2011 Reading tornado

EF3 tornado in Kansas, USA 2011 Reading tornado infobox 1/2 300 EF3_Reading_KS_2011_Tornado.png NEXRAD Reading KS EF3 2011 Tornado.gif Reading KS post office.png 300 A clockwise collage of media taken after the tornado. Clockwise: A view of the deadly EF3 tornado from a distance, damage to the post office in Reading; a Next-Generation Radar loop of the supercell and tornado. 20 minutes May 21, 2011, 9:10 PM CDT (UTC−05:00) May 21, 2011, 9:30 PM CDT (UTC−05:00) EF3 700 yd mi km 2 10.11 mi km 140 mph km/h on 1 5 >$2.28 million All damage totals are in 2011 USD unless otherwise stated. "nb" "Damage" Lyon and Osage Counties, Kansas, United States; primarily the city of Reading the tornado outbreak sequence of May 21–26, 2011 and tornadoes of 2011 Just after dusk on Saturday, May 21, 2011, a powerful tornado struck the small city of Reading, Kansas, damaging or destroying tens to hundreds of homes, businesses and facilities. The tornado occurred during a multi-day tornado outbreak sequence across the central United States, from May 21–26, 2011, and a day before the killer EF5 tornado that caused devastating damage in Joplin, Missouri. This deadly EF3 tornado occurred as part of a small family of tornadoes and localized severe weather event, consisting of eight tornadoes across northeastern Kansas, particularly within Lyon and Osage Counties. Most of these tornadoes were weak and insignificant events, except for one EF1 tornado that struck Quenemo.The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's finalized damage survey by county: National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Topeka, Kansas Kansas Event Report: EF3 Tornado in Lyon County https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/295476 National Centers for Environmental Information 2011 July 8, 2026 National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Topeka, Kansas Kansas Event Report: EF1 Tornado in Osage County https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/339863 National Centers for Environmental Information 2011 July 8, 2026National Weather Service in Topeka, Kansas May 21, 2021 10 Year Anniversary of EF-3 Reading and Quenemo Tornado https://www.weather.gov/top/2011_ReadingTornado 2026-07-08 National Weather Service (.gov) EN-US2011-05-22 Tornado devastates Reading, Kansas; one dead, hundreds of homes damaged in first May twister https://www.nydailynews.com/2011/05/22/tornado-devastates-reading-kansas-one-dead-hundreds-of-homes-damaged-in-first-may-twister/ 2026-07-08 New York Daily News en-US 2011-05-22 Tornado devastates Reading, Kansas; one dead, hundreds of homes damaged in first May twister https://docs.google.com/document/d/19t8cX9ntBqqJCwwqeU146URO5Y-t1groyTnWeUz2DzA/edit?usp=sharing 2026-07-08 Google Document if region blocked en-USRyan Newton 2026-05-21 15 years since deadly tornado in small Kansas town https://www.aol.com/news/15-years-since-deadly-tornado-170823047.html 2026-07-08 AOL en-USMay 22, 2011 ABC News Tornadoes Hit Kansas and Oklahoma https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ6JirtXQes July 8, 2026 YouTube en The Reading, Kansas tornado, as it is frequently known by the National Weather Service in Topeka and the press,The Emporia Gazette Issuu July 6, 2011 July 8, 2026 Reading Kansas Tornado https://issuu.com/emporiagazette/docs/reading_tornado_tab was on the ground for 10.11 mi km and was up to 700 yd mi km wide. The tornado, classified as an EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, had estimated winds of 140 mph km/h on. Within Reading, the tornado injured five people and killed one, making it the deadliest tornado in Kansas in 2011 until an EF2 tornado killed two people near Seward, located in Stafford County, a few days later on May 24.The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's finalized damage survey by county: National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Topeka, Kansas Kansas Event Report: EF2 Tornado in Stafford County https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/328740 National Centers for Environmental Information 2011 July 8, 2026 National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Topeka, Kansas Kansas Event Report: EF1 Tornado in Barton County https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/293938 National Centers for Environmental Information 2011 July 8, 2026National Weather Service Storm