Kansas Marks 56th Anniversary of Destructive Topeka Tornado
June 8th marks the 56th anniversary of one of the most destructive and deadly tornadoes in Kansas history. The massive 1966 Topeka tornado caused over $200 million in damage, at the time, the highest in American history. The EF-5 tornado killed 17 residents and injured over 500. With modern day inflation factored in, the tornado still ranks as one of the costliest on record, estimated near 1.8 billion dollars.
The tornado formed about 7pm west of Auburn in southwest Shawnee county, and cut a 22 mile long path, at times half a mile wide, across the heart of the city. Every building on the Washburn University campus was either destroyed or heavily damaged producing $10 million damage, alone.
Citywide, around 800 homes were completely destroyed with nearly 3000 damaged. Power and utilities in many parts of the city were out for weeks, and hundreds were left homeless. The intense destruction classified the tornado as an EF-5, with winds estimated over 250 mph.
In addition, shortly after the Topeka tornado, and likely from the same thunderstorm, two other tornadoes occurred in Leavenworth county, leaving a trail of damage to property and infrastructure.
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