Alert archive / Kansas / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2023

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 65, NWS Wichita, KS

May 12, 2023Elk County, Greenwood County, Kansas

NWS Wichita, KS issued this severe thunderstorm warning at May 12, 2023, 7:00 PM CDT for Elk County, Greenwood County, Kansas. It was in force for 60 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
May 12, 2023, 7:00 PM CDT (00:00 UTC)
Expired
May 12, 2023, 8:00 PM CDT
In force
60 min
Issued by
NWS Wichita, KS
Area
Storm-based polygon
Damage threat
Considerable
Hail
1.75 in
Wind
60.0 mph

Counties Elk County, KS, Greenwood County, KS

The radar

The Wichita radar (KICT), 106 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 00:01 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
May 12, 5:06 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WatchSPC8 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Topeka, KS (KTOP), launched 00:00Z, 0.0 hours before the alert went out and 157 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, Topeka, KS at 00:00Z on 2023-05-13Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 3056 joules per kilogram.LCLEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Topeka, KS at 00:00Z on 2023-05-13The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 153 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 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
3056 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-10 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
1151 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
44 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
153 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
248 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
2.6
Supercell composite
16.8

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 Wichita, KS wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at May 12, 6:36 PM CDT, 24 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 12, 6:36 PM CDT, 24 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Wichita KS
636 PM CDT Fri May 12 2023

.SHORT TERM...(This evening through Monday night)
Issued at 246 PM CDT Fri May 12 2023

Key Points:

* A Few Storms Are Possible This Afternoon and Evening, Some
  Possibly Severe -- Mainly East of a Line from Cottonwood Falls to
  El Dorado to Arkansas City

* Showers and A Few Storms Expected Saturday and Sunday

* Small Rain Chances Each Day Next Week

This evening through Monday night...

As of 3 PM Friday afternoon, an impressive midlevel low continues to
rotate across western NE. An attendant surface low was positioned
across south central NE with a dryline/Pacific front extending
southeast to near Manhattan and south-southwest from there into
north TX. An expansive cumulus field extends from eastern NE through
eastern OK. To this point, there hasn't been too much agitation
within the cumulus field across KS. As winds behind the
dryline/Pacific front veer to southwest and west, convergence along
the boundary should increase, likely resulting in convective
initiation. The background environment is conditionally favorable
for a few severe storms with mixed-layer CAPE values exceeding 3000
J/kg and effective shear nearing 30 kt. In addition, downdraft CAPE
values are generally around 1200 J/kg across the warm/moist sector.
Summing all of this up, the primary concern with the strongest
updrafts will be large hail up to golf ball size and damaging winds
up to 70 MPH. At this point, thunderstorm development is likely to
remain east of line from Cottonwood Falls to El Dorado to Arkansas
City. Areas to the west of this line are likely to remain dry,
unfortunately.

A few showers and storms may linger into the overnight hours across
far eastern KS as the Pacific front progresses eastward.
Transitioning into Saturday, a compact midlevel wave across northern
Mexico will lift northward across west TX and OK. Scattered showers
and few storms are likely to accompany its approach. The bulk of
rain activity will remain along and south of the OK through the
daytime hours Saturday. Rain chances expand northward Saturday night
into Sunday night as the midlevel wave advances northward across the
High Plains. Limited instability and minimal shear will keep any
severe storm chances to a minimum. Rain coverage will gradually
decrease by Monday evening as the aforementioned midlevel wave
decays across the northern High Plains.

.LONG TERM...(Tuesday through Friday)
Issued at 246 PM CDT Fri May 12 2023

Transitioning into Tuesday and beyond, a western ridge axis is
forecast to amplify with northwesterly midlevel flow taking shape
across the central and northern Plains. Weak perturbations
translating through the midlevel flow could provide sufficient
ascent for a few showers/storms each day next week but confidence in
timing/coverage/location of any storms remains low.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 00Z TAFS through 00Z Saturday evening)
Issued at 635 PM CDT Fri May 12 2023

Widely scattered convection continues just east of a diffuse dryline
currently over the Flint Hills from KMHK to near KWLD. Convection is
diurnally driven, so not sure how long the convection will last past
sunset. The closest convection may venture towards the KCNU taf
location, so will include a VCTS in for this chance. For now will
not go with a tempo group, for this chance, as most of the
convection stays just NW of KCNU.  Expecting this convection to wane
as we get past sunset.

For the rest of the area, expect VFR conditions with any diurnally
driven cumulus to end as afternoon heating wanes.