Events Database; Event Types: All Tornadoes in Kansas sort by Death/Injury; January 1 – December 31, 2011 https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?tornfilter=0&sort=DI&statefips=20%2CKANSAS&eventType=%28C%29+Tornado&beginDate_yyyy=2011&beginDate_mm=01&beginDate_dd=01&endDate_yyyy=2011&endDate_mm=12&endDate_dd=31 National Centers for Environmental Information July 8, 2026 Meteorological synopsis Episode narrative left vertical Storm Prediction Center outlooks on May 21, 2011 190 May 21, 2011 2000 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook (Categorial).gif NOAA Storm Prediction Center all severe storms outlook issued at 20:00 UTC Day 1 categorical outlooks. May 21, 2011 2000 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook (Tornado).gif Day 1 tornado outlooks. NOAA Storm Prediction Center tornado outlook issued at 20:00 UTC At 6:00 AM CDT (11:00 UTC) on May 20, 2011, the Storm Prediction Center outlined a Day 2 slight risk for severe weather driven by a 15% probability of severe weather within 25 mi km of a point for portions of eastern Kansas and western Missouri, as low-level moisture levels were ample enough to support a severe weather threat when coupled with the forecasted atmospheric troughing and the high chance of sufficient daytime heating. Additional slight risk areas were outlined for an area stretching from Michigan to Mississippi and for portions of Louisiana and Arkansas, alongside Texas.Storm Prediction Center May 20, 2011 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2011/day2otlk_20110520_0600.html 2026-07-08 Storm Prediction Center By 12:30 PM CDT (17:30 UTC), all three slight risks were merged into one large area, which stretched from northern Iowa to southeastern Arkansas and northern Mississippi.Storm Prediction Center May 20, 2011 1730 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2011/day2otlk_20110520_1730.html 2026-07-08 Storm Prediction Center The following day at 6:00 AM CDT (11:00 UTC), a 5% probability for tornadoes within 25 mi km of a point was outlined for much of eastern Kansas and western Missouri, and stretched to northeastern Texas. This probability was outlined due to sufficient instability, steep mid-level lapse rates, sufficient shear, and an expectation for thunderstorms to form along a dry line.Storm Prediction Center May 21, 2011 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2011/day1otlk_20110521_1200.html 2026-07-08 Storm Prediction Center The 5% probability was maintained throughout the day, but was shifted northeastward for portions of Kansas. By 8:00 PM CDT (01:00 UTC), the 5% probability stretched from northwestern Iowa to northeastern Texas, and encompassed far eastern Kansas and portions of western Missouri. Two areas with a 30% probability of large hail within 25 mi km of a point accompanied the tornado risk, with this being the primary hazard of the evening. The first area was mostly in Iowa and Missouri, and another covered portions of eastern Texas. Additionally, a 30% probability of damaging winds within 25 mi km of a point was outlined for Iowa and Missouri.Storm Prediction Center May 21, 2011 2000 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2011/day1otlk_20110521_2000.html 2026-07-08 Storm Prediction Center Event narrative In the hours before the EF3 tornado, a strong cap was in place over eastern Kansas, delaying storm initiation until later in the evening. Areas north of Interstate 70 were the most likely to receive thunderstorms. Steep mid-level lapse rates, MLCAPE values reaching 2000-2500 J/KG, and deep layer shear reaching 30-35 kn mph km/h on supported supercellular development, with a probability that storms eventually merge into a mesoscale convective system, and pose a threat for high winds. Later that night, a supercell developed and spawned several tornadoes in eastern Kansas, with the EF3 that struck the town of Reading touching down at 9:10 PM CDT (02:10 UTC). 