Alert archive / Wyoming / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2023

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 9, NWS Riverton, WY

May 26, 2023Fremont County, Wyoming

NWS Riverton, WY issued this severe thunderstorm warning at May 26, 2023, 2:46 PM MDT for Fremont County, Wyoming. It was in force for 29 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 26, 2023, 2:46 PM MDT (20:46 UTC)
Expired
May 26, 2023, 3:15 PM MDT
In force
29 min
Issued by
NWS Riverton, WY
Area
Storm-based polygon
Hail
1.0 in
Wind
50.0 mph

County Fremont County, WY

The radar

The Riverton/Lander radar (KRIW), 13 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:46 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 nearest sounding before it

Riverton, WY (KRIW), launched 12:00Z, 8.8 hours before the alert went out and 19 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 2023-05-26Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 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 2023-05-26The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 32 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
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1826 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
28 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
32 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
131 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 May 26, 11:45 AM MDT, 3 hours 1 minute earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 26, 11:45 AM MDT, 3 hours 1 minute before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Riverton WY
1145 AM MDT Fri May 26 2023

.DISCUSSION...(This afternoon through Thursday)
Issued at 1141 AM MDT Fri May 26 2023

Another day of showers and thunderstorms is expected today as the
West Coast low and blocking high to our east remain in place.
This continues to bring a southwesterly divergent flow aloft,
aided at the surface by southeasterly moisture advection.
Currently, convection is ongoing this morning across western
Wyoming, as well as some isolated weak showers across central
Wyoming. The western convection is expected to continue to push
northeastward, with additional storms initiating east of the
Divide by early afternoon. With dewpoints in the 40s and 50s, as
well as mostly clear skies for diurnal heating, central and
northern Wyoming will be most favored for stronger storms today.
Given the increased moisture, steep lapse rates, and slightly
better shear today, storms have the potential to be a little
stronger than yesterday, which did produce some large hail. MLCAPE
values over 1000 J/kg are expected east of the Divide, with
values over 1500 J/kg farther east across Natrona and Johnson
Counties. Strong winds and large hail will again be possible with
this activity. Convection will wane after sunset across northern
Wyoming, with mostly dry conditions expected overnight.

Not much change is expected through the weekend as the main pattern
players persist. Saturday will see additional widespread showers
and thunderstorms, though a slightly eastward trough shift will
likely limit the strongest activity to Johnson and Natrona
counties. On Sunday convection currently looks a little less
widespread. Otherwise, temperatures will continue to peak around
normal west of the Divide, and about five degrees above normal
east.

By early next week, guidance is starting to favor the longstanding
trough dropping farther south, with a low positioned across southern
California. While the southwest flow would continue over Wyoming,
upper divergence would shift farther away from the area, likely
decreasing precipitation coverage. Overall, though, the active
pattern is likely to continue through at least midweek, with
generally above normal temperatures persisting.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 18Z TAFS through 18Z Saturday afternoon)
Issued at 1043 AM MDT Fri May 26 2023

VFR conditions expected throughout the TAF period for all
locations. Light and varying wind to start the period with mid
level ceilings as scattered rain showers and isolated
thunderstorms develop and approach from the south to north through
the afternoon and evening hours. Gusty winds up to 20-30 kts
possible with some of the storms but isolated in nature,
confidence low on exact locations of storms and outflows carrying
VCTS through about the 01-02Z time frame. After that point couple
with radiational cooling after sunset, winds will become light
once again with scattered mid clouds expected through the end of
the period.

Please see the Aviation Weather Center and/or CWSU ZDV and ZLC for
the latest information on icing and turbulence forecasts.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 1141 AM MDT Fri May 26 2023

The active pattern continues this afternoon as showers and
thunderstorms spread across most of the area. The strongest storms
are expected across central, northern, and eastern portions of the
forecast area, especially Johnson and Natrona counties. With any
storm, large hail and strong outflow winds are possible. Otherwise,
temperatures will peak above normal this afternoon for most
locations, with a gusty south wind developing over Sweetwater
County. Much of the same is forecast for Saturday and Sunday, with
continued thunderstorm chances in the afternoons. Minimum humidity
values will generally remain above 20 percent through the weekend.
Warmer than normal temperatures and rain chances will continue next
week.

&&

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

&&

DISCUSSION...Myers
AVIATION...Lowe
FIRE WEATHER...Myers
Hazardous weather outlook, May 26, 3:02 AM MDT, 11 hours 44 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Riverton WY
302 AM MDT Fri May 26 2023

WYZ001>020-022>030-271315-
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-
302 AM MDT Fri May 26 2023

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Western and Central Wyoming.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Another chance of showers and thunderstorms, especially in the
afternoon and evening. Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible
this afternoon, especially along and north of a Casper to Thermopolis
to Cody line. The best chance will be in Johnson County.

Mountain snowmelt continues to keep water levels elevated on western
Wyoming creeks and rivers.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Saturday through Wednesday...More chances of mainly afternoon and
evening showers and thunderstorms. Mountain snowmelt continues.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

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

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 26, 1:30 PM MDT, 1 hour 16 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Riverton WY
130 PM MDT Fri May 26 2023

WYZ014-015-018-026-262030-
Wind River Mountains West-Upper Green River Basin-Wind River
Mountains East-Lander Foothills-
130 PM MDT Fri May 26 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern
Sublette and south central Fremont Counties through 230 PM MDT...

