How many tornadoes has Topeka, KS had?
Topeka has had 158 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 18 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Topeka?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Topeka was an EF0 on May 19, 2024.
When is tornado season in Topeka?
May is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Topeka, with 58 on record. April through June account for 104 of the 158 tornadoes on record near Topeka.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
158
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
18
11.4% of total
Peak Month
May
58 on record
Per Year Avg
2.1
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Topeka
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
35 total, averaging 1.8 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
0
2024
7
2023
0
2022
2
2021
0
2020
0
2019
5
2018
1
2017
2
2016
3
2015
1
2014
1
2013
0
2012
2
2011
3
2010
3
2009
0
2008
2
2007
3
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
19
1960s
30
1970s
9
1980s
15
1990s
32
2000s
23
2010s
21
2020s
9
Tornadoes by Enhanced Fujita Rating
F0–F5 ratings (pre-2007) are grouped with their EF equivalents. The Enhanced Fujita scale replaced the original Fujita scale in February 2007.
EF0
66
EF1
43
EF2
29
EF3
11
EF4
6
EF5
1
Unrated
2
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
0
Feb
1
Mar
11
Apr
18
May
58
Jun
28
Jul
16
Aug
9
Sep
7
Oct
6
Nov
4
Dec
0
Casualties on Record Near Topeka
27 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Topeka since 1950, across 7 events. 889 injuries have been reported across all events. 1966 was the deadliest year on record near Topeka.
The deadliest single event was an F5 on June 8, 1966, which caused 16 fatalities along a 21.1-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Topeka
Deadliest Tornado
F5 on June 8, 1966 — 16 fatalities, 21.1 mi path, 880 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
F5 on June 8, 1966 — est. ~$275.0M (NOAA damage class, pre-1996 estimate).
Widest Tornado
EF4 on May 28, 2019 — 1,760 yards wide.
Longest Path
F3 on April 2, 1956 — 127.0 mile track.
Most Recent
EF0 on May 19, 2024.
What the record shows near Topeka
The 1990s were the busiest decade near Topeka, with 32 of the 158 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 9 so far. The Topeka record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Topeka, 109 reached EF0 or EF1 and 47 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Topeka is rated EF5, of which 1 is logged. A further 2 near Topeka are unrated — events NOAA logged before a damage survey assigned a scale.
Across the last 20 years Topeka has averaged 1.8 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 35 in total. 2024 was the busiest of them with 7, and 7 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Topeka, KS had?
Since 1950, 158 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Topeka. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Topeka?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Topeka was an F5 on June 8, 1966, which caused 16 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Topeka?
May is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Topeka, with 58 tornadoes on record. Tornadoes can occur any time of year, but spring months (April–June) generally see the highest activity across most of the central and southern United States.
Has Topeka been hit by an EF4 or EF5 tornado?
Within 25 miles of Topeka, there have been 1 EF5 and 6 EF4 tornadoes recorded since 1950. EF4 and EF5 tornadoes are the most destructive ratings on the Enhanced Fujita scale, with winds above 166 mph.
When was the most recent tornado near Topeka?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Topeka was an EF0 on May 19, 2024.
How do I get tornado warnings for Topeka?
Vortex delivers real-time tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm alerts, and SPC outlook updates for any US location via push notification and phone call. Alerts are sourced directly from the National Weather Service and updated within seconds of issuance.
Get real-time tornado alerts for Topeka
Vortex monitors NWS warnings, SPC outlooks, and live radar — with push + phone call alerts when storms threaten your location.
Open the Vortex app →