Severe thunderstorms and multiple tornadoes swept through northeastern and central Kansas on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, prompting emergency warnings and causing localized structural damage across several counties.
The National Weather Service issued and later expired tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings for Shawnee, Jefferson, Morris, Dickinson, Geary, Riley, and Clay counties as the system moved through the region.
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Storm Damage and Response
Officials reported that a severe thunderstorm generated radar-indicated rotation near Wilsey and Globe.
Earlier assessments confirmed that an EF-2 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 120 mph hit Riley County on Thursday, June 4.
The storm system produced golf ball to two-inch diameter hail and wind gusts up to 70 mph.
It damaged five structures in Riley County, stranded motorists in Manhattan, and forced temporary closures on Falcon Road and U.
S. Highway 77.
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Emergency management personnel activated outdoor sirens during the initial wave of storms, though mechanical issues prevented some residents from hearing the warnings.
Laurie Harrison, Riley County Emergency Management Coordinator, thanked residents for reporting the tornado sighting.
She noted that the rapid development of the weather system caught officials off guard before official government alerts could be issued.
"There was no tornado watch or thunderstorm warning in effect, and the storm popped up very quickly," Harrison said.
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Siren maintenance crews are scheduled to complete mechanical repairs next week. Weather officials advise residents to remain vigilant as additional storms remain possible across northern Kansas.
