Alert archive / Nebraska / Red Flag Warnings in 2021

Red Flag Warning 10, NWS Omaha, NE

December 14, 202115 counties in Nebraska; 5 counties in Iowa

NWS Omaha, NE issued this red flag warning at Dec 14, 2021, 2:21 PM CST for 15 counties in Nebraska; 5 counties in Iowa. It took effect at Dec 15, 2021, 12:00 PM CST. It was in force for 6 hr. 60 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Dec 14, 2021, 2:21 PM CST (20:21 UTC)
In effect from
Dec 15, 2021, 12:00 PM CST
Expired
Dec 15, 2021, 6:25 PM CST
In force
6 hr
Issued by
NWS Omaha, NE

Counties Fremont County, IA, Mills County, IA, Montgomery County, IA, Page County, IA, Pottawattamie County, IA, Butler County, NE, Cass County, NE, Douglas County, NE, Gage County, NE, Jefferson County, NE, Johnson County, NE, Lancaster County, NE, Nemaha County, NE, Otoe County, NE, Pawnee County, NE, Richardson County, NE, Saline County, NE, Sarpy County, NE, Saunders County, NE, Seward County, NE

The radar

The Omaha radar (KOAX), 65 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:23 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

TimeReportWhereRemark
Dec 15, 12:40 PM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 531 Se Preston, NEMESONET STATION NB077 RULO 5SW.
Dec 15, 12:56 PM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 621 E Falls City, NEAWOS STATION KFNB FALLS CITY AIRPORT.
Dec 15, 1:30 PM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 495 Wnw Underwood, IAMESONET STATION AV424 UNDERWOOD.
Dec 15, 1:35 PM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 582 W Red Oak, IAAWOS STATION KRDK RED OAK AIRPORT.
Dec 15, 1:35 PM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 58Red Oak, IA
Dec 15, 1:53 PM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 621 Nne Falls City, NECORRECTS PREVIOUS NON-TSTM WND DMG REPORT FROM 1 NNE FALLS CITY. 62 MPH NON T-STORM GUST.
Dec 15, 1:53 PM CSTNON-TSTM WND DMG1 Nne Falls City, NE62 MPH NON T-STORM GUST.
Dec 15, 2:00 PM CSTNON-TSTM WND DMG6 Ese Coburg, IA2-3 POWER POLES SHEARED OFF. TIME UNKNOWN.
Dec 15, 2:03 PM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 603 N Hastings, IA
Dec 15, 2:55 PM CSTTSTM WND DMG5 W Fairbury, NESEMI BLOWN OVER.
Dec 15, 2:55 PM CSTTSTM WND DMGFairbury, NEPOWER LINES BLOWN DOWN.
Dec 15, 2:56 PM CSTTSTM WND DMG6 N Reynolds, NESEMI TRUCK BLOWN OVER ON HIGHWAY 136.
Dec 15, 2:59 PM CSTTSTM WND GST 636 Nw Fairbury, NEMESONET STATION UR416 HEDRIW.
Dec 15, 2:59 PM CSTTSTM WND GST 742 Wsw Fairbury, NEMESONET STATION AT FAIRBURY.
Dec 15, 3:00 PM CSTTSTM WND DMG7 S Friend, NEWIND STRONG ENOUGH TO BREAK LIMBS THAT ARE 2-3 INCHES. HAIL WAS NICKEL SIZE.
Dec 15, 3:00 PM CSTTSTM WND GST 802 Wsw Fairbury, NE
Dec 15, 3:00 PM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 48Milford, NEMESONET STATION FW2695 MILFORD.
Dec 15, 3:00 PM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 511 Ssw Utica, NEMESONET STATION DW5527 UTICA.
Dec 15, 3:02 PM CSTTSTM WND DMGFairbury, NEDELAYED REPORT. NUMEROUS PIVOTS OVERTURNED THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY.
Dec 15, 3:09 PM CSTTSTM WND DMG6 Nne Reynolds, NEPOWER LINE DOWN.
Dec 15, 3:09 PM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 483 E Friend, NEMESONET STATION CW7409 FRIEND.
Dec 15, 3:11 PM CSTTORNADO3 Se Dorchester, NEEYEWITNESS REPORTS OF NUMEROUS IRRIGATION CENTER PIVOTS BLOWN OVER/MANGLED. APPROXIMATE STARTING POINT OF INTERMITTENT TORNADO THAT TRAVERSED PORTIONS OF SALINE, SEWARD AND LANCASTER COUNTIES. PATH LENGTH 23.8 MILES. MAXIMUM WIDTH 70 YARDS.
Dec 15, 3:14 PM CSTTSTM WND DMGPlymouth, NEDELAYED REPORT, TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. DAMAGE TO OUTBUILDINGS AND BARNS IN THE PLYMOUTH AREA.
Dec 15, 3:15 PM CSTTSTM WND GST 842 Ne David City, NEFROM PERSONAL WEATHER STATION.
Dec 15, 3:15 PM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 474 N Milford, NEMESONET STATION EW0651 MILFORD.
Dec 15, 3:17 PM CSTTORNADO4 Ssw Pleasant Dale, NEFARM OUTBUILDING. WALLS COLLAPSED AND DEBRIS STREWN ONE TO TENTHS DOWNSTREAM.
Dec 15, 3:21 PM CSTTSTM WND GST 673 Ese Lincoln, NEFROM A PERSONAL WEATHER STATION.
Dec 15, 3:23 PM CSTTORNADO2 Ene Pleasant Dale, NEFARMSTEAD EXPERIENCED LOSS OF TOP OF WELL-CONSTRUCTED 100 YEAR OLD BARN BOLTED TO FOUNDATION PLATE USING REBAR. METAL OUTBUILDING DESTROYED. LARGE DENT GRAIN SILO. BOAT DOCK DETACHED FROM WOODEN POSTS AND FLUNG ACROSS POND. FARM OWNER WITNESSED WHITE BLUR LAST
Dec 15, 3:29 PM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 935 Wnw Lincoln, NEASOS STATION KLNK LINCOLN AIRPORT.
Dec 15, 3:30 PM CSTTSTM WND GST 934 Nw Lincoln, NE
Dec 15, 3:32 PM CSTTSTM WND DMG1 Nnw Hickman, NEDELAYED REPORT, TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. REPORT FROM MPING: 3-INCH TREE LIMBS BROKEN; POWER POLES BROKEN.
Dec 15, 3:35 PM CSTTSTM WND DMG3 Se Ithaca, NELOST GARAGE AND A SHED.
Dec 15, 3:35 PM CSTTSTM WND GST 861 Nnw Beatrice, NE
Dec 15, 3:37 PM CSTTSTM WND DMG2 Ene Davey, NEDELAYED REPORT, TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. SEVERAL LARGE TREES SNAPPED OR UPROOTED. NO DAMAGE TO BUILDINGS AT THE RESIDENCE.
Dec 15, 3:38 PM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 571 Ene Lincoln, NEMESONET STATION FW4554 LINCOLN.
Dec 15, 3:40 PM CSTTSTM WND DMG5 N Lincoln, NEREPORT OF ROOF BLOWN OFF APARTMENT BUILDING.
Dec 15, 3:40 PM CSTTSTM WND DMGDenton, NEALMOST 20' TREE BLOWN OVER AND PATIO FURNITURE TOSSED AROUND NEAR DENTON.
Dec 15, 3:41 PM CSTTSTM WND DMG3 E Ceresco, NEDELAYED REPORT, TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. REPORT FROM MPING: 3-INCH TREE LIMBS BROKEN; POWER POLES BROKEN.
Dec 15, 3:41 PM CSTTORNADO4 E Ceresco, NEA TORNADO DEVELOPED JUST NORTH OF THE JACK SINN MEMORIAL WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA, PRODUCING DAMAGE TO FARM BUILDINGS AND THEN MOVING OFF TOWARD THE NORTHEAST, AND EVENTUALLY THE NORTH NORTHEAST AS OBSERVED BY A STORM CHASER. THE TORNADO CAUSED DAMAGE TO SEVER
Dec 15, 3:44 PM CSTTSTM WND GST 92Bennet, NE
