The May 12, 2023 Reserve, Kansas Tornado
Event Statistics
On May 12, 2023, a powerful supercell moved through Brown County, Kansas, producing a significant tornado near the town of Reserve. According to the National Weather Service Topeka, the tornado was rated an EF2, with estimated peak winds reaching 120-130 mph.
The NWS damage survey indicated the tornado had a path length of approximately 4.5 miles, moving north-northeast and impacting several farmsteads. This specific event was notable for its classic "cone" structure and intense low-level debris cloud, which remained highly visible throughout its lifecycle across the open terrain of Northeast Kansas.
The Archive: Curated by Vortex Media, this record provides a clear look at the storm's transition into a tornadic phase. The documentation captures the violent rotation and the rapid evolution of the condensation funnel, serving as a vital resource for meteorological analysis of Brown County's severe weather history.