Flash Flooding and Flooding in Kansas, May 23 to 28, 2007

Name: Flash Flooding and Flooding in Kansas, May 23 to 28, 2007
Start: 2007-05-23T11:17
End: 2007-05-28T08:15
Location: Kansas

May 23 to 28, 2007 · NWS ICT · 67 events in 15 counties and zones

A stalled frontal boundary resulted in numerous, slow-moving strong to severe thunderstorms across portions of central and south-central Kansas from the afternoon hours on May 23rd, to the early morning hours on May 24th. In addition to large hail and high winds, very heavy rainfall amounts occurred over a short period of time, resulting in widespread urban and rural flash flooding across the…

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $23 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 67

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS ICT wrote it up.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, 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 the first event at May 23, 10:54 AM CST, 23 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 23, 10:54 AM CST, 23 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WICHITA KS
1154 AM CDT WED MAY 23 2007

.UPDATE...
SENDING UPDATE FOR THIS AFTERNOON MAINLY FOR ADJUSTMENTS TO WINDS.
AS OF 16Z...STATIONARY FRONT EXTENDED FROM SALINA TO JUST WEST OF
HUTCHINSON...TO BETWEEN MEDICINE LODGE AND PRATT. CONVECTION HAS
DEVELOPED AND BECOME MORE NUMEROUS RIGHT ALONG THIS FRONTAL
BOUNDARY IN AN AREA OF MAXIMUM MOISTURE CONVERGENCE. RUC40
SUGGESTS INSTABILITY WILL GRADUALLY INCREASE INTO THIS AFTERNOON
WITH MUCAPES OF 2000 TO 3500 J/KG POSSIBLE. WITH 40-45 KT DEEP
LAYER SHEAR ACROSS CENTRAL KS...SOME MID-LEVEL MESOCYCLONES
POSSIBLE WHICH WOULD AUGMENT HAIL/WIND POTENTIAL. RUC40/NAM-WRF
SUGGEST SUFFICIENT LOW-LEVEL CAPE MAY EXIST ALONG NE-SW ORIENTED
FRONT SUCH THAT A BRIEF TORNADO CANNOT BE RULED OUT THIS
AFTERNOON. 0-1KM SHEAR/HODOGRAPHS INCREASE THIS EVENING IN
RESPONSE TO APPROACHING SHORTWAVE TROF/INCREASING LOW-LEVEL JET.
WILL BE INTERESTING TO SEE HOW FAR EAST/NORTHEAST SUPERCELLS CAN
MAKE IT COMING OUT OF SW KS/NW OK...AS THEY WILL HAVE TORNADIC
POTENTIAL. MEANWHILE...CONVECTION IN CENTRAL KS SHOULD BECOME
WIDESPREAD WITH CONVERGENCE DRAMATICALLY INCREASING IN VICINTY OF
850 FRONT.

JMC

&&

.PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 634 AM CDT WED MAY 23 2007/

AVIATION...

MVFR CEILINGS WILL CONTINUE ACROSS MOST OF THE TAF LOCATIONS TODAY
AS LOW LEVEL MOISTURE CONTINUES TO STREAM NORTH ACROSS THE AREA.
TSRA CHANCES INCREASE AS DAY PROGRESSES WITH MOST LOCATIONS SEEING
VCTS AFTER 22Z.  COULD ALSO SEE SOME +TSRA AT HUT AND ICT AS
CONVECTION ORGANIZES THIS EVENING.

KETCHAM

PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 301 AM CDT WED MAY 23 2007/

DISCUSSION...
MAIN FORECAST CONCERNS ARE SEVERE WEATHER AND FLOODING CHANCES
TODAY INTO THURSDAY.