Dec 15, 3:44 PM CSTTORNADO4 E Ceresco, NEGENERAL TRACK BEGINNING NEAR CO RD 14 & CO RD A AND TRACK ENDED NEAR CO RD 11 & CO RD E.
Dec 15, 3:46 PM CSTTSTM WND DMG3 Sw Douglas, NEDELAYED REPORT, TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. REPORT FROM MPING: TREES UPROOTED OR SNAPPED; ROOF BLOWN OFF.
Dec 15, 3:46 PM CSTTORNADO1 Nnw Ithaca, NEA SHORT TRACK EF-1 TORNADO BEGAN JUST WEST OF CR 13 AND TRAVELED OVER A FARMSTEAD. THIS TORNADO CAUSED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO SEVERAL OUTBUILDINGS AND A GRAIN BIN. A CATTLE FEEDER THAT WAS SECURED TO THE GROUND VIA 3 FOOT DEEP CONCRETE POSTS WAS LIFTED AND THRO
Dec 15, 3:49 PM CSTTSTM WND GST 90Eagle, NE
Dec 15, 3:50 PM CSTTSTM WND GST 634 N Memphis, NEMESONET STATION NB075 MEMPHIS 4N.
Dec 15, 3:51 PM CSTTSTM WND GST 993 E Ithaca, NEUNL CSP1 PIVOT NEAR INTERSECTION OF COUNTY ROAD H AND COUNTY ROAD 10.
Dec 15, 3:53 PM CSTTSTM WND GST 1284 Se Mead, NECorrects previous tstm wnd gst report from 4 SE Mead for wrong date. Very delayed report (2021). Received from UNL School of Natural Resources. Appears to have occurred in the rear flank downdraft region to the east (right) of a tornado track of the 12/15/2021
Dec 15, 3:55 PM CSTTORNADO2 Wsw Avoca, NEA VERY NARROW TORNADO, APPROXIMATELY 20 YARDS WIDE, WAS WITNESSED AND CAUSED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO VEHICLES AND FARM EQUIPMENT WHILE DESTROYING A LARGE SHED NEAR ITS ONSET AND PROCEEDED TO CAUSE MINOR DAMAGE FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 MILES TO THE NORTHEAST BEFORE DI
Dec 15, 3:56 PM CSTTSTM WND GST 703 Wnw Otoe, NE
Dec 15, 3:56 PM CSTTSTM WND GST 703 W Otoe, NE
Dec 15, 3:57 PM CSTTSTM WND DMGCedar Bluffs, NEROOF BLOWN OFF AND POWER LINES DOWN IN TOWN.
Dec 15, 3:57 PM CSTTSTM WND GST 813 Ese Lewiston, NE
Dec 15, 4:01 PM CSTTSTM WND DMG3 Ene Lincoln, NEREPORT FROM MPING: 3-INCH TREE LIMBS BROKEN; POWER POLES BROKEN.
Dec 15, 4:01 PM CSTTSTM WND DMG5 Ssw Union, NEBARN AND GRAIN BINS DESTROYED. TREES SNAPPED. ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO TREES AND POWER LINES ACROSS OTHER PARTS OF OTOE COUNTY AS WELL.
Dec 15, 4:03 PM CSTTSTM WND GST 601 Wnw Valley, NE
Dec 15, 4:04 PM CSTTSTM WND DMG2 E Mead, NEPOWER LINES DOWN AND THUNDERSTORM WIND DAMAGE ALONG HIGHWAY 92.
Dec 15, 4:05 PM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 483 Nw Nebraska City, NEMESONET STATION NB047 NEBRASKA CITY 3NW.
Dec 15, 4:05 PM CSTTORNADO3 Ne Nehawka, NEROOF REMOVED FROM HOUSE. ROOF OVER GARAGE UPLIFTED AND DISPLACED. HOUSE MOVED SLIGHTLY ON FOUNDATION. SEVERAL LARGE PINES & OAK TREES SNAPPED.
Dec 15, 4:05 PM CSTTORNADO4 S Union, NEA BRIEF EF-1 TORNADO SNAPPED POWER POLES. SWIRLING WAS NOTED IN CORN FIELDS NORTH AND SOUTH OF COUNTY ROAD C.
Dec 15, 4:05 PM CSTTORNADO4 S Union, NEA BRIEF EF-1 TORNADO SNAPPED POWER POLES. SWIRLING WAS NOTED IN CORN FIELDS NORTH AND SOUTH OF COUNTY ROAD C.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The nearest sounding before it