10 Year Anniversary of EF-3 Reading and Quenemo Tornado https://www.weather.gov/top/2011_ReadingTornado 2026-07-08 NOAA EN-US Storm summary Reading tornado timeline Before the formation of the EF3 Reading tornado, the National Weather Service in Topeka, Kansas issued a tornado warning at 8:52 PM CDT (01:52 UTC) for portions of Lyon County. Another tornado warning was then issued 16 minutes later for Osage County, at 9:08 PM CDT (02:08 UTC). VTEC Event 2011-O-NEW-KTOP-TO-W-0012 https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/vtec/?year=2011&wfo=KTOP&phenomena=TO&significance=W&eventid=12&tab=info&radar=USCOMP&radar_product=N0Q&radar_time=202405212100 Iowa Environmental Mesonet National Weather Service in Topeka, Kansas 21 May 2011 8 July 2026 en VTEC Event 2011-O-NEW-KTOP-TO-W-0013 https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/vtec/?year=2011&wfo=KTOP&phenomena=TO&significance=W&eventid=13&tab=info&radar=USCOMP&radar_product=N0Q&radar_time=202405212100 Iowa Environmental Mesonet National Weather Service in Topeka, Kansas 21 May 2011 8 July 2026 en thumb|alt=Photo shows debris of a residence scattered.|A destroyed house in western Reading.|left|201x201px Approximately two minutes later after the second warning, a tornado touched down in eastern Lyon County, south of Road 240 at 9:10 PM CDT (02:10 UTC). After traveling for 3 mi km on an east-northeasterly path, the tornado intensified and impacted the city of Reading, after crossing over Road Y. Entering through the west side of town, the intense tornado began to cause instances of EF3 damage. In Reading, the tornado with winds approaching 140 mph km/h off, damaged or destroyed many structures within the city. One single-story house was completely destroyed, and swept off its foundation. In other parts of the city, several other, two-story homes sustained major damage, as the tornado damaged or removed the second stories of some of them. A well-anchored mobile home was launched 50 yd m into a nearby tree and obliterated, killing a 53-year old man who was inside at the time. Throughout Reading, the tornado also rolled numerous vehicles, and one large chemical tank was thrown 100 yd m away from its origin point. Five people were injured in the area. thumb|alt=A residence is blown away and scattered into a tree.|A mobile home wiped off the foundation and scattered into a tree in Reading.|200x200px At 9:20 PM CDT (02:20 UTC) the tornado exited out of the city, and Lyon County proper. Now in Osage County, the tornado continued to travel along a path 6.98 mi km long. Around 3 minutes after entering the county, a new tornado warning was issued at 9:23 PM CDT (02:23 UTC). VTEC Event 2011-O-NEW-KTOP-TO-W-0014 https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/vtec/?year=2011&wfo=KTOP&phenomena=TO&significance=W&eventid=14&tab=info&radar=USCOMP&radar_product=N0Q&radar_time=202405212100 Iowa Environmental Mesonet National Weather Service in Topeka, Kansas 21 May 2011 8 July 2026 en Minutes earlier at the same time the Reading tornado entered Osage County, a nearby EF0 satellite tornado developed on the southeastern flank of the EF3 parent tornado. This secondary tornado stayed on the ground for 4 minutes, before lifting at 9:24 PM CDT (02:24 UTC). Meanwhile, the tornado continued to track through the rural areas northwest of Melvern Lake. EF1 damage was observed at one farmstead in the area. Additional but insignificant, and sporadic tree damage occurred as the tornado weakened at this point. After traveling for 20 minutes, the tornado which impacted Reading earlier, dissipated at 9:30 PM CDT (02:30 UTC). The tornado ended 2.25 mi km east of Barclay, or south of Osage City. Other tornadoes in Kansas List of tornadoes in the outbreak sequence of May 21–26, 2011#May 21 event Several tornadoes occurred across parts of the Great Plains and Midwest on May 21, 2011.National Weather Service Storm Events Database; Event Types: All Tornadoes in all U.S. States and Areas on May 21, 2011 https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=%28C%29+Tornado&beginDate_mm=05&beginDate_dd=21&beginDate_yyyy=2011&endDate_mm=05&endDate_dd=21&endDate_yyyy=2011&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=-999%2CALL National Centers for Environmental Information July 8, 2026 Below is a list that exclusively highlights tornadoes that have occurred in Kansas on that day. + List of confirmed tornadoes – Saturday, May 21, 2011All dates are based on the local time zone where the tornado touched down; however, all times are in Coordinated Universal Time for consistency. "nb" "Date/Time"EF#LocationCounty / ParishStateStart Coord.Time (UTC)Path lengthMax widthDamageAll damage totals are in 2011 USD unless otherwise stated. "nb" "Damage" EF0W of PaulineShawneeKS38.9546 -95.7609 Pauline (May 21, EF0)23:16–23:201.2 mi km on on150 yd m on onUnknownThe tornado