TODAY-TONIGHT:
LINE OF SHOWERS/THUNDERSTORMS ALONG THE COLD FRONT IN CENTRAL KANSAS
SHOULD CONTINUE TO WEAKEN AS IT MOVES INTO A MORE CAPPED
ENVIRONMENT. KEPT JUST SLIGHT CHANCES FOR PRECIPITATION ACROSS
SOUTHEAST KANSAS...AS WE EXPECT THE FRONT TO STALL SOON AND
PRECIPITATION TO WEAKEN SIGNIFICANTLY. WINDS WILL CONTINUE TO BE
BREEZY TODAY AHEAD OF THE FRONT...BUT SHOULD REMAIN WELL BELOW
ADVISORY CRITERIA.

THUNDERSTORMS WILL DEVELOP AGAIN THIS AFTERNOON...WITH THE NEXT
SHORTWAVE TROUGH APPROACHING THE REGION. SUPERCELLS ARE EXPECTED TO
DEVELOP ALONG THE FRONT OVER CENTRAL AND NORTH CENTRAL KANSAS. SHEAR
AND ML CAPE VALUES WILL BE SUFFICIENT FOR LARGE HAIL...DAMAGING WINDS AND
TORNADOES. THE SUPERCELLS WOULD LIKELY DEVELOP INTO A MESOSCALE
CONVECTIVE SYSTEM OVERNIGHT.

THE HEAVY RAINFALL IS STILL A THREAT AS WELL FOR TONIGHT...WITH
CENTRAL KANSAS /AND SOME OF SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS/ BECOMING THE FOCUS
FOR POTENTIAL FLOODING. THE FRONT WILL MAKE VERY LITTLE IF ANY
PROGRESS SOUTHEASTWARD BEFORE THURSDAY MORNING. FN CONVERGENCE
REMAINS STRONG THROUGH THE NIGHT...AND FLOW IS PERSISTENTLY PARALLEL
TO THE FRONT. WITH LOCATION OF CONVECTION/HEAVIEST RAINFALL EXPECTED
TONIGHT...DECIDED TO ISSUE A FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR ALL OF CENTRAL
KANSAS AS WELL AS PARTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS FOR THE OVERNIGHT
HOURS.

THURSDAY-FRIDAY:
THURSDAY...THE FRONT SHOULD FINALLY BEGIN TO PUSH SOUTHEASTWARD INTO
SOUTHEAST KANSAS. THEREFORE THE HEAVY RAIN THREAT ALSO MOVES INTO
SOUTHEAST KANSAS. DECIDED TO HOLD OFF ON A WATCH FOR THURSDAY AT
THIS POINT...BUT DAY SHIFT WILL HAVE TO LOOK AT A POTENTIAL
FLOOD/FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR SOUTHEAST KANSAS.

ONCE THIS RAIN MOVES OUT OF THE AREA BY THURSDAY EVENING...HIGH
PRESSURE BUILDS IN BRIEFLY FOR A MOSTLY SUNNY DAY ON FRIDAY. LIGHT
WINDS AND TEMPERATURES IN THE MIDDLE 70S SHOULD BE A NICE BREAK FOR
THE AREA. KEPT SLIGHT CHANCES FOR PRECIPITATION FOR FRIDAY AND
FRIDAY NIGHT...HOWEVER FORECAST SOUNDINGS ARE LOOKING PRETTY DRY AND
THERE IS SUBSIDENCE FROM THE SURFACE THROUGH 700MB.

SATURDAY-TUESDAY:
THE FRONT IS THEN PROGGED TO COME BACK NORTHWARD INTO THE FORECAST
AREA FOR THE WEEKEND. THIS WILL CONTINUE THE UNSETTLED WEATHER
PATTERN THROUGH THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND...WITH ANOTHER CHANCE FOR
PROLONGED AND/OR HEAVY RAINFALL. WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS TIME
FRAME AS THE NEXT COUPLE DAYS OF WEATHER COME INTO BETTER FOCUS.

