Jun 22, 2026

NWS confirms strength of deadly weekend tornado in Kansas

Posted Jun 22, 2026 9:30 AM
Damage left from an EF tornado that touched down east of Sedgwick in the early morning hours of June 21, 2022
Damage left from an EF tornado that touched down east of Sedgwick in the early morning hours of June 21, 2022

MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post

SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan. — The National Weather Service has confirmed that the tornado that struck northern Sedgwick County early Sunday morning, killing one person, has been rated an EF2 with peak winds of 135 mph.

According to the National Weather Service's storm survey, the tornado touched down at 1:14 a.m. CDT on June 21, approximately five miles east of Sedgwick in Sedgwick County. It remained on the ground for about two minutes, lifting at 1:16 a.m. after traveling 0.11 miles. The tornado reached a maximum width of 50 yards.

The tornado crossed near the Sedgwick-Harvey county line before dissipating. Survey teams determined the storm caused one fatality and no injuries.

Damage left from an EF tornado that touched down east of Sedgwick in the early morning hours in the early morning hours of June 21, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Karen Boston)
Damage left from an EF tornado that touched down east of Sedgwick in the early morning hours in the early morning hours of June 21, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Karen Boston)

The National Weather Service said the brunt of the damage occurred at a double-wide manufactured home that had been bolted to a poured concrete basement foundation. The home was destroyed during the tornado.

Surveyors reported that debris from the home and two nearby outbuildings was carried to the northeast and scattered for several miles. Despite the extensive debris field, no additional structural damage was found beyond the immediate area.

Emergency crews were dispatched around 2:15 a.m. to the area of 125th Street North and Interstate 135 after a utility lineman restoring power reported that a home had been blown from its foundation.

Damage left from an EF tornado that touched down east of Sedgwick in the early morning hours in the early morning hours of June 21, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Karen Boston)
Damage left from an EF tornado that touched down east of Sedgwick in the early morning hours in the early morning hours of June 21, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Karen Boston)

Firefighters with Sedgwick County Fire District 1 arrived to find extensive storm debris. One person was located in the wreckage and was pronounced dead at the scene by Sedgwick County EMS. Authorities have not yet released the victim's identity.

Sedgwick County Emergency Management is continuing to work with the National Weather Service to assess storm damage and coordinate recovery efforts.

"We encourage all citizens to take steps to prepare themselves for any type of emergency or disaster," Sedgwick County said in a statement.

The county also expressed condolences to the victim's family, saying, "We extend our sympathy to the family for their loss."

Damage left from an EF tornado that touched down east of Sedgwick in the early morning hours in the early morning hours of June 21, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Karen Boston)
Damage left from an EF tornado that touched down east of Sedgwick in the early morning hours in the early morning hours of June 21, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Karen Boston)

The tornado was classified as an EF2, placing it in the "strong" category on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. EF2 tornadoes produce estimated wind speeds between 111 and 135 mph and are capable of causing considerable damage, including destroying manufactured homes, tearing roofs from well-built structures, snapping or uprooting large trees, and turning vehicles over.

National Weather Service Survey Details

  1. Rating: EF2
  2. Estimated Peak Wind: 135 mph
  3. Maximum Path Width: 50 yards
  4. Fatalities: 1
  5. Injuries: 0
  6. Touchdown: 1:14 a.m. CDT, June 21, 2026
  7. Start Location: Five miles east of Sedgwick in Sedgwick County
  8. Lifted: 1:16 a.m. CDT, June 21, 2026
  9. End Location: Five miles east of Sedgwick near the Harvey County line

The fatal tornado was one of several severe weather events that moved through central Kansas overnight Sunday.

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