caused minor damage along its path.National Centers for Environmental Information 2011 November 3, 2021 Kansas Event Report: EF0 Tornado in Shawnee County https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/295465 EF0Southeastern TopekaShawneeKS39.0115 -95.6518 Pauline (May 21, EF0)23:35–23:392.03 mi km on on50 yd m on onUnknownMinor tree and structural damage was observed near Lake Shawnee along a narrow path accompanied by rear flank downdraft damage.National Centers for Environmental Information 2011 November 3, 2021 Kansas Event Report: EF0 Tornado in Shawnee County https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/295466 EF0W of Iowa PointDoniphanKS39.9200 -95.2700 Iowa Point (May 21, EF0)23:57–23:590.27 mi km on on50 yd m on on$0Minor tree damage was observed.National Centers for Environmental Information 2011 November 3, 2021 Kansas Event Report: EF0 Tornado in Doniphan County https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/309878 EF0S of OzawkieJeffersonKS39.1650 -95.4520 Ozawkie (May 21, EF0)00:20–00:211.94 mi km on on50 yd m on onUnknownA waterspout over Perry Lake moved ashore, producing tree damage. One tree fell on a mobile home, briefly trapping the resident.National Centers for Environmental Information 2011 November 3, 2021 Kansas Event Report: EF0 Tornado in Jefferson County https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/295468 EF1NE of EmporiaLyonKS38.4453 -96.1611 Emporia (May 21, EF1)01:50–01:546.05 mi km on on150 yd m on onUnknownSome farm outbuildings were heavily damaged, a chimney collapsed onto a home, and several large trees were snapped.National Centers for Environmental Information 2011 November 3, 2021 Kansas Event Report: EF1 Tornado in Lyon County https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/295471 EF0S of BarclayOsageKS38.5432 -95.8968 Barclay (May 21, EF0)02:20–02:241.39 mi km on on50 yd m on onUnknownThis was a satellite tornado to the Reading tornado. Several trees were blown down and a cow pen was pushed to the northeast.National Centers for Environmental Information 2011 November 3, 2021 Kansas Event Report: EF0 Tornado in Osage County https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/295478 EF0ESE of WordenDouglasKS38.7525 -95.2659 Worden (May 21, EF0)03:410.05 mi m on on25 yd m on on$0A very brief tornado with no damage.National Centers for Environmental Information 2011 November 3, 2021 Kansas Event Report: EF0 Tornado in Douglas County https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/309308 EF1QuenemoOsage, FranklinKS38.5768 -95.5333 Quenemo (May 21, EF1)03:43–03:522.89 mi km on on100 yd m on onUnknownSeveral houses were damaged, two garages were destroyed, and several trees were downed.The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's finalized damage survey by county: National Centers for Environmental Information 2011 November 3, 2021 Kansas Event Report: EF1 Tornado in Osage County https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/295488 National Centers for Environmental Information 2011 November 3, 2021 Kansas Event Report: EF0 Tornado in Franklin County https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/339862 Aftermath Initial assessments In the wake of the tornado, National Weather Service damage surveyors from the Topeka, Kansas office, descended upon areas affected by the tornado on May 22, 2011. Two assessment teams were out that day across Lyon, Osage and Franklin Counties....NWS TOPEKA WILL CONDUCT STORM DAMAGE SURVEYS TODAY... https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=PNSTOP&e=201105221308 Iowa Environmental Mesonet National Weather Service in Topeka, Kansas 22 May 2011 8 July 2026 en By 4:31 PM CDT (21:31 UTC) that day, the first survey results were revealed through a public information statement. Multiple tornadoes were discovered to have occurred on May 21, most of them weak EF0 and EF1 tornadoes....NWS DAMAGE SURVEY FINDINGS FROM 21 MAY 2011 TORNADOS... https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=PNSTOP&e=201105222137 Iowa Environmental Mesonet National Weather Service in Topeka, Kansas 22 May 2011 8 July 2026 en The highest rated tornado from the preliminary assessments, was the tornado that struck Reading the night prior. The tornado, classified as an EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita scale,The tornado is considered a low-end EF3 on its