At 129 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 9
miles west of South Pass Rest Area, or 27 miles northeast of Farson,
moving north at 25 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...
  Christina Lake, Louis Lake, Upper Silas Lake, Fiddlers Lake,
  Worthen Meadows Reservoir, Frye Lake, Sinks Canyon State Park and
  Lander.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 4233 10919 4297 10915 4274 10848 4264 10859
      4265 10860 4263 10861 4237 10890 4237 10895
      4232 10895 4228 10900
TIME...MOT...LOC 1929Z 200DEG 29KT 4239 10908

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

Lowe
Special weather statement, May 26, 1:34 PM MDT, 1 hour 12 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Riverton WY
134 PM MDT Fri May 26 2023

WYZ002>004-262030-
North Big Horn Basin-Cody Foothills-Absaroka Mountains-
134 PM MDT Fri May 26 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern Park
County through 230 PM MDT...

At 133 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 15
miles north of Washakie Needles, or 18 miles southwest of Meeteetse,
moving north at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and nickel 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.

This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of southeastern Park
County, including the following locations... Sunshine Reservoir.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 4389 10906 4389 10920 4397 10931 4448 10932
      4429 10855
TIME...MOT...LOC 1933Z 193DEG 28KT 4397 10915

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

Lowe
Special weather statement, May 26, 2:09 PM MDT, 37 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Riverton WY
209 PM MDT Fri May 26 2023

WYZ019-020-022-262115-
Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range-Casper Mountain-Natrona County
Lower Elevations-
209 PM MDT Fri May 26 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern Natrona
County through 315 PM MDT...

At 209 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 9
miles southwest of Alcova, or 36 miles southwest of Casper, moving
north at 20 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...
  Alcova.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 4268 10631 4243 10673 4243 10694 4290 10696
TIME...MOT...LOC 2009Z 196DEG 16KT 4246 10684

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

Lowe
Special weather statement, May 26, 2:19 PM MDT, 27 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Riverton WY
219 PM MDT Fri May 26 2023

WYZ020-262100-
Natrona County Lower Elevations-
219 PM MDT Fri May 26 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of east central Natrona
County through 300 PM MDT...

At 219 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
northern Casper, moving north at 20 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.

This strong thunderstorm will be near...
  Bar Nunn around 230 PM MDT.

Other locations in the path of this storm include Homa Hills.

This includes Interstate 25 between mile markers 186 and 203.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 4280 10633 4279 10649 4309 10652 4304 10608
TIME...MOT...LOC 2019Z 173DEG 10KT 4288 10633

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

Lowe
Special weather statement, May 26, 2:20 PM MDT, 26 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Riverton WY
220 PM MDT Fri May 26 2023

WYZ003-005-007-262045-
Owl Creek and Bridger Mountains-Cody Foothills-Southwest Big Horn
Basin-
220 PM MDT Fri May 26 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of north central Hot
Springs and southeastern Park Counties through 245 PM MDT...

At 220 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm
capable of producing a landspout 11 miles south of Meeteetse, moving
north at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Landspouts and half inch hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.

Locations impacted include...
  Meeteetse.

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.

&&

LAT...LON 4419 10869 4416 10868 4415 10868 4414 10867
      4416 10863 4415 10862 4416 10860 4392 10872
      4391 10881 4394 10888 4420 10893
TIME...MOT...LOC 2020Z 184DEG 25KT 4399 10879

LANDSPOUT...POSSIBLE
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH

Myers
Special weather statement, May 26, 2:46 PM MDT, 0 minutes before
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The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
May 26, 12:28 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRIWSweetwater62 min
May 26, 12:35 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWJohnson55 min
May 26, 1:26 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIW64 min
May 26, 1:30 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWFremont60 min
May 26, 1:34 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIW56 min
May 26, 2:08 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRIWPark37 min
May 26, 2:09 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWNatrona66 min
May 26, 2:19 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWNatrona41 min
May 26, 2:20 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWHot Springs25 min
May 26, 2:25 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRIWSweetwater40 min
May 26, 2:46 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWNatrona44 min
May 26, 2:51 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWNatrona24 min
May 26, 2:55 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWFremont35 min
May 26, 2:58 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRIWBig Horn, Park32 min
May 26, 3:13 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRIWFremont47 min
May 26, 3:18 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWHot Springs27 min
May 26, 3:21 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWNatrona24 min
May 26, 3:31 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWBig Horn29 min
May 26, 3:33 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWFremont27 min
May 26, 3:36 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIW39 min
May 26, 3:41 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWBig Horn34 min
May 26, 3:50 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWJohnson25 min
May 26, 3:58 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWFremont32 min
May 26, 4:00 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRIWBig Horn30 min
May 26, 4:01 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWHot Springs44 min
May 26, 4:15 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWJohnson45 min
May 26, 4:16 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWJohnson59 min
May 26, 4:17 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWWashakie43 min
May 26, 4:21 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWHot Springs24 min
May 26, 4:29 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWFremont31 min
May 26, 4:34 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWSheridan41 min
May 26, 4:44 PM MDTTornado WarningRIWHot Springs, Washakie31 min
May 26, 4:57 PM MDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningRIWJohnson27 min
May 26, 5:11 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWSheridan49 min
May 26, 5:22 PM MDTSpecial Weather StatementRIWJohnson53 min

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Wyoming, 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.