Dodge City, KS – The National Weather Service in Dodge City is marking the 110th anniversary of one of Kansas’ deadliest November tornado outbreaks, which struck on November 10, 1915, sweeping across central and western Kansas and into northern Oklahoma.
According to archived reports, a series of strong to violent tornadoes moved rapidly northeast at speeds up to 55 mph, causing widespread destruction across Pawnee, Barton, Sumner, and nearby counties.
The most violent tornado tore through Pawnee and Barton Counties, devastating the city of Great Bend, where 11 people were killed and over 1,000 sheep perished. Debris from the storm was found more than 200 miles away in Nebraska. Another deadly twister struck Sumner County, destroying the community of Zyba and killing four people.
Additional tornadoes touched down near Protection, Pratt, and Woodward County, Oklahoma, where another fatality was reported. Historical records and local newspaper archives show homes, churches, and farms completely leveled along the storm paths.
The National Weather Service constructed historical track maps based on news archives and landowner accounts, highlighting the widespread nature of the event.
This 1915 outbreak remains one of Kansas’ most significant November tornado events, underscoring how severe weather can strike even late in the year.
