The Truth: Greensburg, KS Tornado Rated EF-5

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Monday, May 07, 2007

Greensburg, KS Tornado Rated EF-5

It's official, the tornado that devastated Greensburg, KS has been rated EF-5. This is the first tornado of this magnitude on record since the Bridge Creek-Moore, OK tornado on May 3, 1999.

Below is an SRV (not Stevie Ray Vaughan) image from the National Weather Service WSR-88D Doppler radar in Dodge City, KS, showing the wind motion within the storm, shortly before it reached Greensburg :

I have looked at thousands and thousands of radar loops, and this is one of the strongest mesocyclones I have ever seen. 11 people died, dozens more were injured, and it's a miracle judging by this photo, that the toll wasn't higher:

More images here.

I also think it's worth noting that historically, Kansas suffers more F-5 tornado's than any other place on Earth. Just a reminder, in case any Global Warming acolytes happen to read this.

-Tommy

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