Alert archive / Kansas / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2017
Severe Thunderstorm Warning 83, NWS Wichita, KS
NWS Wichita, KS issued this severe thunderstorm warning at May 18, 2017, 6:05 PM CDT for 4 counties in Kansas. It was in force for 23 min. 2 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.
The facts
- Issued
- May 18, 2017, 6:05 PM CDT (23:05 UTC)
- Expired
- May 18, 2017, 6:28 PM CDT
- In force
- 23 min
- Issued by
- NWS Wichita, KS
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Hail
- 0.75 in
- Wind
- 60.0 mph
Counties Harvey County, KS, McPherson County, KS, Reno County, KS, Rice County, KS
The radar
The Wichita radar (KICT), 99 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 23:08 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.
Open the radar archive at this moment
The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.
What was reported inside it
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 18, 6:13 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 4 E Lyons, KS | SEMI WAS BLOWN OVER ON UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 56. TIME IS ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. |
| May 18, 6:30 PM CDT | TSTM WND GST 70 | 7 S Windom, KS | DELAYED REPORT FROM THE EVENING OF MAY 18TH. |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
Did it verify
Verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow matched one storm report to this severe thunderstorm warning; the first came 8 minutes after it went out.
Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.
The watch it was issued in
The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.
| Issued | Product | Office | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 18, 3:21 PM CDT | Tornado Watch | SPC | 7 hr |
The nearest sounding before it
Dodge City, (KDDC), launched 12:00Z, 11.1 hours before the alert went out and 166 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 0 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- No buoyant parcel
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 2030 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 56 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 356 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 380 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
367 WUUS53 KICT 182305 SVRICT KSC079-113-155-159-190000- /O.NEW.KICT.SV.W.0083.170518T2305Z-170519T0000Z/ BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Severe Thunderstorm Warning National Weather Service Wichita KS 605 PM CDT THU MAY 18 2017 The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Southwestern McPherson County in central Kansas... Northeastern Reno County in south central Kansas... Northwestern Harvey County in south central Kansas... Rice County in central Kansas... * Until 700 PM CDT * At 605 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Raymond to 8 miles northeast of Nickerson, moving north at 65 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Hutchinson, Mcpherson, Lyons, Sterling, Inman, Buhler, Nickerson, Little River, Chase, Bushton, Geneseo, Alden, Windom, Raymond, Willowbrook, Frederick, Mcpherson Airport, Hutchinson Airport and Silica. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. && A tornado watch remains in effect until 1100 PM CDT for south central and central Kansas. LAT...LON 3852 9848 3851 9762 3802 9768 3817 9847 TIME...MOT...LOC 2305Z 174DEG 56KT 3832 9843 3824 9798 HAIL...<.75IN WIND...60MPH $$ CARUSO
1 follow-up statement
257 WWUS53 KICT 182328 SVSICT Severe Weather Statement National Weather Service Wichita KS 628 PM CDT THU MAY 18 2017 KSC079-113-155-159-182338- /O.CAN.KICT.SV.W.0083.000000T0000Z-170519T0000Z/ McPherson KS-Reno KS-Harvey KS-Rice KS- 628 PM CDT THU MAY 18 2017 ...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR SOUTHWESTERN MCPHERSON... NORTHEASTERN RENO...NORTHWESTERN HARVEY AND RICE COUNTIES IS CANCELLED... The storms which prompted the warning have weakened. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled. However gusty winds and heavy rain are still possible with these thunderstorms. A tornado watch remains in effect until 1100 PM CDT for south central and central Kansas. LAT...LON 3852 9848 3851 9762 3802 9768 3817 9847 TIME...MOT...LOC 2327Z 174DEG 56KT 3867 9848 3859 9803 $$ KLEINSASSER
What forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this severe thunderstorm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Wichita, KS wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at May 18, 5:30 PM CDT, 35 minutes earlier.