respective scale. "nb" "Rating" had estimated peak winds of 140 mph km/h on. It stayed on the ground along a 10.3 mi km on path, and was 700 yd mi m on wide at its largest. Regional impact Inflicted damage thumb|right|alt=Photo shows a house with significant damage in Reading|A destroyed residence, one of many left in such state after the tornado. Mainly in Reading, the tornado damaged some 200 homes in the town of 250 residents. Around 20 houses were considered destroyed.May 22, 2011 Associated Press Kansas tornado kills man, destroys 20 homes https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kansas-tornado-kills-man-destroys-20-homes/ July 8, 2026 CBS News en The town's only restaurant, the fire department and post office were affected as well during the event. Some businesses, like a grain and lumber company, suffered extensive damage. Storms aside from tornadoes, also brought hailstones the size of baseballs. Outside of the main area, several barns and farmhouses were reportedly affected and demolished by the tornado. By Sunday on May 22, 2011, the surrounding regions around Reading became a disaster area, with debris of homes and other buildings strewn into fields.May 21, 2021 KSNW KSN traveled to Reading, Kansas a day after a deadly tornado on May 22, 2011 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G9oErf9IEQ July 8, 2026 YouTube enMay 30, 2021 KMBC-TV Reading, Kan. Residents React To Storm https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqMWaXJqdsA July 8, 2026 YouTube enJuly 23, 2011 Lauren Seabrook Security camera captures devastation of Reading tornado https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_xrNQoWuDU July 8, 2026 KTKA-TV en Casualty figures When it came to the affected victims of the event, initial findings concluded four injuries, and one death. Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general and director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, confirmed the identity of the lone fatality belonging to 53-year old Don Chesmore. Chesmore rode out the storm inside a mobile trailer home, which was struck by the tornado. He was brought to a hospital in Emporia, where he was pronounced dead.2011-05-23 Associated Press Tornado kills 1 in Kansas, damages hundreds of homes https://www.normantranscript.com/news/tornado-kills-1-in-kansas-damages-hundreds-of-homes/article_b45e44cf-3919-5b89-8038-6c6544ccd73b.html 2026-07-08 The Norman Transcript en-US 2011-05-23 Associated Press Tornado kills 1 in Kansas, damages hundreds of homes https://docs.google.com/document/d/1omx3wnsQW3H9Ff6kW6MvG08pQRC8CN994bcYBLlC0Lg/edit?tab=t.0 2026-07-08 Google Document if region blocked en-US2011-05-23 Tim Carpenter Kansas officials inspect damage in Reading https://eu.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/state/2011/05/23/kansas-officials-inspect-damage-reading/16467328007/ 2026-07-08 The Topeka Capital-Journal en-US Later analyses of the casualties upped the injuries to a total of five. Recovery process Volunteers and USDA assistance In the days following the deadly EF3 tornado, Reading has had a steady process to its recovery, with residents and volunteers cleaning up the debris, and paying their respects to the death of Don Chesmore. On May 23, two days after the tornado, then Kansas state governor Sam Brownback and his staff visited the community to tour the damage. Throughout much of the spring of 2011, parts of the United States were affected by weather-related disasters, such as the EF5 tornado that catastrophic destruction in Joplin, Missouri the day after the Reading, Kansas tornado. The city got substantial assistance from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through a program. The program was initiated by the USDA's Rural Development team, with Reading, Kansas being one such affected rural town.May 23, 2011 KSHB-TV Brownback tours Kan. tornado damage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mk5JhuqZODQ July 8, 2026 YouTube en2011-06-06 Patty Clark USDA Rural Development Team Steps Forward to Assist a Tornado-Damaged Kansas Community https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/blog/usda-rural-development-team-steps-forward-assist-tornado-damaged-kansas-community 2026-07-08 United States Department of Agriculture Website en-USMay 30, 2021 KMBC-TV Reading Begins Long Recovery From Tornado https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G9oErf9IEQ July 8, 2026 YouTube en In August that year, a group of volunteers from Reading, Massachusetts came over to the affected Kansas counterpart to organize a relief effort. This move was orchestrated by Peter Hechenbleikner, the Massachusetts town's manager. He and those enlisted decided to help the Midwestern town, as both communities shared the same name. Reading, Kansas residents and their mayor, Lonnie Atchison, were happy and delighted with the help Reading, Massachusetts handed out during their tornado recovery.2011-08-05 Joanna Senders Reading, Mass. helps Reading, Kansas following tornado https://eu.wickedlocal.com/story/observer-advocate/2011/08/05/reading-mass-helps-reading-kansas/38510503007/ 2026-07-08 Wicked Local en-US FEMA issues By July 2011, many of the damaged buildings in the community were cleared of debris. Homes impacted by the tornado started reconstruction or already were, and at the same time people began to return to Reading.July 19, 2021 KMBC-TV Reading Slowly Recovering From Tornado https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HwjpBTj2IM July 8, 2026 YouTube en The next month in August, rebuilding of the city was hampered by the slow process of aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which at the time was under the Obama administration. Mayor Atchison stated that the local government spent more than $50,000 fixing sewage and water lines, out of the $2 million the tornado inflicted in total damages.All damage totals are in 2011 USD unless otherwise stated. "nb" "Damage"The aforementioned $2 million monetary figure was a preliminary estimate. The finalized measured costs were $2.28 million per the National Centers for Environmental Information. This was taken in the Storm Event Report section for Lyon County. "nb" "DamageExplain" Earlier in the days after the tornado in late-May, Kansas senator Jerry Moran visited the impacted city. Moran, who once visited Greensburg after the EF5 tornado in 2007, expressed concerns and stated of potential bias by FEMA, in which the agency was less likely to help smaller towns after disasters such as tornadoes, compared to larger communities.Reading, Kan., doesn't qualify for some FEMA aid http://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/reading-kan-doesn-t-qualify-for-some-fema-aid/article_43dd9dae-0fa3-5469-9992-2c767848f4b9.html Fisher Maria Sudekum Associated Press Columbia Missourian June 12, 2011 2015-08-05August 23, 2011 KSHB-TV Reading rebuilds 3 months after tornado https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iajRuX7ibDI July 8, 2026 YouTube enMay 24, 2011 Jerry Moran Sen. Moran Describes the Situation in Reading, Kansas Following an F3 Tornado https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZ1NoMXGKjI July 8, 2026 Fox News YouTube en Reopenings and the years since Six months after the tornado, Reading citizens celebrated the reopening of a new bank in December. It was the first of three businesses that returned to operations. At the same time, the city's only restaurant, The Miracle Cafe, reopened the following week, with owner Reta Jackson stating "the miracles never ceased" after the storm. New grain silos at Reading Grain & Lumber were constructed as well in the wake of the tornado. Some time after, the town's grade school was accessible to the public again, with six additional students enrolled. These signs of reopenings acted as morale boosters for the residents who were affected, to return andbe better than before.December 5, 2011 New Bank Opens in Tornado-Damaged Reading https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMz5ftbMi9o July 8, 2026 FOX4KC YouTube enJune 26, 2012 Reading Tornado Alice Barr https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfC9RsbbNmI July 8, 2026 KCTV YouTube en From 2021 and onwards, Reading largely recovered ever since the tornado.May 21, 2021 Reading Kansas 10 year tornado anniversary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOMCxmFocR8 July 8, 2026 KSNT YouTube enAlonzo Ben What Are The Long-Term Effects Of Tornadoes? March 2022 Sciencing https://www.sciencing.com/longterm-effects-tornadoes-12321830/ April 16, 2026 See also Weather of 2011 Tornadoes of 2011 2024 Westmoreland tornado – Another deadly EF3 tornado that impacted a rural town in Kansas nearly 13 years after References Notes nb Citations 2011-05-22 Category:2011 in Kansas 2011-05-22 05-22