Northeast Kansas Significant Weather Events of 2011

Northeast Kansas Significant Weather Events of 2011

2011 demonstrated the wide range of weather conditions that the people of northeast Kansas can experience.  In the span of a mere 12 months, temperatures ranged from well below 0 degrees to well above 100 degrees.  Thunderstorm winds approached 100 mph while hail larger than softballs rained down from the sky, and several tornadoes touched down.  One of these tornadoes packed winds estimated between 136 and 165 mph as it struck the town of Reading.  The winter season brought several significant snow storms and blizzard conditions, along with a record for most snowfall in a 2-year period.  Residents of the area know that more of the same can be expected in 2012, and the most important thing to do is to be prepared for what may happen in the future. 

Visit www.ready.gov to find out more about how to be prepared for what nature is capable of. 

Please use the links below to revisit some of the more significant weather events of 2011.
January 19 Winter storm brings up to 9 inches of snow
January 31 - February 1 Winter storm with freezing drizzle, bitter wind chills, and up to 12 inches of snow
February 8 - 9 Impressive snowfall up to 16 inches
February 27 Late winter hail storm
March 13 - 14 Snowfall up to 9 inches
April 3 Severe thunderstorms with damaging wind, hail, and a large gustnado
April 8 Hail up to 3 inches in diameter
April 29 50+ mph non-thunderstorm winds
May 21 Severe weather and several tornadoes, including an EF-3 tornado and 5 inch hail
(Emporia to Quenemo tornadoes) (Shawnee and Jefferson County tornadoes)
June (early June) Kansas River flooding
June 1 9" of rain, significant flash flooding, and softball size hail
June 9 Hail, wind, and "heat bursts"
June 19 Tornado and baseball size hail
July 27 100 degrees by Noon
July 28 Downbursts produce winds up to 80 mph
July and August Record breaking heat!   (June/July/August heat statistics)
August 18 Strong winds cause damage
August 19 Single thunderstorm causes significant damage with 4.5 inch hail and 90+ mph winds
(Satellite image of crop damage after the storms)
Late Summer & Fall Drought builds into the area

December 19 - 20

 Up to 7 inches of snow, light freezing rain and sleet

Nationwide Billion Dollar Disasters of 2011



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