The tornado missed the heart of the university town- striking parts south to east of that city of about 100000,
At least 7 injuries have already been reported when 2 vans- stopped along the side of U.S. 59 south of Lawrence- were blown over by the tornado.
Each van reportedly contained 7 people each- and at least 2 of those people have suffered serious injuries.
According to a news story later in the week from The KANSAS CITY STAR newspaper- the vans belonged to "Silver Lining Tours-" a private company that takes paying customers on severe storm/tornado chases.
There are also many reports of homes and other structures damaged coming in on radio scanners.
Update: Thursday- May 30:
The NWS has determined that it was an "EF-4" tornado that tore from southwestern Douglas into southern Leavenworth counties Kansas on Tuesday evening.
Official reports say that 21 injuries occurred in the Kansas tornado- 18 in Douglas and 3 in Leavenworth counties.
Authorities say "3" of those injured were "serious injuries."
In addition- an "EF-2" tornado formed from the same supercell storm in northeastern Clay county Missouri.
No injuries were reported along the Missouri tornado track.
About 4 dozen structures- ranging from residences to commercial businesses- were damaged and/or destroyed in both tornadoes .
