Tornadoes and Hail in Kansas, May 21, 2011

Name: Tornadoes and Hail in Kansas, May 21, 2011
Start: 2011-05-21T16:13
End: 2011-05-21T23:14
Location: Kansas

May 21, 2011 · NWS TOP · 102 events in 11 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 1
Injuries: 6
Property damage: $2.3 million
Crop damage: $2,000
Events: 102

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS TOP wrote it up.

Supercell thunderstorms developed in advance of a cold front and dryline during the late afternoon of Saturday May 21st. Several of the supercell thunderstorms produced tornadoes including at least 2 brief touchdowns in Topeka. The strongest tornado was rated an EF3 and hit the town of Reading Kansas. In all there were 8 tornadoes across Northeast Kansas that evening. There was one fatality which occurred in the town of Reading where a man was killed when his mobile home was destroyed. There were 5 injuries that required treatment in Reading. The supercells also produced huge hailstones with some reported to be the size of softballs and numerous reports of baseball size hail in and around Topeka.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Topeka, KS wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 21, 2:10 PM CST, 2 hours 3 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 21, 2:10 PM CST, 2 hours 3 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TOPEKA KS
310 PM CDT SAT MAY 21 2011

.SHORT TERM (TONIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY)...

THE FOCUS OF THE SHORT TERM FORECAST IS THE POTENTIAL FOR STRONG
TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING. WATER
VAPOR SHOWS THE UPPER LEVEL LOW CENTERED OVER SOUTH DAKOTA THIS
AFTERNOON WITH SHORTWAVE ENERGY MOVING THROUGH CENTRAL KANSAS
NEAR THE BASE OF THE TROUGH. 19Z SURFACE ANALYSIS DEPICTS DRY
LINE WEST OF PRATT AND MEDICINE LODGE IN SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS
WITH A WEAK COLD FRONT ACROSS CENTRAL KANSAS FROM NEAR SMITH
CENTER TO HAYS. AHEAD OF THIS FRONT...AFTERNOON HEATING ALONG
WITH SURFACE DEWPOINTS IN THE 60S HAS AIDED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF
AN UNSTABLE AIRMASS. THE MODIFIED 12Z KTOP SOUNDING FOR THE 19Z
SURFACE OBSERVATION SUPPORTS CAPE NEAR 2200 J/KG WITH CIN NEAR -5
J/KG. A FURTHER WEAKENING OF THE CAPPING INVERSION IS EXPECTED
ACROSS NORTHEAST KANSAS WITH THE APPROACH OF THE SHORTWAVE AND
FURTHER DAYTIME HEATING. MID LEVEL LAPSE RATES OF 8-9 DEGREES
CELSIUS SUPPORT THE POTENTIAL OF THUNDERSTORMS PRODUCING LARGE
HAIL LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND EARLY THIS EVENING. 0-6KM WIND SHEAR
IS PROGGED NEAR 30-40KT WHICH WOULD PRODUCE A SECONDARY THREAT
FOR DAMAGING WINDS NEAR FORWARD PROPAGATING STORMS. TORNADO
THREAT LOOKS TO REMAIN MINIMAL WITH THE LOW LEVEL WIND PROFILE
VEERING. STORM MOTION THIS AFTERNOON IS ANTICIPATED TO BE
NORTHEAST. WITH PRECIPITABLE WATER VALUES NEAR 1 INCH...MODERATE
TO HEAVY RAIN WILL BE POSSIBLE IN THE STRONGER THUNDERSTORMS.
WILL NEED TO MONITOR THE POTENTIAL OF ADDITIONAL FLOODING IN EAST
CENTRAL KANSAS AND PORTIONS OF NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS WHERE HEAVIER
RAINFALL HAS OCCURRED EARLIER IN THE WEEK. THUNDERSTORMS WILL
GRADUALLY DECREASE IN COVERAGE AND INTENSITY LATE TONIGHT WITH
THE LOSS OF DAY TIME HEATING AND THE PASSAGE OF THE SHORTWAVE TO
THE NORTHEAST.

THE UPPER TROUGH WILL LIFT INTO THE UPPER MIDWEST ON SUNDAY.
SOUTHWEST AND WEST 850MB FLOW WILL ADVECT A WARMER AIRMASS INTO
NORTHEAST KANSAS WITH HIGHS EXPECTED TO REACH THE MID 80S. MOST
OF THE FORECAST AREA IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN DRY DURING THE DAY.
HOWEVER A FEW SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE ACROSS
EAST CENTRAL KANSAS NEAR AND AHEAD OF A WEAK SURFACE BOUNDARY.

ANGLE

&&

.LONG TERM (MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY)...

THE UPPER LEVEL LOW WILL FINALLY MOVE TO THE EAST OVER THE UPPER
MISSISSIPPI RIVER VALLEY ON MONDAY. HOWEVER...CHANCES FOR STORMS
WILL CONTINUE INTO EARLY NEXT WEEK. MUCH OF THE FORECAST OVER THE
MONDAY-TUESDAY TIME FRAMES IS HIGHLY DEPENDENT ON THE POSITION OF
THE UPPER LEVEL FEATURES...THE SURFACE LOW AND WARM FRONT. A
SHORTWAVE WILL QUICKLY MOVE IN AND LEAD TO LEE CYCLOGENESIS ON
MONDAY. MODELS ARE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT WITH THE LOW POSITION WITH THE NAM
AND EC FAVORING A FURTHER NORTH POSITION OF THE WARM FRONT THAN THE
GFS. HAVE SIDED WITH THE NAM AND EC DUE THE NORTHERLY LOW TRACT
BEING MORE CLIMATOLOGICALLY FAVORED FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR. ELEVATED
THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE ON MONDAY BEFORE THE WARM FRONT LIFTS
NORTH ACROSS MUCH OF THE CWA MONDAY EVENING INTO TUESDAY
MORNING...EXCEPT FOR POSSIBLY THE NORTHERN COUNTIES. THE SHORTWAVE
TROUGH TAKES ON A MORE NEGATIVE TILT ON TUESDAY WITH THE LOW
DEEPENING AND MOVING TO THE NORTHEAST. MOST OF THE CWA SHOULD BE IN
THE WARM SECTOR ON TUESDAY WITH SURFACE BASED THUNDERSTORMS POSSIBLE
BY TUESDAY AFTERNOON.

MODELS INDICATE THAT THE SURFACE LOW AND COLD FRONT WILL PASS
SOMETIME EARLY ON WEDNESDAY. WRAP AROUND SHOWERS WILL BE POSSIBLE ON
WEDNESDAY WITH ISENTROPIC LIFT AS THE LOW MOVES TO THE EAST. THE
UPPER LEVEL TROUGH WILL EXIT THE REGION WITH UPPER LEVEL RIDGING
MOVING INTO THE REGION. THEREFORE...HAVE LEFT THE FORECAST FOR LATE
NEXT WEEK DRY.

ANDERSON

&&

.AVIATION...

MVFR CEILINGS HAVE RAISED TO VFR AT MHK/TOP/FOE. THUNDERSTORMS
WILL BE POSSIBLE LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND EARLY THIS EVENING WITH
A SHORTWAVE TRACKING THROUGH NORTHEAST KANSAS. VISIBILITIES NEAR
2-3SM ALONG WITH MVFR CEILINGS WILL BE POSSIBLE NEAR THE
THUNDERSTORMS. THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED TO BE GENERALLY NORTH
AND EAST OF THE TERMINALS AFTER 02Z.

ANGLE

&&

.TOP WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NONE.
&&

Hazardous weather outlook, May 21, 2:11 PM CST, 2 hours 2 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TOPEKA KS
311 PM CDT SAT MAY 21 2011

KSZ008>012-020>024-026-034>040-054>056-058-059-222015-
REPUBLIC-WASHINGTON-MARSHALL-NEMAHA-BROWN-CLOUD-CLAY-RILEY-
POTTAWATOMIE-JACKSON-JEFFERSON-OTTAWA-DICKINSON-GEARY-MORRIS-
WABAUNSEE-SHAWNEE-DOUGLAS-LYON-OSAGE-FRANKLIN-COFFEY-ANDERSON-
311 PM CDT SAT MAY 21 2011

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR EAST CENTRAL...NORTH
CENTRAL AND NORTHEAST KANSAS.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

THERE IS A CHANCE FOR STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS AFTER 5 PM.
SOME OF THE STORMS COULD BE SEVERE...WITH HAIL UP TO THE SIZE OF
GOLF BALLS AND DAMAGING WINDS UP TO 60 MPH. LOCALLY HEAVY RAIN
WILL BE POSSIBLE WHICH COULD LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING IN PORTIONS
OF NORTH CENTRAL AND EAST CENTRAL KANSAS.

