Active Weather for the West, Warming in the East

The potential for heavy snow at higher elevations in the western U.S. will continue for many spots through the weekend. In the meantime, the eastern half of the continental U.S. will transition to above normal temperatures ahead of a pair of cold fronts next week that will bring readings back to closer to normal as we approach Thanksgiving Day. Read More >

Tornadoes Hit Topeka, Lake Perry

Weak tornadoes touched down in southwestern and southeastern Topeka, then again in Jefferson County at Lake Perry. Surveys of these tornados indicated winds of 65 to 85 mph occurred with the tornados causing minor damage in their paths, including knocking down a concession stand at the Washburn Rural High School track and field, some minor roof damage in southwest Topeka and blowing over a camper trailer at 29th and Croco. A tree was blown down in the Lakeside Village community east of Lake Perry, blocking the front door to a mobile home requiring outside assistance for the homeowner to exit.

Reflectivity and Storm Relative Velocity of the Supercell Thunderstorms that produced the Tornados

The supercell thunderstorm developed over southeastern Wabaunsee County dropping 2 1/2" hail onto Eskridge. As the storm moved into southern Shawnee County, it began to rotate near Auburn and produced numerous funnel clouds and a brief touchdown across southwestern Topeka, then moving along the Kansas Turnpike into eastern Topeka and eventually across the Billard airfield. There were also a couple reports of hail as large as 5 1/4" in Topeka. The storm then redeveloped and produced a tornado over Perry Lake. Below is a map of the tornado tracks.