SCHRECK

AVIATION...
LATEST MOSAIC RADAR LOOP/OBSERVATIONS ARE SHOWING CLEAR EVIDENCE
OF THE FRONTAL BOUNDARY EXTENDING FROM NEAR LINCOLN TO JUST
SOUTHEAST OF DODGE CITY. THIS BOUNDARY WAS CONTINUING TO IGNITE
THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS CENTRAL KANSAS AND SOUTHWEST KANSAS. THIS
FRONTAL BOUNDARY WILL CONTINUE TO PUSH SOUTHEAST DURING THE NEXT
SEVERAL HOURS. WHERE THIS BOUNDARY ENDS UP WILL BE THE KEY ON
WHERE THE THUNDERSTORMS WILL PERSIST OVERNIGHT. WE HAVE KEPT THE
BEST CHANCE FOR STORMS ACROSS THE RUSSELL AND SALINA TAF SITES FOR
NOW. THE THUNDERSTORMS MAY GO AS FAR SOUTHEAST AS HUTCHINSON
TOWARDS 10Z...BUT WE MAY JUST PLAY THE VICINITY ROUTE FOR NOW.
MVFR CEILINGS WILL GENERALLY BE THE RULE OVERNIGHT...EXCEPT FOR
RUSSELL WHERE THEY MAY BECOME VFR.

COX

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
WICHITA-KICT    82  59  72  53 /  50  70  60  10
HUTCHINSON      79  54  72  51 /  80  80  50  10
NEWTON          80  56  72  52 /  70  80  60  10
ELDORADO        82  57  72  52 /  30  70  70  10
WINFIELD-KWLD   82  59  73  56 /  20  70  70  20
RUSSELL         71  50  69  50 /  70  80  20  10
GREAT BEND      72  51  70  51 /  80  80  20  10
SALINA          76  53  72  51 /  80  80  50  10
MCPHERSON       79  53  72  51 /  80  80  50  10
COFFEYVILLE     82  63  76  58 /  20  30  70  20
CHANUTE         82  61  74  55 /  20  40  70  20
IOLA            82  60  74  54 /  30  40  70  10
PARSONS-KPPF    82  62  75  57 /  20  40  70  20

&&

.ICT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
FLASH FLOOD WATCH FROM 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING THROUGH THURSDAY
MORNING FOR KSZ032-033-047>052-067-068-082-083.

&&

Hazardous weather outlook, May 23, 11:10 AM CST, 7 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WICHITA KS
1210 PM CDT WED MAY 23 2007

KSZ032-033-047>053-067>072-082-083-091>096-098>100-241815-
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-
1210 PM CDT WED MAY 23 2007

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL KANSAS...
SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS AND SOUTHEAST KANSAS.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT

THERE IS A MODERATE RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON
INTO TONIGHT FOR A PORTION OF SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS...MAINLY ALONG AND
WEST OF A LINE FROM HUTCHINSON TO ANTHONY. WITHIN THIS MODERATE
RISK AREA...THERE WILL BE A CHANCE FOR SUPERCELL TYPE
THUNDERSTORMS...INCLUDING A STRONG TORNADO...VERY LARGE HAIL TO
BASEBALL SIZE...AND STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS TO 80 MPH.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE ACROSS MUCH OF THE
REMAINDER OF CENTRAL AND SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS THIS AFTERNOON INTO
TONIGHT. LARGE HAIL...DAMAGING WINDS AND A BRIEF TORNADO ARE
POSSIBLE. OVERNIGHT...WIDESPREAD THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY IS
ANTICIPATED PARTICULARLY IN CENTRAL KANSAS WHERE TORRENTIAL
RAINFALL AND FLASH FLOODING WILL BECOME A POSSIBILITY.

THE RISK FOR SEVERE WEATHER SHOULD DIMINISH AS STORMS MOVE INTO
SOUTHEAST KANSAS BY EARLY THURSDAY MORNING.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY

A CHANCE FOR STRONG STORMS AND LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL WILL SHIFT
INTO SOUTHEAST KANSAS BY THURSDAY AFTERNOON.

