The tornado that hit La Crosse shortly before 10 p.m. Friday was a small satellite tornado for a large wedge tornado that was passing just northwest of the Rush County town, the National Weather Service reported.
The smaller tornado was only on the ground for less than two miles, according to a damage survey conducted by the Dodge City branch of the weather service. But it touched down just west of town and moved east through the city before curling a bit to the northwest. It was rated an EF1, with winds of up to 110 miles an hour.
Tracks for the tornadoes that struck Rush County Friday night. National Weather Service map
The larger tornado was on the ground for about 10 miles and was as much as a half-mile wide as it passed less than two miles northwest of La Crosse. It was rated an EF2, with winds of up to 135 miles an hour.