Greensburg tornado

Quick Facts: Who was Greensburg tornado?

Subject:

Greensburg tornado

Known for:

A devastating 2007 tornado that reshaped Greensburg, Kansas, into a model 'green town'.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

In the evening hours of Friday, May 4, 2007, amid a severe weather outbreak across the central United States, a massive and violent tornado moved through Kiowa County in southwest Kansas, before impacting the city of Greensburg and causing widespread devastation. The tornado, known as the Greensburg tornado, tracked 28.8 miles (46.3 km) through the area, killing 10 to 13 people and injuring 63. The tornado was the first to be rated EF5 on the Enhanced Fujita scale after the retirement of the original Fujita scale in the United States on February 1, 2007. The tornado touched down south of Greensburg at around 9:03 p.m. CDT, moving to the north while continuing to widen.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

It eventually entered Kiowa County, crossing U.S. Route 183, before reaching a peak width of 1.7 miles (2.7 km) to the south of Greensburg, entering the city after making a northwest turn. The tornado dissipated northwest of Greensburg after being on the ground for just over an hour. Approximately 95% percent of the city was damaged or destroyed, with some form of damage to 662 structures, and monetary losses of $250 million (2007 USD). Kiowa County, in which Greensburg is located, was declared a federal disaster area in the immediate aftermath. Rebuilding efforts were intensive, and several major federal government agencies collaborated with state agencies to help restore the city with the goal of making it a "green town" using a long-term community recovery (LTCR) plan.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The plan included requiring all buildings in Greensburg to gain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum (LEED platinum) certification, the highest rating a building can achieve in the LEED program by utilizing sustainable design in energy, along with installing wind turbines in the city. The Kiowa County Memorial Hospital, which was destroyed by the tornado, was the first hospital in the United States to achieve carbon neutrality following its rebuilding in 2010. The tornado greatly affected the economy and population of Greensburg. The city has difficulty attracting residents due to the cost of homes in the area, although it has become a point of interest among eco-tourists visiting to see the "green town" built by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's LTCR plan. Tornadoes are common in the state of Kansas, with an average of 87 tornadoes touching down per year.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 2007: 2007 Milestone — In the evening hours of Friday, May 4, 2007, amid a severe weather outbreak across the central United States, a massive and violent tornado moved through Kiowa County in southwest Kansas, before impacting the city of Greensburg and causing widespread devastation.
2. 2010: 2010 Milestone — The Kiowa County Memorial Hospital, which was destroyed by the tornado, was the first hospital in the United States to achieve carbon neutrality following its rebuilding in 2010.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Greensburg tornado

True or False: “The original Fujita scale was retired before the 2007 tornado struck.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While the EF scale replaced the F scale on February 1, 2007, the initial rating of the Greensburg tornado as EF5 occurred after this retirement.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Al Oerter — Historical peer (Died in 2007) (2007): Four-time Olympic champion in the discus throw, pioneering athletic consistency.
• Albert Ellis — Historical peer (Died in 2007) (2007): Pioneering figure in psychotherapy, founder of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
• Alex Chilton — Historical peer (Died in 2010) (2010): American musician, best known for his vocal work with The Box Tops and Big Star.
• Alexander McQueen — Historical peer (Died in 2010) (2010): Iconic British fashion designer known for theatrical, boundary-pushing collections.

Frequently Asked Questions about Greensburg tornado