Omaha, NE (KOAX), launched 12:00Z, 8.4 hours before the alert went out and 65 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, Omaha, NE at 12:00Z on 2021-12-14Temperature 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 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Omaha, NE at 12:00Z on 2021-12-14The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 168 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
1742 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
47 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
168 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
249 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

136 
WWUS83 KOAX 142021
RFWOAX

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley NE
221 PM CST Tue Dec 14 2021

...Dangerous Fire Weather Conditions Expected Wednesday...

IAZ069-079-080-090-091-NEZ050>053-065>068-078-088>093-150430-
/O.UPG.KOAX.FW.A.0005.211215T1800Z-211216T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KOAX.FW.W.0010.211215T1800Z-211216T0300Z/
Pottawattamie-Mills-Montgomery-Fremont-Page-Butler-Saunders-
Douglas-Sarpy-Seward-Lancaster-Cass-Otoe-Saline-Jefferson-Gage-
Johnson-Nemaha-Pawnee-Richardson-
221 PM CST Tue Dec 14 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM CST WEDNESDAY FOR
WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR SOUTHEAST NEBRASKA AND
SOUTHWEST IOWA...

The National Weather Service in Omaha/Valley has issued a Red
Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in
effect from noon to 9 PM CST Wednesday. The Fire Weather Watch is
no longer in effect.

* Affected Area...In Iowa, Pottawattamie, Mills, Montgomery, 
  Fremont and Page. In Nebraska, Butler, Saunders, Douglas, 
  Sarpy, Seward, Lancaster, Cass, Otoe, Saline, Jefferson, Gage, 
  Johnson, Nemaha, Pawnee and Richardson.

* Winds...Southwest 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 70 mph.

* Relative Humidity...As low as 15 percent.

* Impacts...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and 
  exhibit extreme behavior. Outdoor burning is not recommended. 
  If fires develop, be prepared for a wind shift from the south 
  to the southwest to the west.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.

&&

$$

DeWald
4 follow-up statements
779 
WWUS83 KOAX 150300
RFWOAX

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley NE
900 PM CST Tue Dec 14 2021

...Dangerous Fire Weather Conditions Expected Wednesday...

IAZ069-079-080-090-091-NEZ050>053-065>068-078-088>093-151100-
/O.CON.KOAX.FW.W.0010.211215T1800Z-211216T0300Z/
Pottawattamie-Mills-Montgomery-Fremont-Page-Butler-Saunders-
Douglas-Sarpy-Seward-Lancaster-Cass-Otoe-Saline-Jefferson-Gage-
Johnson-Nemaha-Pawnee-Richardson-
900 PM CST Tue Dec 14 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM CST
WEDNESDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR SOUTHEAST
NEBRASKA AND SOUTHWEST IOWA...

* Affected Area...the following counties in Iowa, Pottawattamie, 
  Mills, Montgomery, Fremont and Page. In Nebraska, Butler, 
  Saunders, Douglas, Sarpy, Seward, Lancaster, Cass, Otoe, Saline,
  Jefferson, Gage, Johnson, Nemaha, Pawnee and Richardson.

* Winds...Southwest 25 to 40 mph with gusts 50 to 65 mph.

* Relative Humidity...dropping into the 15 to 30 percent range.

* Impacts...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and 
  exhibit extreme behavior. Outdoor burning is not recommended. 
  If fires develop, be prepared for a wind shift from the south 
  to the southwest and then to the west.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are expected. The combination of strong winds, low relative 
humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire 
behavior.

&&

$$
756 
WWUS83 KOAX 150934
RFWOAX

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley NE
334 AM CST Wed Dec 15 2021

...Dangerous Fire Weather Conditions Expected Wednesday...