RIVER FLOOD WARNINGS ARE IN EFFECT FOR SEVERAL LOCATIONS. SEE THE
LATEST FLOOD STATEMENTS FOR DETAILS.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE IN NORTHEAST AND EAST CENTRAL KANSAS
SUNDAY AFTERNOON...AND FOR ALL BUT PORTIONS OF NORTH CENTRAL
KANSAS SUNDAY NIGHT. THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE AREA WIDE MONDAY
THROUGH WEDNESDAY. SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS AND FLOODING COULD OCCUR
DURING MUCH OF THESE PERIODS...ESPECIALLY IN EAST CENTRAL KANSAS.

SEVERAL RIVERS AND CREEKS WILL REMAIN IN FLOOD STAGE THROUGH
MONDAY.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS POSSIBLE TONIGHT.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 21, 3:56 PM CST, 17 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TOPEKA KS
456 PM CDT SAT MAY 21 2011

KSZ038-039-212245-
SHAWNEE-WABAUNSEE-
456 PM CDT SAT MAY 21 2011

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR WESTERN SHAWNEE AND SOUTHEASTERN
WABAUNSEE COUNTIES...

THROUGH 545 PM CDT...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL MOVE NORTHEAST AT 45
MPH ACROSS PORTIONS OF. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR
INDICATED THIS STORM IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING NICKEL SIZE HAIL AND
WINDS UP TO 40 MPH. SOME LOCATIONS THAT COULD BE AFFECTED INCLUDE
KEENE...DOVER...AUBURN...MAPLE HILL...WILLARD...ROSSVILLE...
PAULINE...SILVER LAKE...FORBES FIELD AND WEST CENTRAL TOPEKA.
MOTORISTS ALONG INTERSTATE 70 BETWEEN MILE MARKERS 341 AND 355 COULD
ALSO BE AFFECTED.

A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH IS ALSO IN EFFECT. THE STORM MAY
STRENGTHEN OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MINUTES. BE READY TO TAKE SHELTER IN
CASE A WARNING IS ISSUED.

&&

LAT...LON 3887 9582 3887 9594 3880 9595 3874 9606
      3874 9612 3885 9625 3921 9592 3896 9565
TIME...MOT...LOC 2156Z 226DEG 38KT 3886 9608

ANGLE

Special weather statement, May 21, 3:58 PM CST, 15 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TOPEKA KS
458 PM CDT SAT MAY 21 2011

KSZ011-012-024-212245-
BROWN-JACKSON-NEMAHA-
458 PM CDT SAT MAY 21 2011

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHEASTERN NEMAHA...
NORTHWESTERN JACKSON AND SOUTHWESTERN BROWN COUNTIES...

THROUGH 545 PM CDT...A THUNDERSTORM WILL MOVE NORTHEAST AT 40 MPH
ACROSS PORTIONS OF SOUTHEASTERN NEMAHA...NORTHWESTERN JACKSON AND
SOUTHWESTERN BROWN COUNTIES. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR
INDICATED THIS STORM IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING PENNY SIZE HAIL AND
WINDS UP TO 40 MPH. SOME LOCATIONS THAT COULD BE AFFECTED INCLUDE
GOFF...WETMORE...NETAWAKA...WOODLAWN...KICKAPOO RESERVATION...
POWHATTAN...FAIRVIEW...SABETHA...WILLIS AND MORRILL.

A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH IS ALSO IN EFFECT. THE STORM MAY
STRENGTHEN OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MINUTES. BE READY TO TAKE SHELTER IN
CASE A WARNING IS ISSUED.

&&

LAT...LON 3977 9541 3947 9595 3952 9603 3957 9604
      3957 9610 3958 9612 4000 9578
TIME...MOT...LOC 2158Z 224DEG 35KT 3958 9595

ANGLE

Special weather statement, May 21, 4:01 PM CST, 12 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TOPEKA KS
501 PM CDT SAT MAY 21 2011

KSZ010-023-212230-
MARSHALL-POTTAWATOMIE-
501 PM CDT SAT MAY 21 2011

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHWESTERN POTTAWATOMIE AND
SOUTHEASTERN MARSHALL COUNTIES...

