Weather
Large and extremely dangerous tornado on the ground near Greensburg, Kansas
GREENSBURG, KS — A Tornado Emergency has been issued for Greensburg and surrounding communities in Kiowa County after a large, violent, and extremely dangerous tornado touched down near the city late Sunday night.
The National Weather Service in Dodge City, Kansas, confirmed the tornado just before 9:50 p.m. CDT, describing it as a “particularly dangerous situation” and urging all residents to take immediate shelter.
At 9:47 p.m. CDT, a confirmed wedge tornado — known for its massive width and devastating potential — was located approximately 1.5 miles south of Greensburg, moving northeast at 30 mph.
Forecasters described the tornado as large and destructive, capable of producing catastrophic damage. The situation drew immediate comparisons to the deadly EF5 tornado that struck Greensburg in May 2007, which destroyed approximately 95% of the city and killed 11 people.
The tornado emergency warning is the most severe level issued by the National Weather Service, indicating an ongoing or imminent threat to human life and catastrophic damage.
The alert emphasized the seriousness of the storm, stating: “This is a particularly dangerous situation. TAKE COVER NOW!”
Residents across the area, including Greensburg and nearby rural communities, were urged to seek underground shelter or move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy structure.
Emergency sirens sounded throughout the region as the massive tornado approached.
Live radar and storm chasers confirmed the tornado’s presence, showing a well-defined debris signature and significant rotation.
Early reports suggest the tornado may already have caused damage south of town, though officials have not yet confirmed the extent.
Local authorities, including emergency services and storm spotters, remain on high alert as the storm continues its path northeastward.
Updates will be issued as more information becomes available.
All residents are urged to stay tuned to local news outlets, NOAA Weather Radio, or official emergency alert systems for the latest developments.
POINT COMFORT, Texas — Powerful thunderstorms swept across parts of the Texas Gulf Coast, producing extreme wind gusts that caused significant destruction in Point Comfort and surrounding areas, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
A WeatherFlow HurrNet station recorded a peak wind gust of 119 miles per hour in Point Comfort, indicating a highly destructive wind event—likely a downburst associated with a line of severe thunderstorms that moved through the region.
Nearby communities also experienced intense conditions, with wind gusts reaching 77 mph in Palacios, Texas.
Widespread Storm Damage Reported
Preliminary reports indicate extensive damage stretching from near Coleto Creek Reservoir southeast through Point Comfort and toward Port O’Connor.
Residents and storm observers described scenes of severe impact consistent with extreme straight-line winds.
Reported damage includes:
- Downed power lines and widespread power outages across Point Comfort
- Large transmission towers toppled or severely damaged
- Trees uprooted or snapped at the base, with some falling onto homes
- Metal structures and roofing materials torn from buildings
- Vehicles, including trucks and boats, overturned by strong winds
- Billboards destroyed and outdoor infrastructure heavily damaged
One eyewitness described winds “easily exceeding 100 mph,” noting that debris, including large pieces of metal, was ripped from nearby buildings.
Additional reports suggest that a semi-truck parked at an industrial site was flipped, further underscoring the intensity of the wind event.
Possible Downburst Under Investigation
Meteorologists believe the damage pattern is consistent with a downburst, a powerful column of sinking air that spreads outward upon reaching the ground, producing intense and localized wind damage.
However, the National Weather Service has confirmed that a formal damage survey will be conducted to determine the exact cause.
Community Urged to Share Information
Officials are asking residents to submit photos, videos, and damage reports, including locations and estimated times, to assist with the ongoing assessment.
This information will help meteorologists better understand the storm’s impact and confirm whether the event was solely caused by straight-line winds or involved additional severe weather factors.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Emergency crews and utility workers are actively responding to restore power and clear debris as residents begin recovery efforts.
Authorities continue to urge caution in affected areas due to downed lines, unstable structures, and hazardous debris.
This severe weather event highlights the destructive potential of fast-moving thunderstorm systems and the importance of staying alert during rapidly changing weather conditions.