Ketcham

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Wichita-KICT    60  86  63  77 /  10  10  40  70
Hutchinson      58  84  61  77 /   0  10  40  50
Newton          59  84  62  77 /  10  10  30  60
ElDorado        60  85  63  79 /  20  10  30  70
Winfield-KWLD   61  86  63  80 /  20  20  50  70
Russell         55  82  57  75 /   0   0  20  50
Great Bend      55  82  58  74 /   0   0  30  50
Salina          58  85  61  78 /  10   0  20  50
McPherson       58  84  61  77 /   0  10  30  50
Coffeyville     65  85  64  83 /  30  20  30  70
Chanute         65  86  65  84 /  30  10  20  70
Iola            64  86  64  84 /  30  10  20  60
Parsons-KPPF    65  85  64  83 /  30  20  20  70

&&

.ICT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
None.
&&

SHORT TERM...BMB
LONG TERM...BMB
AVIATION...Ketcham
Hazardous weather outlook, May 12, 2:45 PM CDT, 4 hours 15 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Wichita KS
245 PM CDT Fri May 12 2023

KSZ032-033-047>053-067>072-082-083-091>096-098>100-131945-
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-
245 PM CDT Fri May 12 2023

This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of Central Kansas,
South Central Kansas and Southeast Kansas.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight

A few thunderstorms are possible late this afternoon into the
evening, generally east of a line extending from Cottonwood Falls
to El Dorado to Arkansas City. The strongest storms will be capable
of large hail up to golf ball size and wind gusts up to 70 mph.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday

Isolated thunderstorms are possible Saturday across southern
Kansas, with periodic chances across much of central and southern
Kansas Saturday night through Sunday night. While a few strong
storms are possible, the risk for organized severe storms is very
low.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not anticipated this afternoon or tonight.

&&

For a graphical version of this information, see our webpage at:
https://weather.gov/crh/ghwo?sid=ict

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 12, 4:21 PM CDT, 2 hours 39 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wichita KS
421 PM CDT Fri May 12 2023

KSZ070-122145-
Greenwood KS-
421 PM CDT Fri May 12 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northeastern
Greenwood County through 445 PM CDT...

At 420 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Madison, moving northeast at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Madison and Hamilton.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3797 9616 3808 9636 3817 9631 3817 9596
      3813 9596
TIME...MOT...LOC 2120Z 210DEG 20KT 3810 9622

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

MCGUIRE
Special weather statement, May 12, 5:11 PM CDT, 1 hour 49 minutes before
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Special weather statement, May 12, 5:29 PM CDT, 1 hour 31 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wichita KS
529 PM CDT Fri May 12 2023

KSZ070-094-122300-
Greenwood KS-Elk KS-
529 PM CDT Fri May 12 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern Elk and
southwestern Greenwood Counties through 600 PM CDT...

At 529 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 10
miles east of Latham, or 12 miles northwest of Howard, moving
northeast at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and half inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Severy and Piedmont.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM CDT for
south central and southeastern Kansas.

&&

LAT...LON 3756 9653 3757 9652 3777 9642 3764 9607
      3748 9646
TIME...MOT...LOC 2229Z 221DEG 28KT 3757 9645

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

MCGUIRE
Special weather statement, May 12, 5:49 PM CDT, 1 hour 11 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wichita KS
549 PM CDT Fri May 12 2023

KSZ070-122315-
Greenwood KS-
549 PM CDT Fri May 12 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northeastern
Greenwood County through 615 PM CDT...

At 549 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Hamilton, or 11 miles south of Madison, moving north at 15 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Madison, Hamilton and Virgil.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

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.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM CDT for
southeastern Kansas.

&&

LAT...LON 3786 9609 3793 9630 3817 9622 3817 9606
      3814 9596 3804 9596
TIME...MOT...LOC 2249Z 202DEG 15KT 3797 9617

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH

MCGUIRE
Special weather statement, May 12, 6:48 PM CDT, 12 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wichita KS
648 PM CDT Fri May 12 2023

KSZ093-098-130015-
Cowley KS-Chautauqua KS-
648 PM CDT Fri May 12 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern Cowley
and western Chautauqua Counties through 715 PM CDT...

At 648 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Cedar Vale, moving northeast at 35 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Cedar Vale.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

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.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM CDT for
south central and southeastern Kansas.

&&

LAT...LON 3700 9678 3727 9662 3726 9611 3700 9643
TIME...MOT...LOC 2348Z 218DEG 28KT 3704 9655

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

MCGUIRE

The office that day

Everything else NWS Wichita, KS issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
May 12, 7:16 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningICTChautauqua, Cowley33 min
May 12, 7:18 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningICTCowley31 min
May 12, 7:44 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementICTElk46 min
May 12, 7:47 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementICTElk28 min
May 12, 7:55 PM CDTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatICTGreenwood6 hr
May 12, 7:55 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningICTButler, Elk, Greenwood23 min
May 12, 8:01 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningICTGreenwood59 min
May 12, 8:47 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementICTWoodson28 min
May 12, 9:31 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementICTWilson29 min
May 12, 10:08 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementICTWilson37 min
May 12, 10:09 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementICTAllen36 min
May 12, 10:16 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningICTWilson59 min
May 12, 10:22 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementICTChautauqua23 min
May 12, 10:47 PM CDTAreal Flood WarningICTWilson6 hr
May 12, 11:05 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementICTAllen25 min
May 12, 11:18 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningICTNeosho, Wilson18 min
May 12, 11:32 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementICTAllen28 min
May 12, 11:51 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementICTNeosho54 min
May 13, 12:20 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementICTLabette40 min
May 13, 12:56 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementICTNeosho49 min
May 13, 1:31 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementICTLabette29 min

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Kansas, 2023Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2023

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.