THROUGH 530 PM CDT...A THUNDERSTORM WILL MOVE NORTHEAST AT 45 MPH
ACROSS PORTIONS OF NORTHWESTERN POTTAWATOMIE AND SOUTHEASTERN
MARSHALL COUNTIES. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED
THIS STORM IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING PENNY SIZE HAIL AND WINDS UP TO 40
MPH. SOME LOCATIONS THAT COULD BE AFFECTED INCLUDE BLAINE...
WHEATON...LILLIS...FRANKFORT AND VERMILLION.

A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH IS ALSO IN EFFECT. THE STORM MAY
STRENGTHEN OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MINUTES. BE READY TO TAKE SHELTER IN
CASE A WARNING IS ISSUED.

&&

LAT...LON 3955 9623 3934 9655 3946 9671 3946 9669
      3948 9668 3948 9667 3954 9663 3954 9659
      3956 9658 3957 9663 3983 9640 3984 9624
TIME...MOT...LOC 2201Z 223DEG 39KT 3947 9655

ANGLE

The radar

The Topeka radar (KTWX), 76 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 22:13 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

82 hail, 10 tornado, 6 funnel cloud, 4 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Nemaha

When: May 21, 4:13 PM CST to 4:14 PM CST
Where: Nemaha County, 0.69 mi N of Corning
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 39.660, -96.030

Hail, Nemaha

When: May 21, 4:13 PM CST to 4:14 PM CST
Where: Nemaha County, 1.74 mi WNW of Corning
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.660, -96.060

Hail, Wabaunsee

When: May 21, 4:24 PM CST to 4:25 PM CST
Where: Wabaunsee County, 0.88 mi SW of Eskridge
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.840, -96.110

Hail, Wabaunsee

When: May 21, 4:30 PM CST to 4:35 PM CST
Where: Wabaunsee County, 0.88 mi NW of Eskridge
Measured: 2.5 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.860, -96.110

Hail, Wabaunsee

When: May 21, 4:30 PM CST to 4:34 PM CST
Where: Wabaunsee County, 1.61 mi W of Bradford
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.820, -96.060

Hail, Nemaha

When: May 21, 4:35 PM CST to 4:36 PM CST
Where: Nemaha County, 1.06 mi W of Sabetha
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.900, -95.800

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 4:35 PM CST to 4:36 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 3.83 mi WSW of Valencia
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.040, -95.940

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 4:37 PM CST to 4:38 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 4.18 mi N of Dover
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.030, -95.940

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 4:40 PM CST to 4:43 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 4.18 mi N of Dover
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.030, -95.940

Hail, Brown

When: May 21, 4:41 PM CST
Where: Brown County, 3.45 mi S of Fairview
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.780, -95.730

Hail, Brown

When: May 21, 4:43 PM CST to 4:47 PM CST
Where: Brown County, 1.38 mi S of Fairview
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.810, -95.730

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 4:47 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 2.12 mi NE of Silver Lake
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.120, -95.840

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 4:50 PM CST to 4:51 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 1.61 mi W of Menoken
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 39.080, -95.780

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 4:53 PM CST to 4:54 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 1.75 mi ESE of Dover
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.960, -95.900

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 4:53 PM CST to 4:57 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 0.88 mi SW of Dover
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.960, -95.940

Hail, Brown

When: May 21, 4:57 PM CST to 5:00 PM CST
Where: Brown County, 3.5 mi S of Hamlin
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 39.870, -95.640

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 4:57 PM CST to 5:02 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 3.02 mi WSW of Topeka
Measured: 5.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.030, -95.730

Hail to the size of 5.25 inches was measured on the west side of Topeka.

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 5:00 PM CST to 5:04 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 1.75 mi ESE of Dover
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.960, -95.900

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 5:00 PM CST to 5:05 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 2.98 mi SW of Topeka
Measured: 3.5 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.020, -95.720

Hail, Jackson

When: May 21, 5:02 PM CST to 5:04 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, 0.54 mi W of Hoyt
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.250, -95.710

Funnel Cloud, Shawnee

When: May 21, 5:10 PM CST to 5:25 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 0.69 mi N of Auburn to 2.07 mi N of Pauline
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 38.910, -95.820

A funnel cloud witnessed by many people including an off-duty National Weather Service meteorologist formed near Auburn and persisted for approximately 15 minutes before eventually dissipating.

Tornado, Shawnee

When: May 21, 5:16 PM CST to 5:20 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 4.47 mi WSW of Pauline to 3.32 mi W of Pauline
Rating: EF0
Path length: 1.2 mi
Path width: 150 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 38.955, -95.761

A well defined rotating wall cloud produced a visible funnel cloud. The circulation associated with the funnel cloud briefly reached the ground and produced damage along a 1.2 mile long path producing EF0 damage along the way.

