22:14:00 (CST-6)
Location: BYERS
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

This tornado was tracked by storm spotters and the Emergency Manager.  It passed over a sparely vegetated area and damage was not observed.

Thunderstorm Wind in TREGO, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 19:49:00 to 23-MAY-08 19:49:00 (CST-6)
Location: CEDAR BLUFF RES
Magnitude: 78.00 EG
Reported by: Storm Chaser

Tornado in KIOWA, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 19:34:00 to 23-MAY-08 19:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: GREENSBURG ARPT
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

This brief tornado was video taped but apparently did not do any damage.

Tornado in KIOWA, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 19:35:00 to 23-MAY-08 19:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: GREENSBURG
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: Trained Spotter

This was a small tornado that passed over farmland.

Tornado in KIOWA, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 19:56:00 to 23-MAY-08 19:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: BRENHAM
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

This tornado apparently did not strike anything.

Tornado in STAFFORD, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 21:03:00 to 23-MAY-08 21:16:00 (CST-6)
Location: ST JOHN
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: Storm Chaser

This tornado was observed by a storm chaser.  He noted power lines down as the tornado cross the road 4 miles north of Hudson.

Tornado in KIOWA, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 21:11:00 to 23-MAY-08 21:18:00 (CST-6)
Location: BELVIDERE
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado produced minor tree damage and tin from an unknown source was wrapped in a fence.

Tornado in LANE, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 16:35:00 to 23-MAY-08 16:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHIELDS
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

EF1 damage was done to trees.

Tornado in LANE, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 16:45:00 to 23-MAY-08 16:47:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHIELDS
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: Storm Chaser

Damage was not observed in this area as there was little to be hit.

Tornado in NESS, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 17:52:00 to 23-MAY-08 17:54:00 (CST-6)
Location: BEELER
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

This tornado passed over open country.

Tornado in NESS, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 17:58:00 to 23-MAY-08 18:03:00 (CST-6)
Location: LAIRD
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

This tornado was video taped and moved over sparsely populated land.

Tornado in TREGO, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 18:49:00 to 23-MAY-08 19:02:00 (CST-6)
Location: CEDAR BLUFF RES
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This 1/2 mile wide tornado passed over mainly open range land.  It did EF1 damage to trees, power poles and picked up and carried a horse trailer about 50 feet.  It made a hard left had movement (west) and then south at it's end of it's life cycle, dissipating at the Cedar Bluff Reservoir dam.

Tornado in TREGO, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 19:17:00 to 23-MAY-08 19:36:00 (CST-6)
Location: RIGA
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved over a sparsely populated area but did EF2 damage to trees.  It moved northwest towards the end of it's life cycle.

Tornado in PRATT, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 21:24:00 to 23-MAY-08 22:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: SAWYER
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This 3/4 mile wide tornado produced EF3 damage and unfortunately claimed two lives.  A husband and wife were parked on highway 54 approximately 2 1/4 miles east of Cairo.  The tornado picked up their car and carried it approximately 1700 feet NNE into a wheat field (they were not discovered until the next morning at about 9 AM).  The female occupant was ejected and was found 30 feet southwest of the wreckage.  The male was still strapped in his seat.  The car was nearly unrecognizable.
A second vehicle (3/4 ton truck) was parked 20 yards behind the aforementioned car.  It also went airborne briefly but got lodged on the north side ditch.  The two male occupants received numerous cuts and bruises but were otherwise unhurt.  They both claimed it was extremely cold immediately after crawling out of their vehicle with heavy vapor breath noticed.
This tornado destroyed a home about a mile north and the collapsed east wall trapped a male in the bathtub where he had taken cover.  Help was needed in lifting the wall off of him but he claimed he was not hurt.  Other homes in the tornadoes path received minor to moderate damage.

