It had “cycloidal marks,” or a chain of dark loops created by the tornado’s suction vortexes. Based on their observations, the researchers estimate the tornado was in the F2 or F3 category ...

Dr Lipar said these were "cycloidal marks", and the biggest clue to what created the scar. "We usually see tornadoes as eyewitnesses or concerning how much destruction they left behind," he said.

The Hesston Tornado has its name for the strength it gained and the damage it left behind in the town north of Newton. The account from the National Weather Service said the devastating tornado ...