Area forecast discussion, May 18, 5:30 PM CDT, 35 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Wichita KS 530 PM CDT Thu May 18 2017 .UPDATE... Issued at 527 PM CDT Thu May 18 2017 Highlight: Russell & Lincoln Counties added to Tornado Watch #239. With tornadic severe thunderstorms surging almost due north across Barton & Ellsworth Counties it's a no-brainer to add Russell & Lincoln Counties to Tornado Watch #239. && .SHORT TERM...(This evening through Friday night) Issued at 106 PM CDT Thu May 18 2017 Forecast highlights focus around severe weather and heavy rain/flooding potential this afternoon- evening, and again Friday afternoon-evening. All signs continue to point toward the potential for higher-end severe weather this afternoon and evening, mainly south of I-70 and along/west of the Flint Hills, as a powerful shortwave approaching from the southwest interacts with a strongly unstable airmass. A dryline is sharpening west/southwest of the forecast area, with a warm front sharpening central into eastern KS. All facets of severe weather appear possible, including very large/giant hail, damaging straight-line winds locally heavy rain/flooding and a few strong/violent tornadoes. However, as this morning's update forecaster alluded too, there are some caveats that may throw a "fly in the ointment" regarding higher-end severe potential. Strong lift as evident on water vapor imagery is already overspreading western Oklahoma. Consequently, given the very moist/unstable and weakly capped airmass, thinking thunderstorms could initiate much earlier than expected, possibly as early as 2-3pm. This scenario is strongly supported by most of the short-range hi-res models. If this occurs, thunderstorms will be firing well before the strongest low-level shear can become established, which would likely lessen the tornado threat. In addition, given the strong meridional flow and strong forcing, storm mergers and mixed mode storm type is likely, also lessening the higher-end severe weather risk. However, given these caveats, do not want to minimize the risk across the Plains this afternoon- evening. Severe weather is going to occur, but there remains some questions on magnitude and extent of the higher-end severe potential. One or more thunderstorm complexes should eventually materialize this evening/overnight, spreading into eastern KS with a threat for large hail and damaging winds, although higher-end risk should remain generally along/west of the Flint Hills. Attention then turns to Friday's severe weather potential, as another powerful shortwave approaches from the southwest and overspreads a continued moist/unstable airmass. Tonight's convection will likely generate a fairly massive cold pool across the eastern half of KS, effectively stabilizing the airmass. However, the strong shortwave approaching from the southwest should allow the airmass to recover due to strengthening south/southeast flow to allow for scattered to numerous strong- severe storms by early to mid- afternoon. Given questions regarding magnitude of tonight's cold pool, there remains some uncertainty regarding the exact placement and magnitude of Friday's severe weather. However, given strong instability and even stronger deep layer shear than today, could be looking at higher-end severe weather once again. Activity should then consolidate into one or more big complexes and spread into eastern Kansas during the overnight. Another aspect the next few days is the potential for very heavy rainfall and associated flooding, including big rises on area rivers/streams. Taking into account the expected rainfall, River Forecast Center ensembles indicate many rivers/streams exceeding minor-moderate flood stage, with some rivers/streams possibly exceeding major flood stage across south-central and southeast Kansas. Consequently, will issue a flash flood watch through Friday night. .LONG TERM...(Saturday through Thursday) Issued at 106 PM CDT Thu May 18 2017 Weather quiets down and cools off for the weekend through next week, with little to no severe weather chances on the horizon. Could be looking at off-and-on shower/thunderstorm chances Sunday night through Tuesday, but widespread severe weather or heavy rain appears unlikely. && .AVIATION...(For the 18Z TAFS through 18Z Friday afternoon) Issued at 114 PM CDT Thu May 18 2017 Warm frontal boundary continues to bisect the forecast area, currently located along highway 59. Areas north of the front, have MVFR cigs and easterly flow. In the warm sector, MVFR cigs have slowly mixed out, as winds have come around to the south. Still expecting convection to develop across South Central KS, with storms expected to move into KICT/KHUT and KGBD. So will go with VCTS/SHRA with gusty winds to 45kts after 22z. Will see storms further to the north-northeast after 00z. Expect the convection to evolve into an eastward/forward propagating complex through the overnight hours into early Fri morning. After the complex moved east, expect MVFR to IFR cigs for most locations with easterly upslope flow. Ketcham && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Wichita-KICT 62 76 52 67 / 70 80 70 10 Hutchinson 59 72 49 65 / 80 70 70 10 Newton 60 73 50 64 / 80 80 70 10 ElDorado 62 75 53 66 / 80 80 80 20 Winfield-KWLD 63 77 54 68 / 80 80 80 10 Russell 56 64 44 62 / 80 60 60 20 Great Bend 56 66 45 63 / 80 60 60 10 Salina 59 69 49 64 / 80 70 80 20 McPherson 59 70 49 64 / 80 70 70 10 Coffeyville 65 79 61 71 / 70 60 80 40 Chanute 64 78 60 70 / 80 60 80 30 Iola 63 77 59 69 / 80 60 80 30 Parsons-KPPF 65 79 60 70 / 80 60 80 30 && .ICT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Flash Flood Watch through Saturday morning for KSZ032-033- 047>053-067>072-082-083-091>096-098>100. && UPDATE...EPS SHORT TERM...ADK LONG TERM...ADK AVIATION...BDK
Hazardous weather outlook, May 18, 2:01 PM CDT, 4 hours 4 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Wichita KS 201 PM CDT Thu May 18 2017 KSZ032-033-047>053-067>072-082-083-091>096-098>100-191915- Russell-Lincoln-Barton-Ellsworth-Saline-Rice-McPherson-Marion-Chase- Reno-Harvey-Butler-Greenwood-Woodson-Allen-Kingman-Sedgwick-Harper- Sumner-Cowley-Elk-Wilson-Neosho-Chautauqua-Montgomery-Labette- 201 PM CDT Thu May 18 2017 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of Central Kansas, South Central Kansas and Southeast Kansas. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight Severe thunderstorms with very large hail and damaging winds are expected. A few potentially strong to violent tornadoes are also possible. The highest threat is mainly south of I-70 and west of the Flint Hills between 3 PM and 10 PM. Storms will consolidate into one or more complexes overnight, with a continued damaging wind threat over eastern Kansas. Heavy rain and localized flash flooding is also possible through tonight. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible once again Friday afternoon and evening, mainly over the eastern half of Kansas. While some uncertainty exists, higher-end severe weather is possible once again, with very large hail, damaging winds, heavy rain, pockets of flash flooding and a few tornadoes. One or more thunderstorm complexes will then materialize across eastern Kansas during the evening and overnight hours, with a continued damaging wind, heavy rain and flash flooding threat. Due to the expected heavy rain through Friday night, several rivers and streams are expected to reach or exceed flood stage late Friday through the weekend, and possibly into next week, especially over the eastern half of Kansas. Moderate to major river flooding is possible. Stay tuned for any river flood warning statements. Thunderstorms are possible from Sunday Night through Tuesday, but widespread severe weather or heavy rain appears unlikely. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will be needed this afternoon and evening across much of the region, and again Friday afternoon and evening over mainly the eastern half of Kansas. && For a graphical version of this information, see our webpage at: http://weather.gov/wichita/hwo/
In the hours before
Local storm report, May 18, 5:52 PM CDT, 13 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WICHITA KS
552 PM CDT THU MAY 18 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0549 PM TORNADO 2 NW GREAT BEND 38.38N 98.83W
05/18/2017 BARTON KS TRAINED SPOTTER
ROPE TORNADO REPORTED NORTHWEST OF GREAT BEND.
