Western_KS_Wx
Member
On May 23rd, 2008 a particularly large and intense tornado developed southwest of Hopewell, Kansas near the same areas devastated a year prior on May 4-5th, 2007. While officially rated EF3, this monstrous tornado likely was much stronger. As it skirted west of Hopewell, the tornado likely attained peak intensity and ballooned to over 1.3 miles wide. Satellite imagery 2 months after the storm shows pronounced ground scouring and extreme vegetation damage, shown below.
Before and after aerial showing scouring and extreme tree damage. This scouring pattern and vortex structure is similar to the EF5 Greensburg tornado.
Higher resolution imagery 3 years later shows the extent of damage to trees. Numerous groves of trees were thoroughly stripped and debarked, visible even years after the tornado.
An old farmstead was also impacted by the centerline of the vortex and completely destroyed, with debris patterns similar to that of high-end tornadoes. The site was left untouched since 2008.
Old farmhouse wiped off its foundation.
The tornado also dealt glancing blows to a number of farms in the area, pictured below. One survivor account claimed an audible ‘hum’ and roar could be heard in the minutes before the tornado struck, and that a noticeable lull — or an eye — was accompanied with the tornado before the second ‘wave’ hit. Scoured cornstalks and soil was forced into the house and basement as well.
Remains of a grain bin deposited into a field.
Finally, a photo of the tornado itself made visible by lightning.
This tornado marked the 6th significant tornado to strike within a 10 mile radius of Hopewell in a 12 month span, 4 of which were greater than 1 mile in width.
Before and after aerial showing scouring and extreme tree damage. This scouring pattern and vortex structure is similar to the EF5 Greensburg tornado.
Higher resolution imagery 3 years later shows the extent of damage to trees. Numerous groves of trees were thoroughly stripped and debarked, visible even years after the tornado.
An old farmstead was also impacted by the centerline of the vortex and completely destroyed, with debris patterns similar to that of high-end tornadoes. The site was left untouched since 2008.
Old farmhouse wiped off its foundation.
The tornado also dealt glancing blows to a number of farms in the area, pictured below. One survivor account claimed an audible ‘hum’ and roar could be heard in the minutes before the tornado struck, and that a noticeable lull — or an eye — was accompanied with the tornado before the second ‘wave’ hit. Scoured cornstalks and soil was forced into the house and basement as well.
Remains of a grain bin deposited into a field.
Finally, a photo of the tornado itself made visible by lightning.
This tornado marked the 6th significant tornado to strike within a 10 mile radius of Hopewell in a 12 month span, 4 of which were greater than 1 mile in width.
Last edited:
