Alert archive / Kansas / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Warning 8, NWS Dodge City, KS
NWS Dodge City, KS issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Apr 25, 2026, 4:38 PM CDT for Pawnee County, Kansas. It was in force for 52 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
- Apr 25, 2026, 4:38 PM CDT (21:38 UTC)
- Expired
- Apr 25, 2026, 5:30 PM CDT
- In force
- 52 min
- Issued by
- NWS Dodge City, KS
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Hail
- 1.0 in
- Wind
- 50.0 mph
County Pawnee County, KS
The radar
The Dodge City radar (KDDC), 80 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 21:39 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 25, 4:47 PM CDT | HAIL 1.5 | 1 Nnw Frizell, KS | |
| Apr 25, 5:26 PM CDT | HAIL 1 | 4 Ne Zook, KS |
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 2 storm reports to this severe thunderstorm warning; the first came 9 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 25, 2:43 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Watch | SPC | 6 hr |
The text
As transmitted.
487 WUUS53 KDDC 252138 SVRDDC KSC145-252230- /O.NEW.KDDC.SV.W.0008.260425T2138Z-260425T2230Z/ BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Severe Thunderstorm Warning National Weather Service Dodge City KS 438 PM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026 The National Weather Service in Dodge City has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Southeastern Pawnee County in south central Kansas... * Until 530 PM CDT. * At 438 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located very near Frizell, moving southeast at 15 mph. HAZARD...Quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Damage to vehicles is expected. * This severe thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of southeastern Pawnee County. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. && LAT...LON 3817 9931 3823 9917 3810 9891 3800 9925 TIME...MOT...LOC 2138Z 320DEG 12KT 3817 9923 HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED MAX WIND GUST...<50 MPH $$ SUGDEN
4 follow-up statements
782
WWUS53 KDDC 252146
SVSDDC
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Dodge City KS
446 PM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026
KSC145-252230-
/O.CON.KDDC.SV.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260425T2230Z/
Pawnee KS-
446 PM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026
...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 530 PM CDT
FOR SOUTHEASTERN PAWNEE COUNTY...
At 446 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located very near Frizell,
moving southeast at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Ping pong ball size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect damage
to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles.
Locations impacted include...
Larned, Garfield, and Frizell.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.
Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to
flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3816 9927 3821 9914 3810 9891 3800 9925
TIME...MOT...LOC 2146Z 320DEG 12KT 3815 9921
HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.50 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...<50 MPH
$$
SUGDEN169 WWUS53 KDDC 252201 SVSDDC Severe Weather Statement National Weather Service Dodge City KS 501 PM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026 KSC145-252230- /O.CON.KDDC.SV.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260425T2230Z/ Pawnee KS- 501 PM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026 ...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 530 PM CDT FOR SOUTHEASTERN PAWNEE COUNTY... At 501 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Frizell, moving east at 10 mph. HAZARD...Half dollar size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Damage to vehicles is expected. Locations impacted include... Larned. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. && LAT...LON 3815 9920 3818 9909 3810 9891 3804 9912 TIME...MOT...LOC 2201Z 290DEG 10KT 3814 9915 HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED MAX HAIL SIZE...1.25 IN WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED MAX WIND GUST...<50 MPH $$ SUGDEN
199 WWUS53 KDDC 252212 SVSDDC Severe Weather Statement National Weather Service Dodge City KS 512 PM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026 KSC145-252230- /O.CON.KDDC.SV.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260425T2230Z/ Pawnee KS- 512 PM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026 ...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 530 PM CDT FOR SOUTHEASTERN PAWNEE COUNTY... At 512 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Larned, moving southeast at 10 mph. HAZARD...Half dollar size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Damage to vehicles is expected. This severe thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of southeastern Pawnee County. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. && LAT...LON 3814 9914 3816 9905 3810 9891 3805 9910 TIME...MOT...LOC 2212Z 308DEG 11KT 3813 9911 HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED MAX HAIL SIZE...1.25 IN WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED MAX WIND GUST...<50 MPH $$ SUGDEN
376 WWUS53 KDDC 252222 SVSDDC Severe Weather Statement National Weather Service Dodge City KS 522 PM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026 KSC145-252232- /O.EXP.KDDC.SV.W.0008.000000T0000Z-260425T2230Z/ Pawnee KS- 522 PM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026 ...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR SOUTHEASTERN PAWNEE COUNTY WILL EXPIRE AT 530 PM CDT... The storm which prompted the warning has moved out of the area. Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire. However, small hail, gusty winds and heavy rain are still possible with this thunderstorm. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM CDT for south central Kansas. && LAT...LON 3814 9914 3816 9905 3810 9891 3805 9910 TIME...MOT...LOC 2222Z 320DEG 12KT 3810 9908 $$ SUGDEN
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 Dodge City, KS wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at Apr 25, 12:32 PM CDT, 4 hours 6 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- A slight chance of severe storms are expected east of Highway 183 this afternoon with the best chance further east late afternoon into this evening. Large hail and damaging winds are the main concern
- Severe storms are expected tomorrow afternoon with the best chance across central Kansas. Large hail and damaging winds are expected with a few tornadoes possible
- Another disturbance is expected to move through the area Wednesday night through Thursday. As of now these storms are not expected to be severe
Area forecast discussion, Apr 25, 12:32 PM CDT, 4 hours 6 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Dodge City KS 1232 PM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026 .KEY MESSAGES... - A slight chance of severe storms are expected east of Highway 183 this afternoon with the best chance further east late afternoon into this evening. Large hail and damaging winds are the main concern - Severe storms are expected tomorrow afternoon with the best chance across central Kansas. Large hail and damaging winds are expected with a few tornadoes possible - Another disturbance is expected to move through the area Wednesday night through Thursday. As of now these storms are not expected to be severe && .DISCUSSION... Issued at 1231 PM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026 A subtle shortwave will approach the area this afternoon interacting with a cold front that is currently bisecting the forecast area. Surface dew points will be in the 50s across southwest Kansas, reflecting only modest low-level moisture advection ahead of the boundary. Deep-layer shear (+30 knots) will be sufficient to support organized convection along and ahead of this front where moderate instability will be observed (+1000 J/kg). Thunderstorm initiation is favored east of Highway 183 with the best chance even further east later this afternoon before pushing into Wichita's area this evening. The primary hazards with any developing storms will be large hail and damaging winds, driven by steep mid-level lapse rates and sufficient downdraft potential. Tornado risk remains negligible due to weak low-level shear and low storm-relative helicity. Coverage is expected to remain isolated to widely scattered. Winds will generally be from the southeast ahead of the aforementioned cold front with northerly winds behind this front. Skies will become mostly clear behind this front with partly cloud skies ahead of this front. Highs today will range from the upper 60s north to upper 70s south. Low clouds will increase in coverage tonight as moisture pools into the area. There could even be a few pockets of drizzle after midnight. Skies will be mostly cloudy with lows ranging from the low 40s across west central Kansas to low 50s across south central Kansas. Tomorrow, a more vigorous upper-level shortwave will advance across the central Rockies and into the Central Plains, accompanied by strengthening southwesterly flow aloft. This will promote deeper moisture return with a warm front moving north into the area by the afternoon. The resulting environment is highly conducive to intense convective development, particularly during the afternoon and evening across central Kansas. Model guidance indicates favorable parameters for supercell organization: MLCAPE values potentially exceeding 2000-3000 J/kg, effective bulk shear of 40-50 kt, and storm-relative helicity supporting rotation. All severe hazards are possible, including very large hail (2+ inches), damaging straight- line winds (60+ mph gusts), and a conditional risk for strong tornadoes if discrete supercells can mature. Convective evolution remains somewhat uncertain—some guidance depicts long-track supercells traversing the area, while others suggest more linear or clustered modes. Regardless, the threat level represents the highest severe-weather potential of the season thus far for portions of southwest Kansas. As of now the highest probability of severe storms will be across central Kansas with lesser amounts as you head southwest. Skies will be mostly cloudy in the morning with clearing expected in the afternoon. Highs look to range from the mid 60s along the I-70 corridor to low 80s across far southwestern Kansas. Dry conditions are expected tomorrow night as the activity moves out of the area. Lows tomorrow night are expected to range from the low 40s across west central Kansas to low 50s across south central Kansas. Dry conditions are then expected during the early part of the week with a cold front moving through the area Monday with high pressure across the area Tuesday. Ensemble models then suggest a system to move through the area mid week with increased precipitation chances Wednesday night through Thursday. As of now, no severe weather is expected with this system. Dry conditions then return late week. As for temperatures, highs will generally be in the 60s north to upper 70s south Monday through Wednesday with 60s on Thursday and Friday. Lows will generally be in the upper 30s and 40s. && .AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SUNDAY/... Issued at 1141 AM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026 Low level clouds should dissipate this afternoon with the exception of around the HYS terminal where they may hang around through this evening. Low clouds will then develop overnight bringing IFR conditions to the TAF sites. A cold front moving through the area will bring northerly winds to the area with the exception of around the HYS terminal where this cold front isn't expected to move through until tonight. && .DDC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... None. && DISCUSSION...Hovorka_42 AVIATION...Hovorka_42
In the hours before
Special weather statement, Apr 25, 3:02 PM CDT, 1 hour 36 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Dodge City KS
302 PM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026
KSZ030-031-045-252030-
Trego KS-Ellis KS-Ness KS-
302 PM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN NESS...SOUTHEASTERN
TREGO AND SOUTHWESTERN ELLIS COUNTIES THROUGH 330 PM CDT...
At 302 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Cedar Bluff, moving east at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Nickel size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.
This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of northeastern Ness,
southeastern Trego and southwestern Ellis Counties.
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 900 PM CDT for
central Kansas.
&&
LAT...LON 3878 9954 3870 9957 3869 9959 3867 9959
3863 9960 3871 9983 3879 9980
TIME...MOT...LOC 2002Z 278DEG 14KT 3873 9972
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH
SUGDENSpecial weather statement, Apr 25, 3:24 PM CDT, 1 hour 14 minutes before
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Dodge City KS 324 PM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026 KSZ030-031-045-046-252115- Rush KS-Trego KS-Ellis KS-Ness KS- 324 PM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026 ...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN NESS...SOUTHEASTERN TREGO...NORTHWESTERN RUSH AND SOUTHWESTERN ELLIS COUNTIES THROUGH 415 PM CDT... At 324 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Brownell, moving east at 10 mph. HAZARD...Nickel size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of northeastern Ness, southeastern Trego, northwestern Rush and southwestern Ellis Counties. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. 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 900 PM CDT for central Kansas. && LAT...LON 3866 9972 3875 9966 3873 9943 3858 9955 TIME...MOT...LOC 2024Z 284DEG 7KT 3868 9963 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH SUGDEN
Local storm report, Apr 25, 4:08 PM CDT, 30 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Dodge City KS
408 PM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0405 PM Hail 2 E McCracken 38.62N 99.57W
04/25/2026 M1.00 Inch Rush KS Public
&&Special weather statement, Apr 25, 4:30 PM CDT, 8 minutes before
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Dodge City KS 430 PM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026 KSZ065-252215- Pawnee KS- 430 PM CDT Sat Apr 25 2026 ...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CENTRAL PAWNEE COUNTY THROUGH 515 PM CDT... At 429 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Frizell, moving southeast at 10 mph. HAZARD...Nickel size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. This strong thunderstorm will be near... Frizell around 435 PM CDT. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. 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 900 PM CDT for south central Kansas. && LAT...LON 3818 9934 3825 9923 3815 9901 3804 9928 TIME...MOT...LOC 2129Z 310DEG 10KT 3818 9924 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH SUGDEN
The office that day
Everything else NWS Dodge City, KS issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 25, 3:02 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DDC | Trego | 28 min |
| Apr 25, 3:24 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DDC | Rush | 51 min |
| Apr 25, 3:38 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DDC | Ness, Rush | 49 min |
| Apr 25, 4:27 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DDC | Rush | 48 min |
| Apr 25, 4:30 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DDC | Pawnee | 45 min |
| Apr 25, 5:05 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DDC | Rush | 20 min |
| Apr 25, 5:22 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DDC | Pawnee, Stafford | 32 min |
| Apr 25, 5:24 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | DDC | Pawnee | 51 min |
| Apr 25, 5:53 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DDC | Stafford | 25 min |
| Apr 25, 6:03 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DDC | Pawnee, Stafford | 23 min |
| Apr 25, 6:17 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DDC | Pratt, Stafford | 27 min |
| Apr 25, 6:34 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DDC | Pratt | 29 min |
Nearby
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Kansas, 2026Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2026
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; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.