SLIGHT TO MODEST CHANCES FOR THUNDERSTORMS WILL EXIST ACROSS MUCH
OF THE AREA OVER THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND. HOWEVER IT IS TOO EARLY TO
SPECULATE ON THE RISK AND MAGNITUDE OF ANY SEVERE WEATHER.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SKYWARN SPOTTER ACTIVATION WILL LIKELY BE NEEDED THIS AFTERNOON
AND THIS EVENING FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AND SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS.

&&

FOR A GRAPHICAL VERSION OF THIS INFORMATION...SEE OUR
WEBPAGE AT (LOWERCASE) HTTP://WEATHER.GOV/WICHITA/HWO/HWO.PHP

JMC

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 23, 10:29 AM CST, 48 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WICHITA KS
1129 AM CDT WED MAY 23 2007

KSZ049-051-231700-
MCPHERSON-SALINE-
1129 AM CDT WED MAY 23 2007

...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WICHITA HAS ISSUED A SIGNIFICANT
WEATHER ALERT FOR MCPHERSON AND SALINE COUNTIES...

AT 1126 AM CDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR WAS TRACKING
A STRONG THUNDERSTORM NEAR MARQUETTE...OR 12 MILES SOUTHWEST OF
LINDSBORG...AND MOVING NORTHEAST AT 25 MPH.

DIME SIZE HAIL IS EXPECTED WITH THIS STORM.

BE PREPARED TO TAKE SHELTER IN THE EVENT THESE STORMS INTENSIFY AND
BECOME SEVERE, OR A WARNING IS ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE.

BOWMAN

Special weather statement, May 23, 10:40 AM CST, 37 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WICHITA KS
1140 AM CDT WED MAY 23 2007

KSZ067-231715-
RENO-
1140 AM CDT WED MAY 23 2007

...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WICHITA HAS ISSUED A SIGNIFICANT
WEATHER ALERT FOR NORTHWEST RENO COUNTY...

AT 1136 AM CDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR WAS TRACKING
A STRONG THUNDERSTORM NEAR ZENITH...AND MOVING NORTHEAST AT 25 MPH.

DIME SIZE HAIL IS EXPECTED WITH THIS STORM.

BE PREPARED TO TAKE SHELTER IN THE EVENT THESE STORMS INTENSIFY AND
BECOME SEVERE, OR A WARNING IS ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE.

BOWMAN

Local storm report, May 23, 10:57 AM CST, 20 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WICHITA KS
1157 AM CDT WED MAY 23 2007

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

1140 AM     HAIL             N MARQUETTE             38.56N 97.83W
05/23/2007  E0.25 INCH       MCPHERSON          KS   TRAINED SPOTTER

&&

RHE

Special weather statement, May 23, 10:57 AM CST, 20 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WICHITA KS
1157 AM CDT WED MAY 23 2007

KSZ049-051-231730-
MCPHERSON-SALINE-
1157 AM CDT WED MAY 23 2007

...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WICHITA HAS ISSUED A SIGNIFICANT
WEATHER ALERT FOR NORTHERN MCPHERSON AND SALINE COUNTIES...

AT 1155 AM CDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR WAS TRACKING
A STRONG THUNDERSTORM NEAR LINDSBORG...AND MOVING NORTHEAST AT 30
MPH.

DIME SIZE HAIL IS EXPECTED WITH THIS STORM.

BE PREPARED TO TAKE SHELTER IN THE EVENT THESE STORMS INTENSIFY AND
BECOME SEVERE, OR A WARNING IS ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE.

BOWMAN

The radar

The Wichita radar (KICT), 115 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 17:18 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

43 hail, 14 thunderstorm wind, 6 flash flood, 4 flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Saline

When: May 23, 11:17 AM CST
Where: Saline County, 2.16 mi W of Assaria
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 38.680, -97.640

Hail, Reno

When: May 23, 11:27 AM CST
Where: Reno County, 2.15 mi NNW of Plevna
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.999, -98.315

Hail, Reno

When: May 23, 12:13 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 0.55 mi W of Plevna
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.970, -98.310

Hail, Kingman

When: May 23, 1:22 PM CST
Where: Kingman County, 0.69 mi S of Cunningham
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.640, -98.430

Hail, McPherson

When: May 23, 1:46 PM CST
Where: McPherson County, 3.85 mi E of Johnstown
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.480, -97.599

Thunderstorm Wind, McPherson

When: May 23, 1:46 PM CST
Where: McPherson County, 3.85 mi E of Johnstown
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.480, -97.599

Some large tree limbs were downed.

Hail, McPherson

When: May 23, 1:58 PM CST
Where: McPherson County, 1.49 mi SSE of Johnstown
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.460, -97.659

Hail, McPherson

When: May 23, 2:08 PM CST
Where: McPherson County, 2.13 mi NW of Roxbury
Measured: 3.5 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.572, -97.448

Hail, Reno

When: May 23, 2:16 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 0.54 mi E of Hutchinson
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.070, -97.910

Hail, Reno

When: May 23, 2:26 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 2.77 mi N of Olcott
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.790, -98.380

Thunderstorm Wind, Reno

When: May 23, 2:27 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 2.82 mi WSW of Larado
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 37.764, -98.328

Hail, Reno

When: May 23, 2:52 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 1.78 mi WSW of Partridge
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.960, -98.110

Hail, Reno

When: May 23, 2:52 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 1.78 mi WSW of Partridge
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.960, -98.110

The observer also reported a wall cloud to the southeast of Partridge.

Hail, Reno

When: May 23, 3:09 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 0.54 mi W of Kings Gardens
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.080, -97.910

Hail, Reno

When: May 23, 3:11 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 0.69 mi S of Kings Gardens
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.070, -97.900

Hail, Reno

When: May 23, 3:11 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 1.49 mi SSE of Hutchinson
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.050, -97.909

Hail, Reno

When: May 23, 3:11 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 0.88 mi NE of South Hutchinson
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.039, -97.909

Hail, Reno

When: May 23, 3:17 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 0.54 mi E of Hutchinson
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.070, -97.910

Reported at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility.

Hail, Reno

When: May 23, 3:21 PM CST
Where: Reno County, Kings Gardens
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.080, -97.900

Hail, Reno

When: May 23, 3:24 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 0.54 mi E of Hutchinson
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 38.070, -97.910

Hail, Reno

When: May 23, 3:33 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 0.54 mi E of Way
Measured: 2.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.070, -97.840

Hail, Kingman

When: May 23, 3:35 PM CST
Where: Kingman County, 1.38 mi S of Penalosa
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.700, -98.320

Hail, Reno

When: May 23, 3:35 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 1.76 mi SW of Arlington
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.882, -98.203

Hail, Reno

When: May 23, 3:41 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 3.82 mi SSE of Buhler
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.079, -97.743

Flash Flood, Reno

When: May 23, 3:46 PM CST to 9:30 PM CST
Where: Reno County, Hutchinson
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.070, -97.920

Numerous, slow-moving thunderstorms produced 4 to 5 inches of rain across the northwestern two-thirds of Reno County from the afternoon hours on May 23rd, to the early morning hours on May 24th. This caused widespread countywide flash flooding. Numerous rural and city roads were closed due to high water. Particularly hard hit were locations from roughly near Arlington to Hutchinson to Buhler, where a narrow swath of rainfall measuring 7 to 8 inches occurred. Water rescues were required throughout Hutchinson due to numerous stalled vehicles, and some residents were evacuated or rescued from their homes. The heavy rain flooded a pond in Carey Park, which in turn flooded the Hutchinson Zoo. Twenty-five animals were evactuated, but none were injured. The highest measured rainfall total was 8.35 inches one mile east of Hutchinson.

Hail, Reno

When: May 23, 4:08 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 0.69 mi N of Turon
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.810, -98.430

Thunderstorm Wind, McPherson

When: May 23, 4:28 PM CST
Where: McPherson County, 0.69 mi N of Moundridge
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.210, -97.520

Hail, Reno

When: May 23, 4:36 PM CST
Where: Reno County, Arlington
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.900, -98.180

Thunderstorm Wind, Marion

When: May 23, 4:43 PM CST
Where: Marion County, Goessel
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.250, -97.350

Some small tree limbs were downed.

Hail, Marion

When: May 23, 4:52 PM CST
Where: Marion County, Lehigh
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.370, -97.300

Hail, Marion

When: May 23, 4:59 PM CST
Where: Marion County, Hillsboro
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.350, -97.200

Hail, Reno

When: May 23, 5:11 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 0.54 mi E of Hutchinson
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.070, -97.910

Hail, Reno

When: May 23, 5:15 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 2.29 mi ENE of Whiteside
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.013, -97.981

Hail, Reno

When: May 23, 5:15 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 1.09 mi W of South Hutchinson
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.030, -97.940

Hail, Marion

When: May 23, 5:45 PM CST
Where: Marion County, 1.29 mi WNW of Aulne
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.287, -97.092

Thunderstorm Wind, Marion

When: May 23, 5:45 PM CST
Where: Marion County, 1.29 mi ENE of Marion Res
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.387, -97.108

Two-inch diameter tree limbs were downed, and some street signs were damaged.

Hail, Marion

When: May 23, 6:18 PM CST
Where: Marion County, 0.88 mi SE of Lincolnville
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.491, -96.959

Hail, Marion

When: May 23, 6:21 PM CST
Where: Marion County, 1.77 mi ESE of Lincolnville
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.490, -96.940

Hail, Russell

When: May 23, 6:31 PM CST
Where: Russell County, 3.82 mi SSE of Homer
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.799, -98.703

Thunderstorm Wind, Russell

When: May 23, 6:31 PM CST
Where: Russell County, 5.77 mi SSE of Homer
Measured: 63 kt (72 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.773, -98.689

Hail, Russell

When: May 23, 6:40 PM CST
Where: Russell County, 2.63 mi SE of (Rsl)russell Muni Ar
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.843, -98.785

Hail, Russell

When: May 23, 6:59 PM CST
Where: Russell County, 5.56 mi S of Luray
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 39.040, -98.700

Hail, Chase

When: May 23, 7:16 PM CST
Where: Chase County, Hymer
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 38.480, -96.680

Hail, Reno

When: May 23, 7:28 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 0.88 mi NW of Nickerson
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.159, -98.091

Thunderstorm Wind, Marion

When: May 23, 7:40 PM CST
Where: Marion County, 2.08 mi N of Hillsboro
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.380, -97.200

Large trees were downed just north of Hillsboro.

Hail, Marion

When: May 23, 7:43 PM CST
Where: Marion County, 0.88 mi NE of Marion
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.359, -97.008

Hail, Reno

When: May 23, 8:00 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 1.77 mi WNW of Medora
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.160, -97.860

Flood, Rice

When: May 23, 8:03 PM CST to May 26, 12:13 PM CST
Where: Rice County, Lyons
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $4.0 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.350, -98.200

Numerous, slow-moving thunderstorms produced widespread 2 to 5 inch rainfall amounts across Rice County from the late afternoon hours on May 23rd, to the early morning hours on May 24th. Excessive runoff caused area streams and creeks to overflow their banks, resulting in widespread flooding. Several rural and city roads were closed due to high water, agricultural land was inundated, and several roads countywide were damaged. Numerous homes and businesses received various magnitudes of flood damage. Some evacuations were needed along the Cow Creek. The community of Saxman was essentially surrounded by the flooded Cow Creek. Thankfully there were no injuries reported countywide. Combined public and private damages suffered across Rice County were likely around $4 million.

Flash Flood, McPherson

When: May 23, 8:13 PM CST to May 24, 12:00 AM CST
Where: McPherson County, Mc Pherson
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $61,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.370, -97.670

Numerous, slow-moving thunderstorms produced 4 to 6 inches of rain across primarily the southern two-thirds of McPherson County from the late afternoon hours on May 23rd, to the early morning hours on May 24th. This caused widespread countywide flash flooding. Numerous rural and city roads were closed, and in fact all county roads across the southern half of the county were closed during the overnight hours due to high water. A vehicle was swept off Chisholm Road near 22nd Avenue, just north of Moundridge, but no injuries were reported. The highest measured total was 6.15 inches 7 miles west-northwest of McPherson. Estimated road and bridge damage across the county is $61,000. Other public and private damages are unknown.

Hail, McPherson

When: May 23, 8:18 PM CST
Where: McPherson County, 3.05 mi WNW of Groveland
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.317, -97.772

Hail, Barton

When: May 23, 8:45 PM CST
Where: Barton County, 2.34 mi NNW of Pawnee Rock
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.301, -98.996

Hail, Barton

When: May 23, 8:48 PM CST
Where: Barton County, Pawnee Rock
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.270, -98.980

Thunderstorm Wind, Barton

When: May 23, 9:00 PM CST
Where: Barton County, Hoisington
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 38.520, -98.770

Some homes received minor damage on the west side of Hoisington. Large tree limbs were downed throughout the city, and the city's ballpark fence was blown down.

Flash Flood, Barton

When: May 23, 9:01 PM CST to May 24, 1:00 AM CST
Where: Barton County, Great Bend
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.370, -98.770

Numerous, slow-moving thunderstorms produced widespread 3 to 6 inches of rain across Barton County during the late afternoon hours on May 23rd, to the early morning hours on May 24th. Hardest hit were areas from roughly Great Bend to Hoisington to Claflin to Ellinwood. This caused widespread countywide flash flooding. Numerous rural and city roads were flooded and/or closed. Highway K-4 was closed near Claflin, and high water covered a portion of Highway 56 between Great Bend and Ellinwood. The flooding situation was likely exacerbated by previous heavy rainfall during the evening hours of the 22nd.

Flash Flood, Marion

When: May 23, 9:21 PM CST to May 24, 1:00 AM CST
Where: Marion County, Hillsboro
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.350, -97.200

Numerous, slow-moving thunderstorms produced widespread 3 to 5 inch rainfall amounts from roughly Goessel to Hillsboro to Lincolnville during the late afternoon hours on May 23rd, to the early morning hours on May 24th. This caused widespread countywide flash flooding. Numerous county roads were closed due to high water.

Flood, Reno

When: May 23, 9:30 PM CST to May 28, 4:50 AM CST
Where: Reno County, Hutchinson
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $6.5 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.070, -97.920

Numerous, slow-moving thunderstorms produced widespread 4 to 5 inches of rain across the northwestern two-thirds of Reno County from the afternoon hours on May 23rd, to the early morning hours on May 24th. Particularly hard hit were locations from roughly near Arlington to Hutchinson to Buhler, where a narrow swath of rainfall measuring 7 to 8 inches occurred. Excessive runoff from this heavy rainfall caused the Arkansas River and several creeks and streams to rise above flood stage. Consequently, widespread flooding continued for days across Reno County. At least 60 homes and businesses were flooded. Damage to roads was rather extensive, and two bridges were in need of replacement. The Arkansas River levee breached at five separate locations between Yoder and the Sedgwick County line, causing extensive road and agricultural damage. The Hutchinson Zoo remained closed for several days due to a nearby flooded pond. Twenty-five animals were evactuated, but none were injured. Public property suffered roughly $3.5 million in damages, and private property likely around $3 million in damages.

Flash Flood, Ellsworth

When: May 23, 9:59 PM CST to May 24, 1:00 AM CST
Where: Ellsworth County, Ellsworth
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $4.5 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.730, -98.230

Numerous, slow-moving thunderstorms produced widespread 4 to 7 inch rainfall amounts across primarily the southeastern three-quarters of Ellsworth County from the late afternoon hours on May 23rd, to the early morning hours on May 24th. This caused widespread countywide flash flooding. Several rural and city roads were closed due to high water, and several roads countywide were damaged. Numerous homes and businesses received various magnitudes of flood damage. Some evacuations were needed along area rivers and streams, as well as along portions of Kanopolis Reservoir. Thankfully there were no injuries. Combined public and private damages were likely around $4-5 million.

