Reply #78: That's the size of the F5 tornado that wiped out a huge chunk of Topeka, KS, [View All]

Damage in Downtown Topeka

About 820 homes were destroyed and 3000 damaged as entire blocks were leveled to splinters in seconds. Every building on the Washburn University campus was damaged, many totally destroyed from the tornadoes violent winds estimated at around 300 mph. The Capitol Dome sustained damage from tremendous flying debris, as did many downtown Topeka buildings. Power and other utilities were out in much of the community for weeks.

Damage in Southwest Topeka

Most of the Topeka received excellent warning as storm spotters were deployed early, and a tornado watch had been in effect for several hours. Many people were at home having dinner and watching TV when the warning was announced and sirens sounded. Thorough and specific tornado educational plans in place through the county and city for many years paid off as residents took cover.

Total dollar cost was put at $100 million making it, at the time, the costliest tornado in American history. Even to this day, with inflation factored in, the Topeka tornado stands as one of the costliest on record. The violent tornado passed directly over Burnetts Mound, in southwest Topeka, ending an old Indian legend that the mound would protect the city from tornadoes.