Large wedge tornado hits Plevna, Kansas near midnight, causing severe structural damage
A large wedge tornado struck Plevna, Kansas, around 23:50 local time (04:50 UTC) on May 18, 2025, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure. The tornado crossed Highway 50 before weakening and left a trail of destruction, including flattened homes near South Langdon Road.
A powerful wedge tornado impacted the small town of Plevna (population 84), Kansas, at approximately 23:50 LT (04:50 UTC) on May 18.
According to preliminary assessments, the tornado crossed Highway 50 and tracked through parts of the town before weakening. Multiple homes were destroyed within Plevna and just southwest along South Langdon Road, where one brick house was completely flattened.
The town experienced downed power lines, uprooted trees, and damage to infrastructure.
The National Weather Service (NWS) had issued a tornado emergency for Plevna ahead of the storm, citing the imminent threat posed by the tornado-producing supercell.
Although no fatalities or injuries have been confirmed in Plevna, the broader storm system has resulted in casualties and widespread destruction in other parts of the region, including Kentucky and Missouri.
My angle of the tornado approaching Plevna KS. #kswx #tornado pic.twitter.com/95TIdQG1Rp
— John Kuhlmann (@jkuhlpics) May 19, 2025
The tornado was part of a broader severe weather outbreak across the central United States and was associated with a supercell system moving through south-central Kansas.
Residents have been advised to stay alert as additional severe weather remains possible in the coming days.
Featured image credit: John Kuhlmann (stillshot from the video)
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
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