Hail, Ellsworth

When: May 23, 10:10 PM CST
Where: Ellsworth County, 1.38 mi S of Kanopolis
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.700, -98.150

Thunderstorm Wind, Saline

When: May 23, 11:41 PM CST
Where: Saline County, 1.28 mi WSW of Salina
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.823, -97.622

Large trees and street lights were downed. Additionally, the wind pulled the roof off the west side of a residence.

Flood, Harvey

When: May 24, 12:05 AM CST to May 28, 8:15 AM CST
Where: Harvey County, Halstead
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $1.0 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.000, -97.520

Numerous, slow-moving thunderstorms produced 4 to 6 inches of rain across extreme northwest portions of Harvey County from the late afternoon hours on May 23rd, to the early morning hours on May 24th. Excessive runoff from this as well as heavy rainfall upstream across central Kansas caused the Little Arkansas River to flood. Several roads along the Little Arkansas were closed, and some homes and businesses received various magnitudes of flood damage. The Little Arkansas reached record flood stage at Halstead around midday on the 25th, forcing the community to close all three flood gates. Public and private damages suffered across the 7 townships affected were likely around $1 million.

Thunderstorm Wind, Harper

When: May 24, 1:56 AM CST
Where: Harper County, 4.7 mi SSE of Attica
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.167, -98.197

Thunderstorm Wind, Sedgwick

When: May 24, 3:20 AM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 2.59 mi ESE of Wichita
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.686, -97.286

Thunderstorm Wind, Sedgwick

When: May 24, 3:27 AM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 1.78 mi ESE of Wichita
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.690, -97.300

A few 4-6 inch diameter tree limbs were downed.

Flash Flood, Saline

When: May 24, 3:43 AM CST to 1:30 PM CST
Where: Saline County, Salina
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.830, -97.600

Thunderstorm Wind, Cowley

When: May 24, 3:50 AM CST
Where: Cowley County, 1.49 mi NNE of Winfield
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.270, -96.970

Thunderstorm Wind, Butler

When: May 24, 4:00 AM CST
Where: Butler County, 3.02 mi SE of El Dorado Muni Arpt
Measured: 69 kt (79 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.749, -96.781

Flood, Saline

When: May 24, 1:30 PM CST to May 27, 9:26 AM CST
Where: Saline County, Salina
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $6.5 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.830, -97.600

Numerous, slow-moving thunderstorms produced widespread 4 to 7 inch rainfall amounts across primarily the northwestern two-thirds of Saline County from the evening hours on May 23rd, to the early morning hours on May 24th. Excessive runoff from this heavy rain caused widespread countywide flooding for days. Numerous rural and city roads were closed due to high water. The Mulberry Creek reached record flood stage during the late afternoon hours of the 24th, resulting in road closures and evacuations across portions of Salina. Mandatory evacuations were needed in the communities of Hedville and Bavaria, due to the rapidly rising Mulberry and Spring Creeks. The rising Smoky Hill River effectively closed all roads leading in and out of New Cambria. Some water rescues were needed across the county, but there were no reported injuries. Numerous homes and businesses received extensive flood damage, as well as various roads and one bridge across the county. Additionally, the Salina Municipal Aiport terminal building received fairly extensive flood damage. Roughly $3.5 million in public damages was suffered across the county, with likely around $3 million in private damages.

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.
Flood: Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Kansas in 2007 Every state in 2007 This day in weather history Warnings in Kansas, May 2007

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 32076, 32077, 32078, 32079, 32080, 32131, 32081, 32082, 32083, 32084, 32123, 32085, 32086, 32087, 32088, 32089, 32090, 32091, 32092, 32093, 32094, 32095, 32096, 32097, 34012, 32098, 32124, 32099, 32125, 32100, 32101, 32102, 32103, 32104, 32105, 32119, 32106, 32107, 32108, 32126, and more.