National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Severe Storms and Heavy Rain the Mississippi Valley and Midwest; Widespread Heat in the Central US

Severe thunderstorms and showers have the potential for large hail, a few strong tornadoes, damaging winds with gusts over 75 mph, and localized flash flooding across parts of the Mid/Upper Mississippi Valley and Midwest. A widespread heat wave will continue across the Central U.S. and Midwest today. Fire weather concerns persist in the Southwest into the central Rockies and northern California. Read More >

 
The first tornado touched down 4 miles southwest of Palco and tracked east to 3 miles south of Palco. The tornado was on the ground for around 2 miles and damaged four farms. The damage was primarily confined to outbuildings, garages, and trees. The most significant damage was a wood framed metal building, which was completely destroyed and rated as EF1 with wind speeds to 105 mph. This same storm also produced two brief tornadoes either side of Zurich snapping power poles and was rated EF0.
 
Another supercell storm produced a brief tornado in the town of Woodston. Eye witness accounts suggest this tornado skipped through town on its short path. The most significant damage was done to a brick building and a house along main street. This damage was rated as EF1 with winds speeds of 85 to 90 mph.

 

The following damage pictures are from the Woodston Kansas Tornado:

 

The following damage pictures are from the tornado originating south of Palco: