Alert archive / Nebraska / Tornado Warnings in 2026
Tornado Warning 1, NWS North Platte, NE
NWS North Platte, NE issued this tornado warning at May 30, 2026, 7:38 PM CDT for Lincoln County, Nebraska. It was in force for 18 min. 4 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
- May 30, 2026, 7:38 PM CDT (00:38 UTC)
- Expired
- May 30, 2026, 7:56 PM CDT
- In force
- 18 min
- Issued by
- NWS North Platte, NE
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Tornado
- Radar indicated
- Hail
- 2.0 in
County Lincoln County, NE
The radar
The North Platte radar (KLNX), 124 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 00:38 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 30, 7:40 PM CDT | HAIL 1.75 | 6 Nw Wellfleet, NE | |
| May 30, 7:48 PM CDT | HAIL 3 | 4 Nw Wellfleet, NE | |
| May 30, 7:53 PM CDT | HAIL 2.75 | 5 N Wellfleet, NE | |
| May 30, 7:56 PM CDT | HAIL 3.5 | 4 N Wellfleet, NE |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
Did it verify
Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this tornado warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 30, 4:59 PM CDT | Tornado Watch | SPC | 6 hr |
The nearest sounding before it
N. Platte/Lee Bi, NE (KLBF), launched 00:00Z, 0.6 hours before the alert went out and 34 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.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 2499 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -10 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 1248 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 21 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 32 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 130 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 4.4
The text
As transmitted.
748
WFUS53 KLBF 310038
TORLBF
NEC111-310115-
/O.NEW.KLBF.TO.W.0001.260531T0038Z-260531T0115Z/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service North Platte NE
738 PM CDT Sat May 30 2026
The National Weather Service in North Platte has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
South central Lincoln County in southwestern Nebraska...
* Until 815 PM CDT.
* At 738 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Wellfleet, or 17 miles northwest of Curtis, moving
north at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado and hail up to two inches in diameter.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree
damage is likely.
* This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
south central Lincoln County.
This includes Highway 83 between mile markers 57 and 71.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.
&&
LAT...LON 4078 10066 4075 10079 4094 10090 4098 10074
TIME...MOT...LOC 0038Z 158DEG 17KT 4081 10076
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...2.00 IN
$$
NMJ2 follow-up statements
161
WWUS53 KLBF 310046
SVSLBF
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service North Platte NE
746 PM CDT Sat May 30 2026
NEC111-310115-
/O.CON.KLBF.TO.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260531T0115Z/
Lincoln NE-
746 PM CDT Sat May 30 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 815 PM CDT FOR SOUTH
CENTRAL LINCOLN COUNTY...
At 746 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located 7 miles north of Wellfleet, or 18 miles south of North
Platte, moving north at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado and two inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
south central Lincoln County.
This includes Highway 83 between mile markers 60 and 71.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.
If a tornado or other severe weather is spotted, report it to the
National Weather Service or your local nearest law enforcement agency
who will send your report. This act may save lives of others in the
path of dangerous weather.
&&
LAT...LON 4080 10082 4094 10090 4098 10074 4080 10067
TIME...MOT...LOC 0046Z 172DEG 21KT 4086 10076
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...2.00 IN
$$
NMJ378 WWUS53 KLBF 310056 SVSLBF Severe Weather Statement National Weather Service North Platte NE 756 PM CDT Sat May 30 2026 NEC111-310106- /O.CAN.KLBF.TO.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260531T0115Z/ Lincoln NE- 756 PM CDT Sat May 30 2026 ...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR SOUTH CENTRAL LINCOLN COUNTY IS CANCELLED... The storm which prompted the warning has moved out of the area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM CDT for southwestern Nebraska. Remember, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning still remains in effect for central Lincoln County. LAT...LON 4080 10082 4094 10090 4098 10074 4080 10067 TIME...MOT...LOC 0054Z 158DEG 17KT 4090 10078 $$ NMJ
What forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this tornado warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS North Platte, NE wrote its last area forecast discussion before this tornado warning went out at May 30, 6:32 PM CDT, 1 hour 6 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- Moderate to high confidence in severe thunderstorms late this afternoon through the evening with large hail and damaging winds being the main threats, and tornadoes being a secondary threat.
- Low confidence in continued near-daily afternoon/evening thunderstorms through mid-week.
- High confidence in mild temperatures through the end of next week.
Area forecast discussion, May 30, 6:32 PM CDT, 1 hour 6 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service North Platte NE 632 PM CDT Sat May 30 2026 .KEY MESSAGES... - Moderate to high confidence in severe thunderstorms late this afternoon through the evening with large hail and damaging winds being the main threats, and tornadoes being a secondary threat. - Low confidence in continued near-daily afternoon/evening thunderstorms through mid-week. - High confidence in mild temperatures through the end of next week. && .SHORT TERM /THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT/... Issued at 256 PM CDT Sat May 30 2026 The greatest potential for severe storms in the next week will occur late this afternoon and evening as a mid level trough pushes across Nebraska. In addition to this, current observations show a developing surface low across the Colorado/Kansas border with a well defined dry line line draped to the south. As this low pushes northeastward, the dry line will also move into southwest and southern Nebraska bringing with it a steep gradient of dewpoints and moisture across the front. With increased moisture across portions of our forecast area combined with ample instability (CAPE values potentially above 3000 J/kg, lapse rates near 7 to 9 C/km, and 0-6 km shear up to 50 knots), a favorable environment will exist for severe thunderstorm development by late this afternoon and into the evening. Storms will develop into supercells initially before becoming more linear in nature as they progress northeastward into central Nebraska. The main threats remain relatively unchanged from previous forecasts with large hail (at least 2 inches in diameter) and strong winds (at least 65 mph) being the primary threats along with the potential for a few tornadoes. Storms are expected to remain severe throughout much of the evening, gradually weakening after Midnight CT when instability begins to wane. Despite the severe potential lessening after Midnight, some lingering thunderstorms, some on the stronger side even, will be possible across north central Nebraska through sunrise Sunday morning when storms completely move off to the east and slowly dissipate. && .LONG TERM /MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/... Issued at 256 PM CDT Sat May 30 2026 Another round of convection is possible on Sunday as the severe threat shifts slightly to the east. A shortwave will push through northern and eastern Nebraska on Sunday afternoon combining with a dryline across central Nebraska providing a favorable environment for convective initiation. Development will be primarily focused along and to the east of this dryline (mainly east of US-183) where the best moisture will be present. Even then, the latest model soundings suggest a lot of mid- level dry air around through the afternoon and early evening. This may inhibit any thunderstorm development in our area with the main action focused more across northeast Nebraska. Regardless, not expecting widespread severe, but a small window of some isolated strong to briefly severe storms could be possible before pushing to the east out of our area. Beyond Sunday, the active weather pattern will continue as a series of shortwaves continue to track through Nebraska creating near-daily rain and thunderstorm chances through mid-week. At this time the severe risk remains uncertain, but with mild temperatures in the 80s though much of the week and some modest instability across the region, confidence in a stronger or briefly severe storm is high especially in the afternoon and evening. Stay tuned as we will continue to monitor the environment headed into next week for the severe potential. Temperatures through the extended period remain warm and mild as continued WAA pushes into the central Plains. Highs will remain in the 80s with lows in the low to mid 50s through next week. && .AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z MONDAY/... Issued at 629 PM CDT Sat May 30 2026 Scattered thunderstorms will occur this evening and overnight across all of western and north central Nebraska. Otherwise area of MVFR ceilings are expected for areas east of a line from ANW to BBW. Winds will strong, variable and gusty near any thunderstorm activity. && .LBF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... None. && SHORT TERM...Kulik LONG TERM...Kulik AVIATION...Taylor
Hazardous weather outlook, May 30, 2:56 PM CDT, 4 hours 42 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service North Platte NE 256 PM CDT Sat May 30 2026 NEZ004>010-022>029-035>038-056>059-069>071-094-312000- Sheridan-Eastern Cherry-Keya Paha-Boyd-Brown-Rock-Holt-Garden-Grant- Hooker-Thomas-Blaine-Loup-Garfield-Wheeler-Arthur-McPherson-Logan- Custer-Deuel-Keith-Perkins-Lincoln-Chase-Hayes-Frontier- Western Cherry- 256 PM CDT Sat May 30 2026 /156 PM MDT Sat May 30 2026/ This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of western and north central Nebraska. .DAY ONE...Tonight. Severe thunderstorms are possible through this evening across western and north central Nebraska. Large to very large hail and damaging winds are the main threats, however, a tornado or two is also possible. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. Near critical fire weather conditions are possible Sunday afternoon across the western Sandhills and southwest Nebraska, where low humidity and gusty west winds exist. Daily chances for showers and thunderstorms are possible Monday through Thursday night. However, the severe risk remains uncertain at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time.
In the hours before
Local storm report, May 30, 6:55 PM CDT, 43 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service North Platte NE
655 PM CDT Sat May 30 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0642 PM Hail 1 W Elsie 40.85N 101.41W
05/30/2026 M1.75 Inch Perkins NE NWS Employee
&&Local storm report, May 30, 7:00 PM CDT, 38 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service North Platte NE
700 PM CDT Sat May 30 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0654 PM Hail 2 W Dickens 40.83N 101.03W
05/30/2026 E1.00 Inch Lincoln NE Public
&&Local storm report, May 30, 7:14 PM CDT, 24 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service North Platte NE
714 PM CDT Sat May 30 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0708 PM Tstm Wnd Gst 3 S Stockville 40.48N 100.37W
05/30/2026 M61 MPH Frontier NE Public
&&Local storm report, May 30, 7:29 PM CDT, 9 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service North Platte NE
729 PM CDT Sat May 30 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0726 PM Hail 5 N Wellfleet 40.83N 100.75W
05/30/2026 E1.00 Inch Lincoln NE Public
&&Local storm report, May 30, 7:34 PM CDT, 4 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service North Platte NE
734 PM CDT Sat May 30 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0733 PM Hail 6 NW Wellfleet 40.83N 100.80W
05/30/2026 E1.00 Inch Lincoln NE Public
&&Local storm report, May 30, 7:37 PM CDT, 1 minute before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service North Platte NE
737 PM CDT Sat May 30 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0734 PM Hail 7 NW Wellfleet 40.83N 100.82W
05/30/2026 E1.25 Inch Lincoln NE Public
&&The office that day
Everything else NWS North Platte, NE issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 30, 7:08 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LBF | Keith, Perkins | 52 min |
| May 30, 7:20 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LBF | Lincoln | 40 min |
| May 30, 7:21 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LBF | Arthur, Cherry, Grant, Hooker, McPherson, Thomas | 39 min |
| May 30, 7:24 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LBF | Lincoln | 51 min |
| May 30, 7:55 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LBF | Cherry, Grant, Hooker, Logan, McPherson, Thomas | 50 min |
| May 30, 7:58 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LBF | Custer | 47 min |
| May 30, 7:59 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LBF | Custer, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson | 46 min |
| May 30, 8:14 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LBF | Arthur, Deuel, Garden, Grant, Keith, Perkins | 46 min |
| May 30, 8:43 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | LBF | Custer | 47 min |
| May 30, 9:29 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | LBF | Brown | 46 min |
| May 30, 9:40 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | LBF | Garfield | 50 min |
| May 30, 10:26 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | LBF | Holt | 49 min |
| May 30, 10:34 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | LBF | Keya Paha | 41 min |
Nearby
Tornado Warnings in Nebraska, 2026Every tornado warning in 2026Tornadoes 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; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.