Hail, Jackson

When: May 21, 5:18 PM CST to 5:19 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, 1.27 mi ESE of Denison
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.390, -95.610

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 5:23 PM CST to 5:24 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 1.75 mi SW of (Top)billard Arpt to
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 39.050, -95.640

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 5:25 PM CST to 5:26 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 2.98 mi SW of Topeka
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 39.020, -95.720

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 5:27 PM CST to 5:29 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, Topeka
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.050, -95.680

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 5:27 PM CST to 5:31 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 2.98 mi SW of Topeka
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.020, -95.720

Thunderstorm Wind, Shawnee

When: May 21, 5:27 PM CST to 5:39 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 3.59 mi S of Menoken to 1.86 mi W of Lake Shawnee
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 39.029, -95.762

Large tree limbs were seen broken on 21st Avenue and Wanamaker Boulevard in Topeka. At Croco Road and 29th Avenue damage at the baseball fields were observed and a fifth wheel trailer was overturned.

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 5:29 PM CST to 5:31 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 2.98 mi SW of Topeka
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 39.020, -95.720

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 5:30 PM CST to 5:33 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 3.45 mi S of Menoken
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 39.030, -95.750

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 5:33 PM CST to 5:38 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 1.75 mi SW of Topeka
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.030, -95.700

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 5:34 PM CST to 5:39 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 0.87 mi NW of Topeka
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.060, -95.690

Tornado, Shawnee

When: May 21, 5:35 PM CST to 5:39 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 3.06 mi SSE of Topeka to 1.88 mi W of Lake Shawnee
Rating: EF0
Path length: 2.03 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.011, -95.652

Another brief weak tornado circulation reached the ground with sporadic minor structural and tree damaged noted along this path. Some rear flank downdraft damage also occurred along the southeast flank of the narrow tornado damage. Input on the begin and end points provided by Emergency Management.

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 5:35 PM CST to 5:38 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 1.28 mi WNW of (Top)billard Arpt to
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 39.080, -95.640

Hail, Brown

When: May 21, 5:38 PM CST to 5:41 PM CST
Where: Brown County, 2.11 mi SE of Everest
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.660, -95.400

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 5:40 PM CST to 5:45 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 2.07 mi N of Topeka
Measured: 2.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.080, -95.680

Baseball sized hail was reported at 29th Avenue and Meriden Road in Topeka.

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 5:40 PM CST to 5:45 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 2.07 mi S of (Top)billard Arpt to
Measured: 2.5 in hail
Injuries: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 39.040, -95.620

Hail broke car windows at 6th and Croco Road. One injury was reported from the broken windows.

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 5:41 PM CST to 5:44 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 1.07 mi W of Tecumseh
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 39.050, -95.600

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 5:42 PM CST to 5:46 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 0.57 mi WNW of (Top)billard Arpt to
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 39.073, -95.630

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 5:42 PM CST to 5:46 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 2.62 mi SE of Topeka
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 39.020, -95.650

Hail, Pottawatomie

When: May 21, 5:46 PM CST to 5:50 PM CST
Where: Pottawatomie County, 0.69 mi S of St Marys
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.190, -96.070

Hail, Pottawatomie

When: May 21, 5:46 PM CST to 5:47 PM CST
Where: Pottawatomie County, 0.69 mi S of St Marys
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 39.190, -96.070

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 5:46 PM CST to 5:49 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 1.07 mi W of Tecumseh
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 39.050, -95.600

Funnel Cloud, Shawnee

When: May 21, 5:47 PM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 1.28 mi WSW of (Top)billard Arpt to to 2.96 mi NNE of (Top)billard Arpt to
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 39.060, -95.640

As the supercell moved over the National Weather Service office in Topeka the staff observed a funnel cloud, which persisted for approximately 13 mintues.