IAZ069-079-080-090-091-NEZ050>053-065>068-078-088>093-151745-
/O.CON.KOAX.FW.W.0010.211215T1800Z-211216T0300Z/
Pottawattamie-Mills-Montgomery-Fremont-Page-Butler-Saunders-
Douglas-Sarpy-Seward-Lancaster-Cass-Otoe-Saline-Jefferson-Gage-
Johnson-Nemaha-Pawnee-Richardson-
334 AM CST Wed Dec 15 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 9 PM CST
THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR SOUTHEAST
NEBRASKA AND SOUTHWEST IOWA...

* Affected Area...In Iowa, Pottawattamie, Mills, Montgomery, 
  Fremont and Page. In Nebraska, Butler, Saunders, Douglas, 
  Sarpy, Seward, Lancaster, Cass, Otoe, Saline, Jefferson, Gage, 
  Johnson, Nemaha, Pawnee and Richardson.

* Winds...Southwest 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 70 mph.

* Relative Humidity...dropping to the 15 to 25 percent range.

* Impacts...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and 
  exhibit extreme behavior. Outdoor burning is not recommended. 
  If fires develop, be prepared for a wind shift from the south 
  to the southwest and then to the west.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are expected. The combination of strong winds, low relative
humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire
behavior.

&&

$$

Petersen
255 
WWUS83 KOAX 151821
RFWOAX

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley NE
1221 PM CST Wed Dec 15 2021

...Dangerous Fire Weather Conditions Expected Wednesday...

IAZ069-079-080-090-091-NEZ050>053-065>068-078-088>093-160230-
/O.CON.KOAX.FW.W.0010.000000T0000Z-211216T0300Z/
Pottawattamie-Mills-Montgomery-Fremont-Page-Butler-Saunders-
Douglas-Sarpy-Seward-Lancaster-Cass-Otoe-Saline-Jefferson-Gage-
Johnson-Nemaha-Pawnee-Richardson-
1221 PM CST Wed Dec 15 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS EVENING
FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR SOUTHEAST NEBRASKA AND
SOUTHWEST IOWA...

* Affected Area...In Iowa, Pottawattamie, Mills, Montgomery, 
  Fremont and Page. In Nebraska, Butler, Saunders, Douglas, 
  Sarpy, Seward, Lancaster, Cass, Otoe, Saline, Jefferson, Gage, 
  Johnson, Nemaha, Pawnee and Richardson. 

* Winds...Southwest 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 70 mph.

* Relative Humidity...dropping to the 15 to 25 percent range.

* Impacts...Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and 
  exhibit extreme behavior. Outdoor burning is not recommended. 
  If fires develop, be prepared for a wind shift from the south 
  to the southwest and then to the west.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are expected. The combination of strong winds, low relative
humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire
behavior.

&&

$$
015 
WWUS83 KOAX 160025
RFWOAX

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley NE
625 PM CST Wed Dec 15 2021

IAZ069-079-080-090-091-NEZ050>053-065>068-078-088>093-160130-
/O.CAN.KOAX.FW.W.0010.000000T0000Z-211216T0300Z/
Pottawattamie-Mills-Montgomery-Fremont-Page-Butler-Saunders-
Douglas-Sarpy-Seward-Lancaster-Cass-Otoe-Saline-Jefferson-Gage-
Johnson-Nemaha-Pawnee-Richardson-
625 PM CST Wed Dec 15 2021

...RED FLAG WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE
HUMIDITY...

The National Weather Service in Omaha/Valley has cancelled the 
Red Flag Warning. Cooler air has started to move in, so relative 
humidities have increased. Winds will still remain pretty strong 
through the evening, so if any fires start then could spread 
quickly. There have been some fires in parts of central Kansas, 
but the threat in our area has decreased compared to earlier 
today.

$$

The office that day

Everything else NWS Omaha, NE issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Dec 14, 2:20 AM CSTHigh Wind WarningOAXAntelope, Boone, Burt, Butler, Cass, Cedar and 24 more44 hr
Dec 14, 2:26 AM CSTFire Weather WatchOAXButler, Cass, Douglas, Gage, Jefferson, Johnson and 9 more12 hr

Nearby

Red Flag Warnings in Nebraska, 2021Red Flag Warnings in Iowa, 2021Every red flag warning in 2021

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.