Tornado in EDWARDS, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:42:00 to 23-MAY-08 20:47:00 (CST-6)
Location: BELPRE
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved out of Stafford county and did EF2 damage to a house and barn just west of the Stafford/Edwards county line.  A Female received a serious injury when she was blown down the stairs.  Pivot sprinklers and trees received EF1-2 damage.  The tornado started in the southeast part of Edwards county, moved into Pratt and Stafford and then turned northwest before ending in the extreme northeast part of the county.

Tornado in ELLIS, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 19:28:00 to 23-MAY-08 19:33:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELLIS
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado produced EF1 damage to outbuildings, a storage tank, power poles and houses in Ellis.  A female was injured when she went out to get her horse and was hit by flying debris from the tornado.

Tornado in EDWARDS, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:16:00 to 23-MAY-08 20:24:00 (CST-6)
Location: TROUSDALE
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This large tornado did EF2 damage to trees, pivot irrigation sprinklers, power poles and grain bins.  EF1 damage was done to one home and EF2 damage was done to another.  The center of the tornado moved to the intersection of Edwards, Pratt and Stafford counties.  At that point, because of it's width, it was covering all those counties at once.  Technically the tornado moved into Pratt county (see that entry).

Tornado in HODGEMAN, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 17:29:00 to 23-MAY-08 17:32:00 (CST-6)
Location: JETMORE
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved out of Finney county and then began to turn north.  It moved into Ness county at 18:32 CDT.

Tornado in TREGO, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:07:00 to 23-MAY-08 20:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: RIGA
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado did EF1 damage to outbuildings, a grain silo, an oil tank and trees.  The tornado moved into Ellis county at 20:10 CDT.

Tornado in PRATT, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:24:00 to 23-MAY-08 20:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOPEWELL
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This large tornado moved out of Edwards county and did EF2 damage to a house, a pivot irrigation sprinkler and to trees.  It then moved into Stafford county at 925 PM CDT.

Tornado in COMANCHE, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:30:00 to 23-MAY-08 20:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: PROTECTION
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

EF1 damage was done in the town of Protection and high end EF1 damage was done to trees just norhteast of town.

Tornado in COMANCHE, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:32:00 to 23-MAY-08 20:38:00 (CST-6)
Location: PROTECTION
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved out of Clark county and did minor tree damage.

Tornado in COMANCHE, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:08:00 to 23-MAY-08 20:19:00 (CST-6)
Location: BUTTERMILK
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This 1/2 mile wide tornado moved out of Oklahoma. EF3+ damaged was based on trees that appeared to be sand blasted.  Also, there were trees uprooted, several antique cars that have yet to be found as of late July, 2008 (probably dropped in ravines in the area).  An oil tank was carried 2 miles. Several head of cattle were killed.  The tornado turned west (left) as it began to dissipate.

Tornado in CLARK, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:04:00 to 23-MAY-08 20:09:00 (CST-6)
Location: SITKA
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved out of Oklahoma and into the county.  It did minor tree damage.  It turned north as it was dissipating.

Tornado in KIOWA, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:08:00 to 23-MAY-08 20:11:00 (CST-6)
Location: WELLSFORD
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved over grassland and then into Edwards county at 21:11 CDT.

Tornado in COMANCHE, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:45:00 to 23-MAY-08 20:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: PROTECTION
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado did minor tree damage.

Tornado in CLARK, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 21:12:00 to 23-MAY-08 21:26:00 (CST-6)
Location: SITKA
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado did EF1 damage to trees and power poles.

Tornado in KIOWA, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 19:17:00 to 23-MAY-08 19:21:00 (CST-6)
Location: JOY
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

This was a second separate tornado in the same general vicinity but it did not strike anything.

Tornado in STAFFORD, KANSAS
From 23-MAY-08 20:44:00 to 23-MAY-08 20:54:00 (CST-6)
Location: DILLWYN
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

This tornado was observed by many persons including storm chasers, storm spotters and the Emergency Manager.  However it did not pass over anything but mainly pasture grass and crops.