Hail, Pottawatomie

When: May 21, 5:48 PM CST to 5:52 PM CST
Where: Pottawatomie County, 0.69 mi S of St Marys
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.190, -96.070

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 5:50 PM CST to 5:54 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, Tecumseh
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 39.050, -95.580

Hail, Brown

When: May 21, 5:51 PM CST to 5:55 PM CST
Where: Brown County, 5.55 mi N of Robinson
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.900, -95.410

Hail, Jefferson

When: May 21, 5:57 PM CST to 6:01 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 3.2 mi NNE of Grantville
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.120, -95.540

Hail, Wabaunsee

When: May 21, 5:58 PM CST to 6:02 PM CST
Where: Wabaunsee County, 0.54 mi W of Alma
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.020, -96.290

Hail, Jefferson

When: May 21, 6:00 PM CST to 6:04 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 2.76 mi S of Meriden
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.140, -95.570

Hail, Jefferson

When: May 21, 6:04 PM CST to 6:09 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 3.57 mi SSW of Ozawkie
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 39.173, -95.478

Hail, Jefferson

When: May 21, 6:04 PM CST to 6:09 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 2.96 mi SSW of Ozawkie
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.180, -95.470

Hail, Jefferson

When: May 21, 6:06 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 2.96 mi SSW of Ozawkie
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.180, -95.470

Hail, Jefferson

When: May 21, 6:15 PM CST to 6:16 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 2.62 mi SW of Oskaloosa
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.190, -95.350

Tornado, Jefferson

When: May 21, 6:20 PM CST to 6:21 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 3.8 mi S of Ozawkie to 3.32 mi SSE of Ozawkie
Rating: EF0
Path length: 1.94 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 39.165, -95.452

A brief and weak tornado which began as a waterspout over Lake Perry came ashore and produced tree damage around Lakeside Village. One tree fell on a mobile home and entrapped the resident for a period of time. No injuries were reported.

Hail, Pottawatomie

When: May 21, 6:22 PM CST to 6:24 PM CST
Where: Pottawatomie County, 0.87 mi NE of St Marys
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.210, -96.060

Funnel Cloud, Jefferson

When: May 21, 6:30 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 2.62 mi SW of Oskaloosa
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.190, -95.350

A trained spotter reported a brief funnel cloud near Oskaloosa.

Hail, Jackson

When: May 21, 6:31 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, 0.53 mi E of Holton
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.470, -95.740

Hail, Jackson

When: May 21, 6:51 PM CST to 6:56 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, 5.24 mi WSW of Mayetta
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.300, -95.820

Hail, Jackson

When: May 21, 7:00 PM CST to 7:02 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, 0.87 mi NE of Mayetta
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.340, -95.720

Hail, Jefferson

When: May 21, 7:00 PM CST to 7:05 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 2.55 mi ESE of Oskaloosa
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 39.200, -95.280

Hail, Jefferson

When: May 21, 7:01 PM CST to 7:06 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 4.18 mi S of Winchester
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 39.260, -95.260

Hail, Jefferson

When: May 21, 7:04 PM CST to 7:09 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 4.18 mi S of Winchester
Measured: 2.5 in hail
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 39.260, -95.260

Hail, Jefferson

When: May 21, 7:05 PM CST to 7:07 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 4.71 mi SE of Winchester
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 39.270, -95.210

Hail, Jefferson

When: May 21, 7:08 PM CST to 7:13 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 4.18 mi S of Winchester
Measured: 2.75 in hail
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 39.260, -95.260

Hail, Lyon

When: May 21, 7:25 PM CST
Where: Lyon County, 7.69 mi E of Americus
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.530, -96.290

Hail, Jackson

When: May 21, 7:25 PM CST to 7:29 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, 0.87 mi NW of Hoyt
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 39.260, -95.710

Hail, Jackson

When: May 21, 7:25 PM CST to 7:30 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, 2.82 mi N of Hoyt
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 39.290, -95.710

Hail, Lyon

When: May 21, 7:28 PM CST to 7:29 PM CST
Where: Lyon County, 5.13 mi ESE of Americus
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.510, -96.350

Hail, Jackson

When: May 21, 7:30 PM CST to 7:34 PM CST
Where: Jackson County, 2.14 mi E of Mayetta
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 39.330, -95.690

Hail, Lyon

When: May 21, 7:31 PM CST to 7:35 PM CST
Where: Lyon County, 0.88 mi NW of Emporia
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.410, -96.190

Hail, Lyon

When: May 21, 7:34 PM CST to 7:35 PM CST
Where: Lyon County, 7.02 mi E of Americus
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.550, -96.300

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 7:44 PM CST to 7:46 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 1.48 mi NNE of Silver Lake
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.120, -95.860

Hail, Jefferson

When: May 21, 7:44 PM CST to 7:48 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, Nortonville
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.420, -95.330

Hail, Lyon

When: May 21, 7:46 PM CST to 7:47 PM CST
Where: Lyon County, 5.3 mi SSW of Allen
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.580, -96.210

Hail, Lyon

When: May 21, 7:47 PM CST to 7:48 PM CST
Where: Lyon County, 5.12 mi NW of Lang
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.520, -96.150

Funnel Cloud, Lyon

When: May 21, 7:49 PM CST
Where: Lyon County, 1.38 mi N of Emporia
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 38.420, -96.180

A brief funnel cloud was observed near Emporia prior to tornado touchdown.

