2024 was a record year for severe weather in Kansas, with 89 tornadoes reported across the state, more than double the number from the previous year. The most powerful tornado struck Westmoreland in April, causing widespread damage and one fatality. Clean-up operations were completed within days. The increase in tornado activity in 2024 continues a trend of fluctuating tornado numbers in Kansas in recent years.
In response to the changing tornado landscape, a group of meteorologists and severe weather researchers, including storm chaser Tim Marshall, are working on revising the Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF-Scale) to better measure tornado intensity. The updated scale will include new damage indicators and photographs, as well as potentially including wind speed estimates based on radar scans. The original Fujita Scale, created in the 1970s, needed updating to reflect advancements in technology and improve accuracy in assessing tornado damage.
The revised EF-Scale, expected to be revealed by 2030, will provide a more comprehensive and detailed assessment of tornado strength, incorporating the latest advancements in severe weather research and technology.
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Photo credit kansasreflector.com
