On May 25, 1955, the deadliest tornado to ever hit Kansas hit Udall at 10:35 p.m. The town was destroyed by an wide F5 tornado. Every building within the city limits was hit, including the grain elevator, water tower, old grade school, new high school, city hall, three churches. The water tower had been knocked over and the streets were flooded. Vehicles were thrown hundreds of yards and destroyed. 77 people died. 270 people were injured. 192 buildings (170 homes) were destroyed. Around 50% of families had one or more members of their families who died in the tornado.