&&
RBLLocal storm report, May 18, 5:56 PM CDT, 9 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WICHITA KS
556 PM CDT THU MAY 18 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0555 PM HAIL 3 NE KANOPOLIS 38.74N 98.12W
05/18/2017 M1.50 INCH ELLSWORTH KS TRAINED SPOTTER
&&
BDKLocal storm report, May 18, 5:59 PM CDT, 6 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WICHITA KS
559 PM CDT THU MAY 18 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0445 PM HAIL MOUNT HOPE 37.87N 97.66W
05/18/2017 E1.00 INCH SEDGWICK KS PUBLIC
VIA SOCIAL MEDIA. DELAYED REPORT.
&&
BDKLocal storm report, May 18, 6:02 PM CDT, 3 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WICHITA KS
602 PM CDT THU MAY 18 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0601 PM FLOOD 1 ENE GREAT BEND 38.37N 98.79W
05/18/2017 BARTON KS STORM CHASER
6 INCHES OF WATER OVER THE ROAD. STREET FLOODING.
&&
BDKLocal storm report, May 18, 6:04 PM CDT, 1 minute before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WICHITA KS
604 PM CDT THU MAY 18 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0603 PM FLOOD GREAT BEND 38.36N 98.81W
05/18/2017 BARTON KS EMERGENCY MNGR
STREET FLOODING IN TOWN ALONG HIGHWAY 56.
&&
BDKLocal storm report, May 18, 6:05 PM CDT, 0 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WICHITA KS
605 PM CDT THU MAY 18 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0558 PM TSTM WND DMG SOUTH HUTCHINSON 38.03N 97.94W
05/18/2017 RENO KS EMERGENCY MNGR
A POWER POLE WAS KNOCKED OVER.
&&
VJPThe office that day
Everything else NWS Wichita, KS issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 18, 9:44 AM CDT | River Flood Warning | ICT | Lincoln | 55 hr |
| May 18, 9:58 AM CDT | River Flood Warning | ICT | Lincoln | 6 days |
| May 18, 1:45 PM CDT | Flash Flood Watch | ICT | Allen, Barton, Butler, Chase, Chautauqua, Cowley and 20 more | 38 hr |
| May 18, 1:51 PM CDT | River Flood Warning | ICT | Cowley | 4 days |
| May 18, 3:38 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | ICT | Chase | 52 min |
| May 18, 4:17 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ICT | Barton | 58 min |
| May 18, 4:38 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ICT | Barton, Ellsworth, Rice | 67 min |
| May 18, 4:51 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ICT | Saline | 54 min |
| May 18, 4:53 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ICT | Barton | 52 min |
| May 18, 4:57 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ICT | Harvey, McPherson, Reno | 45 min |
| May 18, 5:01 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ICT | Barton | 59 min |
| May 18, 5:02 PM CDT | Areal Flood Warning | ICT | Barton | 6 hr |
| May 18, 5:07 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ICT | Barton, Ellsworth, Rice | 53 min |
| May 18, 5:16 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ICT | Chase, Marion | 29 min |
| May 18, 5:38 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ICT | Ellsworth | 44 min |
| May 18, 5:42 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ICT | Saline | 21 min |
| May 18, 5:45 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ICT | Barton | 35 min |
| May 18, 5:59 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ICT | Saline | 61 min |
| May 18, 6:35 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ICT | Sedgwick, Sumner | 33 min |
| May 18, 6:50 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ICT | Saline | 21 min |
| May 18, 6:55 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | ICT | Butler | 35 min |
Nearby
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Kansas, 2017Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2017
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.