Tornado, Lyon

When: May 21, 7:50 PM CST to 7:54 PM CST
Where: Lyon County, 3.29 mi NNE of Emporia to 1.46 mi NE of Lang
Rating: EF1
Path length: 6.05 mi
Path width: 150 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 38.445, -96.161

The tornado first touched down northeast of the Emporia State University campus and proceeded northeast. Several large trees were snapped, a chimney collapsed on top of a home and some farm outbuildings were heavily damaged. This tornado lifted before reaching the town of Reading.

Hail, Lyon

When: May 21, 7:55 PM CST to 7:59 PM CST
Where: Lyon County, 6.93 mi S of Allen
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.550, -96.180

Hail, Shawnee

When: May 21, 8:01 PM CST
Where: Shawnee County, 2.14 mi SSE of Elmont
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.140, -95.690

Tornado, Lyon

When: May 21, 8:10 PM CST to 8:20 PM CST
Where: Lyon County, 3.07 mi WSW of Reading to 0.15 mi N of Reading
Rating: EF3
Path length: 3.13 mi
Path width: 700 yd
Continued into: Osage, Ks (TOP)
Deaths: 1 direct, 0 indirect
Injuries: 5 direct, 0 indirect
Property damage: $2.3 million
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 38.505, -96.004

Another tornado developed 3 miles southwest of Reading. This tornado proceeded to hit the town of Reading producing EF3 damage in the city. The tornado continued on a path that took it into Osage County Kansas where it produced additional damage before lifting approximately 4 miles south of Osage City. A single story home in Reading was swept off its foundation. There were several two story homes with significant damage to the second story or completely removed. A well anchored mobile home was lofted and thrown 50 yards into a tree. Vehicles were rolled and large chemical tank was thrown 100 yards. Winds estimated at 140 mph.

Hail, Jefferson

When: May 21, 8:15 PM CST to 8:19 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 0.69 mi S of Nortonville
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 39.410, -95.330

Tornado, Osage

When: May 21, 8:20 PM CST to 8:24 PM CST
Where: Osage County, 2.7 mi SSW of Barclay to 1.74 mi S of Barclay
Rating: EF0
Path length: 1.39 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 38.543, -95.897

A narrow damage path was noted to the northwest of the main tornado damage path associated with the Reading tornado. This path featured damage to trees and a cow pen. Trees were blown down to the west and the cow pen was blown toward the northeast within this narrow path. This tornado appeared to be separate from the main tornado that hit Reading and moved into Osage County.

Tornado, Osage

When: May 21, 8:20 PM CST to 8:30 PM CST
Where: Osage County, 5.5 mi SW of Barclay to 2.25 mi E of Barclay
Rating: EF1
Path length: 6.98 mi
Path width: 200 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 38.522, -95.950

The tornado that hit Reading then moved out of Lyon County and into Osage County. It produced EF1 damage at one farmstead in Osage County before weakening and producing additional minor and sporadic tree damage. This segment is that portion of the tornado that moved out of Lyon County and into Osage County before dissipating south of Osage City. Another separate EF0 tornado was discovered on the northwest periphery of this main tornado track.

Hail, Jefferson

When: May 21, 8:31 PM CST to 8:32 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 1.07 mi E of Ozawkie
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 39.220, -95.430

Thunderstorm Wind, Osage

When: May 21, 8:33 PM CST to 8:36 PM CST
Where: Osage County, 2.7 mi E of Barclay
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.580, -95.830

An emergency manager reported a 70 mph wind gust near Osage City.

Hail, Osage

When: May 21, 8:43 PM CST to 8:44 PM CST
Where: Osage County, 0.69 mi S of Lyndon
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.610, -95.680

Funnel Cloud, Jefferson

When: May 21, 8:55 PM CST
Where: Jefferson County, 0.87 mi NE of Oskaloosa
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 39.230, -95.311

An emergency manager reported a funnel cloud near US 59 and Fairview Road near Oskaloosa.

