Alert archive / Wyoming / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2019

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 56, NWS Riverton, WY

July 8, 2019Big Horn County, Hot Springs County, Washakie County, Wyoming

NWS Riverton, WY issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Jul 8, 2019, 3:53 PM MDT for Big Horn County, Hot Springs County, Washakie County, Wyoming. It was in force for 52 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Jul 8, 2019, 3:53 PM MDT (21:53 UTC)
Expired
Jul 8, 2019, 4:45 PM MDT
In force
52 min
Issued by
NWS Riverton, WY
Area
Storm-based polygon
Tornado
Possible
Hail
1.0 in
Wind
60.0 mph

Counties Big Horn County, WY, Hot Springs County, WY, Washakie County, WY

The radar

The Riverton/Lander radar (KRIW), 115 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 21:54 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.

The watch it was issued in

The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.

IssuedProductOfficeLasted
Jul 8, 1:25 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WatchSPC10 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Riverton, WY (KRIW), launched 12:00Z, 9.9 hours before the alert went out and 113 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.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Riverton, WY at 12:00Z on 2019-07-08Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Riverton, WY at 12:00Z on 2019-07-08The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 45 square meters per square second.1939587897Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
3185 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
25 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
45 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
56 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

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 Riverton, WY wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at Jul 8, 1:10 PM MDT, 2 hours 43 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jul 8, 1:10 PM MDT, 2 hours 43 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Riverton WY
110 PM MDT Mon Jul 8 2019

.SHORT TERM...This afternoon through Tuesday

The pattern that was in place last week, that helped produce the
severe weather, will set back up today. An upper level low will move
over the PACNW, with a ridge remaining in place over the region.
Contrary to the thinking on Sunday, Gulf moisture has spread back to
areas east of the Divide this morning. Dewpoints in the 40s and
lower 50s have already been observed over all but southwest portions
this morning. CAPE values of 1000-1800 J/kg and LI's of -6 will be
in place across western and northern portions this afternoon. A cold
front associated with the upper low will enter western portions by
early afternoon. Strong thunderstorms will be possible along the
front, with small hail and strong winds. As the front progresses
eastward this afternoon, there could also be enough shear in the
Bighorn Basin for isolated tornadoes. Bulk shear of 40 to 50 kts and
lapse rates of 7 to 8C/km add to the likelihood of severe storms
over western and northern portions. These conditions will partly be
due to the front. Thus, large hail, damaging winds and isolated
tornadoes will be possible across the north and the west. Locally
heavy rain and flash flooding will also be a threat this afternoon,
as PW's remain 100 to 150 percent of normal. Isolated to widely
scattered thunderstorms will develop this afternoon from NE
Sweetwater/NW Carbon County to Natrona and Johnson counties.
Dewpoints in the middle 50s to near 60 degrees will be in place in
Johnson County. In addition, CAPE values up to 2500 J/kg and light
NE winds will be in place. This will be the most likely location for
severe storms this afternoon, with the severe threat continuing into
the early evening hours. Isolated to widely scattered thunderstorms
will be possible in the remaining areas.

The thunderstorm threat will diminish by sunset this evening, with
isolated to scattered showers remaining likely over northwest
portions. These showers will increase in likelihood by sunrise
Tuesday morning. This will be due to the upper low moving over
southern MT. These showers will spread across the northern half of
the forecast area through the morning and into the afternoon.
Isolated thunderstorms will be possible in the afternoon. Strong
winds will be the main threat, as the upper level wind flow turns
northwest. Storms under this pattern tend to be stronger, despite
the lack of instability.

.LONG TERM...(Tuesday night through Monday)
Issued at 106 PM MDT Mon Jul 8 2019

Shower and thunderstorm activity, mainly across the northern half of
the region, will diminish late in the evening Tuesday. Gusty winds
and small hail are possible with the storms.

Strong upper level ridging will build across Wyoming Wednesday and
persist through Thursday with the main storm track north in Montana
and Canada. This will bring warmer and drier weather for the CWA.
Thursday is still looking to be the hottest day of the period, with
highs 5 to 10 degrees above average. Thursday could also see
isolated shower activity develop as a weak wave transits the
pattern. The heat, low humidity, and breezy winds across the south
may be enough for elevated fire weather conditions there.

