Weather
Kansas-Oklahoma Tornado Tragedy: 111 Years Since Deadly November Outbreak
Great Bend, KS – One of Kansas' deadliest November tornado outbreaks occurred exactly 111 years ago today, when powerful storms tore through communities after dark, killing residents, destroying homes
By Mara Ellison · 2026-11-10T18:34:09.327Z
Great Bend, KS – One of Kansas' deadliest November tornado outbreaks occurred exactly 111 years ago today, when powerful storms tore through communities after dark, killing residents, destroying homes and scattering debris hundreds of miles across the Plains.
According to historical research highlighted by the National Weather Service offices in Wichita and Dodge City, Kansas, strong to violent tornadoes swept northeastward across portions of Kansas and Oklahoma on Nov. 10, 1915.
Some of the tornadoes traveled at speeds reaching approximately 55 mph, leaving widespread destruction across multiple counties.
Deadly Tornado Devastated Great Bend Area
The most violent tornado struck portions of Barton and Pawnee counties, including the Great Bend area.
Historical records indicate that 11 people were killed and approximately 1,000 sheep died during the storm.
The tornado's extraordinary strength was illustrated by a canceled check originating in Great Bend that was reportedly discovered more than 200 miles away in Nebraska.
Entire Community Left Devastated
Another destructive tornado struck the small Sumner County community of Zyba, located just south of Peck.
According to the National Weather Service, virtually everything in the community was damaged or destroyed, and four people lost their lives.
Additional tornadoes passed southeast of Protection, south and east of Pratt, and along the western edge of Preston.
Other tornadoes affected Russell, Rush and Butler counties.
Across the state line in Oklahoma, another person was killed in Woodward County.
A Historic November Weather Disaster
The outbreak was particularly notable because it occurred in November, outside the traditional peak of spring tornado activity.
The storms also struck after dark, creating dangerous conditions for communities with limited warning technology compared with modern forecasting systems.
Historical tornado paths have since been reconstructed using newspaper reports and landowner records.
The National Weather Service's anniversary coverage serves as a reminder that dangerous tornadoes can develop during the fall months, even when severe weather is less commonly expected.
The Nov. 10, 1915, outbreak remains a significant chapter in Kansas and Oklahoma weather history.