Funnel Cloud, Osage

When: May 21, 8:56 PM CST
Where: Osage County, 4.39 mi NW of Melvern
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 38.550, -95.680

A storm chaser witnessed a funnel cloud near Lyndon.

Hail, Osage

When: May 21, 9:10 PM CST to 9:11 PM CST
Where: Osage County, 1.48 mi SSW of Osage City
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.610, -95.830

Hail, Osage

When: May 21, 9:15 PM CST to 9:20 PM CST
Where: Osage County, 0.54 mi W of Osage City
Measured: 2.75 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.630, -95.830

Hail, Franklin

When: May 21, 9:26 PM CST to 9:28 PM CST
Where: Franklin County, Centropolis
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.720, -95.350

Hail, Douglas

When: May 21, 9:38 PM CST to 9:42 PM CST
Where: Douglas County, 3.84 mi ESE of Worden
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.750, -95.270

Thunderstorm Wind, Douglas

When: May 21, 9:40 PM CST to 9:43 PM CST
Where: Douglas County, 3.84 mi ESE of Worden
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 38.750, -95.270

An emergency manager relayed a report from a storm chaser of 60 mph winds near Baldwin City.

Tornado, Douglas

When: May 21, 9:41 PM CST
Where: Douglas County, 3.94 mi ESE of Worden
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.05 mi
Path width: 25 yd
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.752, -95.266

A storm chaser witnessed a brief tornado touchdown just east of highway 56 and south of highway 59 in southern Douglas County. The tornado dissipated after 15 seconds and did no damage. The report was relayed by the County EM.

Tornado, Osage

When: May 21, 9:43 PM CST to 9:48 PM CST
Where: Osage County, 0.75 mi WSW of Lomax to 0.66 mi ENE of Lomax
Rating: EF1
Path length: 1.41 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Continued into: Franklin, Ks (TOP)
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 38.577, -95.533

A tornado developed just west of Quenemo touching down on the west side of town. It destroyed two structures both garages producing winds around 90 mph. The damage path continued east to around 2.5 miles southwest of Pomona in Franklin County where only minor tree damage was noted.

Thunderstorm Wind, Osage

When: May 21, 9:43 PM CST to 9:46 PM CST
Where: Osage County, 0.54 mi W of Lomax
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Crop damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.580, -95.530

An emergency manager reported some minor damage to homes in Quenemo and one outbuilding destroyed by strong winds.

Tornado, Franklin

When: May 21, 9:48 PM CST to 9:52 PM CST
Where: Franklin County, 4.06 mi SW of Pomona to 2.99 mi SW of Pomona
Rating: EF0
Path length: 1.48 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 38.583, -95.508

This segment is the extension of the tornado that hit Quenemo in Osage county and weakened as it moved into Franklin County. Only sporadic tree damage was noted in Franklin County as the tornado weakened before dissipating.

Hail, Osage

When: May 21, 10:10 PM CST
Where: Osage County, 2.76 mi S of Melvern
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.460, -95.630

Hail, Franklin

When: May 21, 11:05 PM CST to 11:07 PM CST
Where: Franklin County, 3.03 mi WSW of Peoria
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.560, -95.200

Hail, Franklin

When: May 21, 11:12 PM CST to 11:13 PM CST
Where: Franklin County, Peoria
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.580, -95.150

Hail, Franklin

When: May 21, 11:14 PM CST
Where: Franklin County, 2.14 mi NNW of Peoria
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.610, -95.160

The people who died

As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.

Event	Date	Age	Sex	Where	Kind
Tornado, Lyon	2011-05-21	53	Male	Mobile/Trailer Home	Direct

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Funnel Cloud: A rotating column of cloud extending from a thunderstorm that did not reach the ground.
Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.
Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Kansas in 2011 Every state in 2011 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Kansas, 2011 Warnings in Kansas, May 2011

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 307579, 307580, 307583, 307581, 307582, 307584, 307585, 307587, 307588, 307589, 307590, 307592, 307591, 307593, 307594, 307595, 309245, 307598, 307599, 307600, 309254, 295465, 307603, 307602, 307604, 307606, 307607, 309255, 307608, 307621, 307611, 307613, 295466, 307617, 307619, 307660, 307673, 307665, 307658, 307674, and more.