The upper high flattens a bit Friday through early next week with a
modest westerly mid-level flow over the region. There will be minor
waves transiting through the region during the period with periods
of weak ridging between. With these waves enough moisture and
instability is indicated for diurnal thunderstorms each day. The
best chance for convection is over the north and east, with some
strong convection possible at times. With the minor disturbances
enhancing the activity, some of the convection could linger into the
night.

&&

.AVIATION...For the 18Z TAFS through 18Z Tuesday

VFR conditions will occur at the terminal sites through the
period. A cold front will move into the west and north and
progress through much of the area by 06Z Tuesday. Scattered
showers and storms will develop over the west and north in the
next hour or two. Some storms in these areas will produce hail
and wind gusts over 40 knots. Showers and storms over the central
and southern portions will be less numerous this afternoon and
evening, but they will be capable of producing outflow wind gusts
over 40 knots through 06Z Tuesday. Gusty surface wind speeds will
be common the area. Storms will end across the area after sunset
this evening, with isolated showers remaining possible over
northwest portions tonight. These showers will then spread across
the north after 12Z Tuesday.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued AT 106 PM MDT Mon Jul 8 2019

Isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms will move across much
of the area, with the most numerous storms occurring across the
north and west. Some storms could be strong to severe, with
strong wind gusts and hail. Gusty winds will continue across
southern Wyoming and could bring elevated fire behavior. Relative
humidity is in the teens for portions of southern Wyoming. Across
northern Wyoming, wind should remain light to moderate outside of
any shower or thunderstorm. Mixing and smoke dispersal will range
from fair to poor in the north to excellent in central and
southern Wyoming.

&&

.RIW WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NONE.
&&

SHORT TERM...LaVoie
LONG TERM...Swanson
AVIATION...LaVoie
FIRE WEATHER...Swanson
Hazardous weather outlook, Jul 8, 2:05 PM MDT, 1 hour 48 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Riverton WY
205 PM MDT Mon Jul 8 2019

WYZ001>020-022>030-092015-
Yellowstone National Park-Absaroka Mountains-Cody Foothills-
North Big Horn Basin-Southwest Big Horn Basin-
Southeast Big Horn Basin-Owl Creek and Bridger Mountains-
Bighorn Mountains West-Bighorn Mountains Southeast-
Northeast Johnson County-Southeast Johnson County-
Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains-Jackson Hole-
Wind River Mountains West-Wind River Mountains East-
Upper Wind River Basin-Wind River Basin-Lander Foothills-
Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range-
Natrona County Lower Elevations-Casper Mountain-Star Valley-
Salt River and Wyoming Ranges-Upper Green River Basin Foothills-
Upper Green River Basin-South Lincoln County-
Rock Springs and Green River-Flaming Gorge-East Sweetwater County-
205 PM MDT Mon Jul 8 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Western and Central Wyoming.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and Tonight.

Scattered thunderstorms through this evening. Some storms could
be severe, especially across the Bighorn Basin to Johnson County
and the surrounding mountains. Large hail, damaging winds and
locally heavy rain will be the primary hazards, but an isolated
tornado could occur.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday.

Tuesday...Isolated thunderstorms possible in northern Wyoming.

Friday through Sunday...Isolated to locally scattered
thunderstorms. The best chance will be across the north.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to standard operating procedures.

TEAM RIVERTON

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Jul 8, 2:56 PM MDT, 57 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Riverton WY
256 PM MDT Mon Jul 8 2019

WYZ015>018-082145-
Wind River Basin-Upper Wind River Basin-Wind River Mountains
East-Lander Foothills-
256 PM MDT Mon Jul 8 2019

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR CENTRAL FREMONT COUNTY UNTIL 345
PM MDT...

At 255 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Bull Lake to near Dickinson Park. Movement
was east at 30 mph.

Winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with these storms.

Strong thunderstorms will be near...
  Bull Lake around 300 PM MDT.
  Diversion Dam Rest Area around 310 PM MDT.
  Fort Washakie around 320 PM MDT.
  Lander and Milford around 325 PM MDT.
  Ethete, Morton and Pilot Butte Reservoir around 330 PM MDT.
  Pavillion around 340 PM MDT.
  Arapahoe and Hudson around 345 PM MDT.

Other locations impacted by these storms include Arapahoe Elementary
School, Dickinson Creek Campground and Midvale.

