Tornadoes are frequently associated with Kansas as a result of the old classic The Wizard of Oz film. The film is set in a black-and-white Kansas environment, with Dorothy and her tiny dog being taken to the colorful Land of Oz by a strong Kansas tornado.
But are tornadoes common in Kansas? Kansas ranks sixth in the nation for tornado activity and is located in “Tornado Alley” (a tornado-prone area in the country’s center region).
Certainly, Kansas experiences its fair share of devastating storms. In fact, one town in the state has the highest potential for tornado activity. Continue reading to find out which Kansas town is most likely to be affected by a tornado, as well as how the extreme weather may affect local wildlife.
Which Kansas City is the most likely to be hit by a tornado?
Lansing is the Kansas town with the highest tornado risk. Lansing has the state’s highest tornado index score (415.33).
The Tornado Index assesses the risk of tornadoes in different places. The higher the score, the greater the risk. The index cannot forecast when or if a tornado will strike a specific location. It merely calculates the likelihood based on previous events in the region.
Lansing’s Tornado Index (415.33) exceeds the state average of 252.53. It’s also greater than the state average for Oklahoma, which has the worst tornado danger in the nation. However, it is lower than the city of Valley Brook, Oklahoma, which has a rating of 696.05.
What is Tornado Alley?
Tornado Alley is a band of states in the middle of the country where tornadoes are most likely to develop in the spring and summer months. However, the exact boundaries of Tornado Alley are occasionally disputed. However, most scholars agree that it encompasses Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma, and northern Texas.
About Lansing, Kansas
Lansing is a tiny town in Lansing, with a population of 11,535. It is located on the west bank of the Missouri River and the Kansas-Missouri state boundary, making it part of the Kansas City metropolitan region.
Because of its proximity to the city, Lansing has a suburban vibe, with many young professionals living and owning their own homes.
What is the history of Lansing?
Although individuals have lived in Lansing since the 1800s, the city did not get incorporated until 1959. Lansing is named after James Lansing, a pioneer immigrant who established a general mercantile establishment that also included an apothecary and a post office.
The Kansas State Penitentiary, which was renamed the Lansing Correctional Facility in 1990, remains the state’s largest and oldest correctional facility.
What is the deadliest tornado ever to hit Kansas?
Udall, Kansas, is a tiny town located about three hours south of Lansing, near Wichita. On May 25, 1955, the Udall Tornado, an F5 on the original Fujita Scale, ripped through the little town, leaving a 20-mile-long and 400-yard-wide trail of devastation. Sadly, the Udall Tornado killed 80 people and injured 270 others, making it Kansas’ deadliest storm in history.
What is the weather like in Lansing?
Lansing’s summers are hot and humid, creating an ideal environment for severe thunderstorms that might produce tornadoes. Tornado season in Kansas lasts from April to June, though they can occur at any time. Tornadoes arise when warm, wet Gulf of Mexico air collides with cool, dry Canadian air. The combination causes instability in the atmosphere, which can result in violent tornadoes.
Where is Lansing, Kansas Location on a map?
Lansing is a city in Leavenworth County, Kansas, near the Missouri River and on the western side of the Kansas-Missouri boundary.