Westmoreland tornado

In the late afternoon hours of April 30, 2024, a strong tornado moved through the northern portions of Westmoreland, a community located in northern Kansas. The tornado, which was on the ground for eight minutes, killed one person and injured three others while producing monetary damage that totaled an estimated $2.6 million (2024 USD). The tornado was the strongest to hit Kansas during the 2024 tornado season, with wind speeds estimated to have been as high as 140 miles per hour (230 km/h) within the funnel.

The tornado first touched down at 5:40 p.m. CDT, inflicting EF2-rated damage to a home and trees as it tracked northeast. To the east of Westmoreland Road the tornado reached EF3 intensity, destroying homes and sweeping debris to the northeast as it moved into higher-populated areas. Along its track through the northern portions of Westmoreland several mobile homes were completely destroyed. After leaving town it appeared to lift, producing little damage before lifting at 5:48 p.m. CDT after tracking for 2.6 miles (4.2 km).

Recovery and aid efforts were intensive immediately following the tornado, with the "Westmoreland Long-Term Recovery Group" being established by the city to help aid residents, and other funds being allotted by those affected. It was found that the tornado sirens in Westmoreland failed; in February 2025, Kansas Representative Sharice Davids introduced the Weather Alert Response and Notification Act after a string of siren failures within the state.