LAT...LON 4345 10855 4288 10845 4279 10915 4322 10923
TIME...MOT...LOC 2055Z 251DEG 27KT 4317 10914 4288 10909

TL
Special weather statement, Jul 8, 2:57 PM MDT, 56 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Riverton WY
257 PM MDT Mon Jul 8 2019

WYZ002-003-005-007-082130-
Owl Creek and Bridger Mountains-Cody Foothills-Southwest Big Horn
Basin-Absaroka Mountains-
257 PM MDT Mon Jul 8 2019

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHWESTERN HOT SPRINGS AND
SOUTHEASTERN PARK COUNTIES UNTIL 330 PM MDT...

At 256 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking multiple strong
thunderstorms 12 miles east of Washakie Needles, which is 24 miles
south of Meeteetse, moving northeast at 20 mph.

Pea size hail and winds in excess of 30 mph will be possible with
this storm.

This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of northwestern Hot
Springs and southeastern Park Counties, including the following
locations... Sunshine Reservoir and Grass Creek.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Occasional cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM MDT for
central Wyoming.

LAT...LON 4396 10851 4359 10892 4359 10894 4360 10897
      4360 10898 4358 10897 4357 10895 4356 10895
      4357 10897 4356 10901 4371 10923 4418 10910
TIME...MOT...LOC 2056Z 214DEG 18KT 4381 10898

Hulme
Special weather statement, Jul 8, 3:28 PM MDT, 25 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Riverton WY
328 PM MDT Mon Jul 8 2019

WYZ019-082200-
Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range-
328 PM MDT Mon Jul 8 2019

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHEASTERN FREMONT COUNTY UNTIL
400 PM MDT...

At 327 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Jeffrey City, moving northeast at 30 mph.

Half inch hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with this
storm.

This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of southeastern
Fremont County.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 4239 10780 4249 10798 4276 10777 4273 10776
      4272 10773 4273 10772 4262 10751
TIME...MOT...LOC 2127Z 217DEG 27KT 4250 10784

McDonald
Special weather statement, Jul 8, 3:32 PM MDT, 21 minutes before
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Special weather statement, Jul 8, 3:47 PM MDT, 6 minutes before
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Special weather statement, Jul 8, 3:48 PM MDT, 5 minutes before
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    <section class="card" role="status" aria-live="polite">
      <div class="status" id="status">Temporary Notice</div>
      <h1 id="headline">This service is currently unavailable.</h1>
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        The site you requested is temporarily down for maintenance or an unexpected outage.
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        Please try again in a few minutes.
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The office that day

Everything else NWS Riverton, WY issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jul 7, 6:19 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWSweetwater26 min
Jul 7, 7:08 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWSweetwater22 min
Jul 8, 12:46 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIW29 min
Jul 8, 1:08 PM MDTTornado WarningRIWHot Springs, Park37 min
Jul 8, 1:44 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRIWBig Horn, Hot Springs, Park46 min
Jul 8, 1:49 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWTeton26 min
Jul 8, 2:22 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWPark23 min
Jul 8, 2:27 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRIWBig Horn, Park16 min
Jul 8, 2:45 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWBig Horn30 min
Jul 8, 2:47 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWPark28 min
Jul 8, 2:56 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWFremont49 min
Jul 8, 2:57 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWHot Springs33 min
Jul 8, 3:13 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRIWHot Springs, Washakie47 min
Jul 8, 3:28 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIW32 min
Jul 8, 3:29 PM MDTTornado WarningRIWHot Springs, Washakie31 min
Jul 8, 3:32 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWLincoln28 min
Jul 8, 3:47 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWHot Springs28 min
Jul 8, 3:48 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWJohnson27 min
Jul 8, 3:58 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIW32 min
Jul 8, 4:02 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWNatrona28 min
Jul 8, 4:12 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWHot Springs33 min
Jul 8, 4:26 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRIWBig Horn, Hot Springs, Washakie49 min
Jul 8, 4:31 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWHot Springs, Washakie29 min
Jul 8, 4:33 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWNatrona27 min
Jul 8, 4:39 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRIWBig Horn, Washakie51 min
Jul 8, 4:54 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWJohnson36 min
Jul 8, 5:09 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRIWJohnson51 min
Jul 8, 5:16 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRIWBig Horn, Johnson44 min
Jul 8, 5:24 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWBig Horn36 min
Jul 8, 5:33 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWJohnson27 min
Jul 8, 5:56 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIW34 min
Jul 8, 5:59 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRIWJohnson31 min

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Wyoming, 2019Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2019

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.