Hail and Damaging Winds in Kansas, May 30, 2012

Name: Hail and Damaging Winds in Kansas, May 30, 2012
Start: 2012-05-30T14:45
End: 2012-05-30T23:20
Location: Kansas

May 30, 2012 · NWS ICT · 108 events in 14 counties and zones

Prolific hail-producing severe thunderstorms broke out over Central and South-Central Kansas.

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: $143,000
Crop damage: $41,000
Events: 108

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.

Prolific hail-producing severe thunderstorms broke out over Central and South-Central Kansas.

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 30, 2:43 PM CST, 2 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 30, 2:43 PM CST, 2 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WICHITA KS
343 PM CDT WED MAY 30 2012

.DISCUSSION...

FORECAST CONCERNS ARE SEVERE STORM CHANCES THIS EVENING/TONIGHT.
THEN COOLER TEMPS FOR THU/FRI.

THIS EVENING-TONIGHT:
A RATHER COMPLICATED SEVERE THREAT IS DEVELOPING ACROSS KANSAS LATE
THIS AFTERNOON AND THIS EVENING. AXIS OF UNSTABLE AIR CURRENTLY IS
OVER THE HIGH PLAINS FROM KDDC TO KGLD. JUST TO THE NORTH OF THIS
AXIS IS A FAIRLY POTENT SHORTWAVE AND COLD FRONT OVER SW NEB.  THE
COMBINATION OF THE ABOVE SYSTEMS WILL COMBINE FOR A POTENTIAL ONE-
TWO PUNCH OF SEVERE WEATHER FOR THE FORECAST AREA THIS EVENING AND
TONIGHT.

EXPECT INITIAL STORM DEVELOPMENT OVER THE HIGH PLAINS...POSSIBLY
INTO CEN KS...AS THIS AREA BECOMES UNCAPPED. BULK SHEAR OF 60 KTS
AND VERY UNSTABLE AIR SUGGESTS THAT SOME DISCRETE SUPERCELLS WILL
DEVELOP IN THE HIGH PLAINS WITH SBCAPES OF 3500-4000 J/KG. ONCE THE
SUPERCELLS GET GOING...PREVAILING FLOW...SUGGESTS THAT A FEW
SUPERCELLS WILL MOVE EAST-SOUTHEAST TOWARDS CENTRAL AND SOUTH
CENTRAL KS LATER THIS EVENING. THIS COMBINATION OF SHEAR/INSTABILITY
SUGGESTS VERY LARGE HAIL AND DAMAGING WINDS WILL BE THE FIRST THREAT
FOR SOUTH CENTRAL KS.

NEXT CONCERN WILL BE A STRONG COLD FRONT EXPECTED TO PUSH SOUTH INTO
CEN KS LATE THIS EVENING/OVERNIGHT.  EXPECTING ANOTHER ROUND OF
CONVECTION TO DEVELOP ACROSS NRN/CEN KS ALONG THIS FRONTAL BOUNDARY
AS IT DROPS SOUTHEAST ACROSS THE FORECAST AREA...AS CONVERGENCE
INCREASES.  THIS CONVECTION WILL THEN RAPIDLY DROP SOUTH ALONG OR
JUST WEST OF INTERSTATE 135...PRODUCING A POSSIBLE DAMAGING WIND
THREAT AS IT TURNS INTO A COMPLEX OF STORMS.  COLD POOL ASSOCIATED
WITH THIS SYSTEM...WILL BE KEY TO HOW STRONG THE DOWNBURST WINDS ARE
WITH THIS CONVECTION. CERTAINLY LOOKS LIKE STRONG POSSIBLY SEVERE
STORMS AND GOOD SOAKING RAINS FOR A GOOD PORTION OF THE AREA AS IT
DIVES SOUTH-SOUTHEAST LATE THIS EVENING AND OVERNIGHT.

THU-FRI:
COULD SEE SOME CONVECTION LINGER OVER SOUTHEAST KS FOR THE EARLY
PORTION OF THE DAY...AS CONVECTIVE COMPLEX WILL PROBABLY BE EITHER
MOVING STRAIGHT EAST OR SOUTHEAST OF THE AREA. SO WILL HOLD ONTO
SOME MORNING POPS IN ERN KS FOR THE MORNING HOURS.

THE MAIN DIFFERENCE FOR THU-FRI WILL BE THE NOTICEABLY COOLER AND
DRIER AIR TO MOVE ACROSS THE AREA.  COULD ACTUALLY SEE SOME GUSTY
NORTHEAST WINDS FOR THU AFTERNOON ACROSS ERN KS AS MAIN SHORTWAVE
STILL MOVES ACROSS THIS AREA.  COULD ALSO SEE SOME DIURNALLY DRIVEN
SHOWERS ACROSS NERN KS AS WELL WITH THE STEEP LAPSE RATES...BUT
THINK MOST OF THIS WILL REMAIN NORTH OF SOUTHEAST KS.

A WEAK MID LEVEL FEATURE LOOKS TO DIVE SOUTH ACROSS THE AREA BY FRI
AFTERNOON...AS MID LEVEL WARM ADVECTION INCREASES.  THIS LOOKS TO
INCREASE MID LEVEL MOISTURE AS IT DROPS SOUTH...WITH 305-310K
ISENTROPIC LIFT INCREASING.  NOT SURE IF MOST OF THIS WILL BE VIRGA
OR SPRINKLES AS IT MOVES ACROSS AS LOW LAYERS REMAIN VERY DRY...BUT
WILL KEEP A SLIGHT POP IN FOR THIS CHANCE.

SAT-SUN:
RETURN SFC FLOW LOOKS TO CONTINUE FOR SAT INTO SUN...ESPECIALLY FOR
AREAS ACROSS THE HIGH PLAINS.  SOME UNCERTAINLY ON POPS FOR THIS
TIME FRAME...AS GFS TRYS TO DEVELOP CONVECTION OVER THE HIGH
PLAINS....WITH THIS CONVECTION PROPAGATING EAST INTO THE AREA BOTH
SAT INTO SUN.

REST OF THE EXTENDED:
MEDIUM RANGE MODELS SUGGEST THAT THE MID LEVEL RIDGE WILL BUILD OVER
THE ROCKIES OR INTO THE NRN PLAINS FOR THE BEGINNING OF THE WORK
WEEK.  SOME DIFFERENCES ON HOW THE SFC FEATURES WILL PLAY OUT...WITH
PLACEMENT OF THE RIDGE AFFECTING THIS SOMEWHAT.  BUT CURRENT
CONSENSUS SUGGESTS THAT SOME DIURNAL STORM CHANCES FOR MON NIGHT
THROUGH WED.

KETCHAM

&&

.AVIATION...18Z TAFS KRSL/KSLN/KHUT/KICT/KCNU

MAINTAINED VFR THROUGH THE TAF PERIOD ACROSS THE AREA WITH VCTS
MENTIONED ACROSS CENTRAL KANSAS THIS AFTERNOON INTO THE EARLY
EVENING HOURS GRADUALLY SPREADING SOUTH AND EAST ACROSS SOUTH
CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST KANSAS TOWARD MORNING. ALTHOUGH WITH MORE
WIDESPREAD COVERAGE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS...MVFR CIGS MAY
BE MORE PREVALENT TOWARD MORNING ESPECIALLY ACROSS SOUTHEAST
KANSAS.

MWM

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
WICHITA-KICT    59  71  50  74 /  70  10  10  20
HUTCHINSON      56  71  49  75 /  70  10  10  20
NEWTON          56  68  48  72 /  70  10  10  20
ELDORADO        58  70  48  73 /  70  10  10  20
WINFIELD-KWLD   61  73  49  75 /  70  10  10  20
RUSSELL         52  70  48  77 /  70  10  10  20
GREAT BEND      53  71  49  78 /  70  10  10  20
SALINA          55  71  48  75 /  70  10  10  20
MCPHERSON       55  69  49  74 /  70  10  10  20
COFFEYVILLE     64  73  50  73 /  70  30  10  20
CHANUTE         61  70  48  73 /  70  30  10  20
IOLA            61  68  48  73 /  70  30  10  20
PARSONS-KPPF    63  72  49  72 /  70  30  10  20

&&

.ICT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NONE.
&&

Hazardous weather outlook, May 30, 1:18 PM CST, 1 hour 27 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WICHITA KS
218 PM CDT WED MAY 30 2012

KSZ032-033-047>053-067>072-082-083-091>096-098>100-311930-
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-
218 PM CDT WED MAY 30 2012

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

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP OVER WESTERN KANSAS
THIS AFTERNOON AND MOVE SOUTHEAST THIS EVENING. WHILE MOST OF THE AREA
WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE SEVERE STORMS TONIGHT...LOCATIONS ALONG
AND WEST OF A LINE FROM HOISINGTON TO ELDORADO TO SEDAN WILL HAVE
A CHANCE FOR A MORE SIGNIFICANT SEVERE THREAT. IN THESE LOCATIONS
THE STRONGER STORMS WILL BE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING 2 INCH DIAMETER
HAIL ALONG WITH 70 MPH WINDS. IN ADDITION A FEW TORNADOES WILL
ALSO BE POSSIBLE.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY

ISOLATED TO WIDELY SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE FRIDAY
THROUGH SATURDAY...BUT WIDESPREAD STRONG OR SEVERE STORMS ARE NOT
ANTICIPATED. CHANCES FOR ISOLATED...HIT-AND-MISS THUNDERSTORMS
WILL REMAIN POSSIBLE FROM SUNDAY NIGHT INTO NEXT WEEK. WIDESPREAD
SEVERE WEATHER APPEARS UNLIKELY.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SKYWARN SPOTTER ACTIVATION WILL BE NEEDED LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND
EVENING ACROSS THE REGION...ESPECIALLY OVER SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS.

&&

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

ADK/LAWSON/MWM

In the hours before

Local storm report, May 30, 9:39 AM CST, 5 hours 6 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...SUMMARY
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WICHITA KS
1039 AM CDT WED MAY 30 2012

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

0728 PM     HAIL             2 S CALDWELL            37.01N 97.61W
05/29/2012  E1.00 INCH       SUMNER             KS   STORM CHASER

1101 PM     HAIL             1 SW PARK CITY          37.78N 97.34W
05/29/2012  E1.00 INCH       SEDGWICK           KS   PUBLIC

1109 PM     HAIL             VALLEY CENTER           37.84N 97.37W
05/29/2012  E0.88 INCH       SEDGWICK           KS   PUBLIC

1116 PM     HAIL             PARK CITY               37.80N 97.32W
05/29/2012  E1.00 INCH       SEDGWICK           KS   EMERGENCY MNGR

1117 PM     HAIL             LINCOLNVILLE            38.49N 96.96W
05/29/2012  E1.00 INCH       MARION             KS   LAW ENFORCEMENT

1120 PM     HAIL             KECHI                   37.80N 97.28W
05/29/2012  E0.75 INCH       SEDGWICK           KS   TRAINED SPOTTER

&&

BDK

Special weather statement, May 30, 2:43 PM CST, 2 minutes before

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WICHITA KS
343 PM CDT WED MAY 30 2012

KSZ032-033-302115-
LINCOLN-RUSSELL-
343 PM CDT WED MAY 30 2012

...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WICHITA HAS ISSUED A SIGNIFICANT
WEATHER ADVISORY FOR LINCOLN AND RUSSELL COUNTIES...

AT 341 PM CDT...SATELLITE IMAGERY AND NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED THAT THUNDERSTORMS WERE RAPIDLY DEVELOPING 7
MILES SOUTH OF SYLVAN GROVE...OR 17 MILES NORTHWEST OF ELLSWORTH...
AND MOVING EAST AT 25 MPH.

PENNY TO NICKEL SIZE HAIL...AND WINDS TO 50 MPH ARE POSSIBLE WITH
THESE STORMS.

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

&&

LAT...LON 3897 9800 3887 9842 3887 9848 3885 9849
      3872 9897 3910 9903 3914 9872 3914 9871
      3914 9850 3918 9849 3923 9817 3923 9812
TIME...MOT...LOC 2043Z 255DEG 21KT 3892 9841

JAKUB

The radar

The Dodge City radar (KDDC), 159 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:45 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

69 hail, 36 thunderstorm wind, 2 heavy rain, 1 lightning. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Russell

When: May 30, 2:45 PM CST to 2:46 PM CST
Where: Russell County, 0.69 mi N of Russell
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.890, -98.850

Hail, Lincoln

When: May 30, 3:07 PM CST to 3:08 PM CST
Where: Lincoln County, 0.87 mi SW of Sylvan Grove
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 39.010, -98.390

Hail, Russell

When: May 30, 3:13 PM CST to 3:14 PM CST
Where: Russell County, 2.15 mi E of (Rsl)russell Muni Ar
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.870, -98.780

Hail, Russell

When: May 30, 3:14 PM CST to 3:15 PM CST
Where: Russell County, Milberger
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.720, -98.920

Hail, Lincoln

When: May 30, 3:17 PM CST to 3:18 PM CST
Where: Lincoln County, 5.55 mi S of Sylvan Grove
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.940, -98.390

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 3:40 PM CST to 3:41 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, Cheney
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.630, -97.780

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 3:43 PM CST to 3:44 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 3.01 mi NE of Cheney
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.660, -97.740

Hail, Russell

When: May 30, 3:44 PM CST to 3:45 PM CST
Where: Russell County, 8.12 mi E of Milberger
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.730, -98.770

Hail, Barton

When: May 30, 3:50 PM CST to 3:51 PM CST
Where: Barton County, 2.82 mi N of Stickney
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.670, -98.810

Hail, Russell

When: May 30, 3:56 PM CST to 3:57 PM CST
Where: Russell County, 0.69 mi S of Gorham
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.870, -99.020

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:04 PM CST to 4:05 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 4.59 mi ENE of Goddard
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 37.690, -97.500

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:07 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 4.59 mi ENE of Goddard
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.690, -97.500

Occurred just southwest of West 135th/Central intersection.

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:09 PM CST to 4:10 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 4.35 mi WNW of (Ict)wichita Arpt
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 37.680, -97.500

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:10 PM CST to 4:11 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 3.43 mi NW of (Ict)wichita Arpt
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 37.680, -97.480

Occurred at West 119th/Maple intersection.

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:11 PM CST to 4:12 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 3.89 mi NW of (Ict)wichita Arpt
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.690, -97.480

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:11 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 4.18 mi S of Maize
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.710, -97.480

Largest was golf ball-sized although was most were penny to nickel-sized.

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:13 PM CST to 4:14 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 3.5 mi S of Maize
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.720, -97.480

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:19 PM CST to 4:20 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 3.01 mi NE of (Ict)wichita Arpt
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.680, -97.390

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:19 PM CST to 4:20 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 2.82 mi WSW of Wichita
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.690, -97.380

Occurred 1 mile west of Cow Town.

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:19 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 3.14 mi NNW of (Ict)wichita Arpt
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 37.694, -97.444

Occurred at Central/Tyler Intersection.

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:21 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 3.02 mi NE of (Ict)wichita Arpt
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 37.679, -97.388

Occurred at Maple/West Street intersection.

Hail, McPherson

When: May 30, 4:22 PM CST to 4:23 PM CST
Where: McPherson County, Marquette
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.550, -97.830

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:22 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 0.5 mi WSW of Wichita
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 37.697, -97.338

Occurred at 800 North Main Street in downtown Wichita.

Hail, Ellsworth

When: May 30, 4:23 PM CST to 4:24 PM CST
Where: Ellsworth County, 7.1 mi NNE of Kanopolis
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.820, -98.120

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:23 PM CST to 4:24 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 0.55 mi W of (Ict)wichita Arpt
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 37.650, -97.440

Occurred at National Weather Service.

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:23 PM CST to 4:24 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 2.76 mi S of Maize
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.730, -97.470

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:28 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 3.89 mi W of Wichita
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.710, -97.400

Near I-235 and Zoo Blvd.

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:30 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 3.5 mi S of Maize
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.720, -97.460

Reported by off-duty NWS employee near NW 21st and Maize Rd.

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:33 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 3.3 mi W of Wichita
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.708, -97.389

Occurred at W. 13th/West Street intersection.

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:35 PM CST to 4:37 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 2.15 mi NE of (Iab) McConnell Arpt
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Property damage: $4,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.640, -97.240

Spotter reported minor damage to vehicles and small plants. Duration about 2 minutes.

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:35 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 0.88 mi SW of Wichita
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.690, -97.340

Occurred at Emergency Operations Center.

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:36 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 1.95 mi ESE of Wichita
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 37.686, -97.299

Occurred at Hillside/Douglas intersection.

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:36 PM CST to 4:37 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 2.14 mi NW of Wichita
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.720, -97.360

Hail, Harvey

When: May 30, 4:37 PM CST to 4:38 PM CST
Where: Harvey County, 0.69 mi S of Annelly
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.960, -97.200

Hail, McPherson

When: May 30, 4:39 PM CST to 4:40 PM CST
Where: McPherson County, 0.54 mi E of Mc Pherson
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.370, -97.660

Hail, Harvey

When: May 30, 4:40 PM CST to 4:41 PM CST
Where: Harvey County, 1.77 mi ESE of Annelly
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 37.960, -97.170

Hail, Rice

When: May 30, 4:40 PM CST to 4:41 PM CST
Where: Rice County, Lyons
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.350, -98.200

Hail, McPherson

When: May 30, 4:41 PM CST to 4:42 PM CST
Where: McPherson County, 0.54 mi E of Mc Pherson
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.370, -97.660

Lightning, Saline

When: May 30, 4:44 PM CST to 4:45 PM CST
Where: Saline County, 1.28 mi ENE of Bridgeport
Crop damage: $5,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.640, -97.580

Caused a grass fire at Lapsey and Woodward.

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:47 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 3.02 mi SE of Haysville
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.540, -97.330

Occurred with very heavy rains. Some minor damage to a few cars parked at Genesis Health Club in Northeast Wichita.

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:50 PM CST to 4:51 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 2.7 mi ESE of Eastborough
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.680, -97.208

Occurred at Greenwich/Kellogg intersection.

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:50 PM CST to 4:51 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 2.64 mi SE of Wichita
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.670, -97.300

Occurred at Lincoln/Hillside intersection.

Hail, Barton

When: May 30, 4:50 PM CST to 4:51 PM CST
Where: Barton County, 3.86 mi NW of Galatia
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.670, -99.020

Mainly pea-sized but a few golf ball-sized.

Hail, McPherson

When: May 30, 4:50 PM CST to 4:51 PM CST
Where: McPherson County, 4.87 mi S of Marquette
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.480, -97.820

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:53 PM CST to 4:54 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 1.78 mi ESE of Wichita
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.690, -97.300

Occurred at Douglas/Hillside intersection.

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:57 PM CST to 4:58 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 1.49 mi NNW of Oaklawn
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 37.620, -97.310

Occurred at Pawnee/Broadway intersection.

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 4:57 PM CST to 4:58 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, (Iab) McConnell Arpt
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 37.620, -97.270

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 5:00 PM CST to 5:01 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 1.78 mi ESE of Wichita
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.690, -97.300

Occurred near Douglas/Hillside intersection. Diameters ranged from 1.5 to 2 inches.

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 5:01 PM CST to 5:02 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 2.14 mi SE of Wichita
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 37.680, -97.300

Occurred near Hillside/East Kellogg intersection.

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 5:07 PM CST to 5:08 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 2.14 mi SE of Eastborough
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Property damage: $1,000
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 37.680, -97.220

Quarter to half dollar-sized with minor damage to cars.

Hail, Butler

When: May 30, 5:10 PM CST to 5:11 PM CST
Where: Butler County, 4.87 mi S of Andover
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.650, -97.140

Occurred on Butler Rd.

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 5:10 PM CST to 5:11 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 0.69 mi S of Eastborough
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.690, -97.250

Occurred near Central/Rock Rd. intersection.

Hail, Reno

When: May 30, 5:14 PM CST to 5:15 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 0.88 mi NE of Hutchinson
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.080, -97.910

Thunderstorm Wind, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 5:16 PM CST to 5:21 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 2.64 mi SE of (Aao) Jabara Arpt
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Crop damage: $500
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.720, -97.190

Slide was blown off wooden play set and trampoline was wrapped around a neighbor's fence. Also reported tree damage.

Hail, Butler

When: May 30, 5:17 PM CST to 5:18 PM CST
Where: Butler County, 2.82 mi S of Andover
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.680, -97.140

Occurred at Kellogg/Andover Rd. intersection.

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 5:17 PM CST to 5:18 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 3.01 mi NE of (Iab) McConnell Arpt
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.650, -97.230

Hail, Butler

When: May 30, 5:20 PM CST to 5:21 PM CST
Where: Butler County, 2.14 mi SSW of Andover
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.690, -97.140

Hail, Barton

When: May 30, 5:31 PM CST to 5:32 PM CST
Where: Barton County, 0.54 mi E of Hoisington
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.520, -98.760

Thunderstorm Wind, Barton

When: May 30, 5:32 PM CST to 5:33 PM CST
Where: Barton County, 3.78 mi E of Hoisington
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 38.520, -98.700

No damage reported.

Hail, McPherson

When: May 30, 5:35 PM CST to 6:15 PM CST
Where: McPherson County, Inman
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 38.230, -97.770

Measured 1.75 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick. Time of occurrence estimated from Doppler.

Hail, McPherson

When: May 30, 5:36 PM CST to 5:37 PM CST
Where: McPherson County, 2.34 mi SSW of Inman
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.200, -97.790

Covered ground.

Hail, Barton

When: May 30, 5:37 PM CST to 5:38 PM CST
Where: Barton County, 4.32 mi E of Hoisington
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 38.520, -98.690

Occurred near Redwing via KWCH storm chaser.

Hail, Butler

When: May 30, 5:39 PM CST to 5:40 PM CST
Where: Butler County, 0.88 mi NW of Augusta
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.690, -96.990

Occurred on Highway 54.

Hail, Butler

When: May 30, 5:43 PM CST to 5:45 PM CST
Where: Butler County, 1.34 mi NNE of Augusta
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.698, -96.971

Ranged from 1.00 inch to 1.75 inches.

Thunderstorm Wind, McPherson

When: May 30, 5:52 PM CST to 5:53 PM CST
Where: McPherson County, Moundridge
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Crop damage: $10,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.200, -97.520

Major tree damage throughout city with downed power poles and power lines. Power out across town.

Thunderstorm Wind, Reno

When: May 30, 5:59 PM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 0.54 mi W of Nickerson
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.150, -98.090

Speeds ranged from 50 to 60 mph.

Hail, Butler

When: May 30, 5:59 PM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where: Butler County, 3.62 mi NNE of Haverhill
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.730, -96.860

Thunderstorm Wind, Reno

When: May 30, 6:02 PM CST to 6:03 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 1.49 mi NNE of Hutchinson
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 38.090, -97.910

On north side of town.

Thunderstorm Wind, Reno

When: May 30, 6:03 PM CST to 6:04 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 0.69 mi N of Buhler
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.140, -97.770

No damage reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Reno

When: May 30, 6:03 PM CST to 6:04 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 0.89 mi NW of Hutchinson
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 38.079, -97.932

Occurred near 23rd and Main Street at Fire Station Number 2.

Thunderstorm Wind, Reno

When: May 30, 6:03 PM CST to 6:07 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 0.54 mi E of Hutchinson
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 38.070, -97.910

Downed power lines and power poles. Much of Hutchinson without power.

Hail, Butler

When: May 30, 6:06 PM CST to 6:07 PM CST
Where: Butler County, 1.38 mi N of Leon
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.700, -96.780

Occurred 1 mile north of Leon on Bluestem Rd.

Thunderstorm Wind, Reno

When: May 30, 6:07 PM CST to 6:08 PM CST
Where: Reno County, 2.07 mi N of Hutchinson
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 38.100, -97.920

No reports of damage.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 6:10 PM CST to 6:13 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, Park City
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $50,000
Crop damage: $10,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.800, -97.320

Seven trees snapped at their bases and/or uprooted with largest tree possessing a 2-foot diameter trunk. Trailer park heavily damaged with downed limbs in many places.

Hail, Butler

When: May 30, 6:25 PM CST to 6:26 PM CST
Where: Butler County, 0.69 mi N of Leon
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.690, -96.780

Thunderstorm Wind, Harvey

When: May 30, 6:27 PM CST to 6:28 PM CST
Where: Harvey County, 0.69 mi N of Hesston
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Crop damage: $6,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.140, -97.430

Downed 3-inch diameter limbs.

Thunderstorm Wind, Harvey

When: May 30, 6:28 PM CST to 6:29 PM CST
Where: Harvey County, 0.88 mi SW of Newton
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.040, -97.360

Downed small branches.

Thunderstorm Wind, Harvey

When: May 30, 6:28 PM CST to 6:29 PM CST
Where: Harvey County, 0.88 mi SE of Newton
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Crop damage: $3,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.040, -97.340

A few trees uprooted along with numerous downed branches.

Hail, Harvey

When: May 30, 6:28 PM CST to 6:29 PM CST
Where: Harvey County, 1.49 mi SSE of Newton
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 38.030, -97.340

Hail, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 6:38 PM CST to 6:39 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 0.55 mi E of Mt Hope
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.870, -97.660

Thunderstorm Wind, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 6:38 PM CST to 6:39 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 0.55 mi E of Mt Hope
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.870, -97.660

Occurred simultaneously with golf ball-sized hail, but no damage reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 6:40 PM CST to 6:41 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, Cheney
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.630, -97.780

Reported power outages in Cheney.

Thunderstorm Wind, Harvey

When: May 30, 6:44 PM CST to 6:45 PM CST
Where: Harvey County, Sedgwick
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Crop damage: $5,000
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 37.920, -97.430

Downed numerous tree limbs.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 6:50 PM CST to 6:51 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 3.5 mi S of Maize
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.720, -97.480

Off-duty NWS employee reported no damage.

Thunderstorm Wind, Butler

When: May 30, 6:51 PM CST to 6:52 PM CST
Where: Butler County, Elbing
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 38.050, -97.130

No damage reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 6:52 PM CST to 6:53 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 0.69 mi N of Valley Center
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.840, -97.370

No damage reported.

Hail, Butler

When: May 30, 6:55 PM CST to 6:56 PM CST
Where: Butler County, 0.88 mi NE of Benton
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 37.790, -97.110

Thunderstorm Wind, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 6:56 PM CST to 6:57 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 3.06 mi WSW of Park City
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.780, -97.370

No damage reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 6:58 PM CST to 6:59 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 4.46 mi SSW of Maize
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 37.710, -97.500

No damage reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Butler

When: May 30, 7:01 PM CST to 7:02 PM CST
Where: Butler County, 2.14 mi SSW of Andover
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.690, -97.140

Carport blown into a tree near Central Ave. and Andover Rd.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 7:03 PM CST to 7:04 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 3.45 mi S of Maize
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.720, -97.470

Off-duty NWS employee reported speeds ranging from 60-70 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 7:06 PM CST to 7:07 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, (Iab) McConnell Arpt
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 37.620, -97.270

No damage reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 7:08 PM CST to 7:09 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 0.55 mi E of Oaklawn
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 37.600, -97.290

Occurred near S. 45th St./K-15 intersection. No damage reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 7:12 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, (Aao) Jabara Arpt
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 37.750, -97.220

Occurred at Jabarra Airport.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 7:13 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 0.69 mi N of Clearwater
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.510, -97.500

No damage reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 7:13 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, (Iab) McConnell Arpt
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 37.620, -97.270

Measured just southeast of McConnell Air Force Base.

Thunderstorm Wind, Butler

When: May 30, 7:14 PM CST
Where: Butler County, 2.14 mi SSW of Andover
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 37.690, -97.140

Andover Fire Department reported 60 to 70 mph winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Butler

When: May 30, 7:14 PM CST
Where: Butler County, 0.69 mi N of Rose Hill
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.580, -97.130

No damage reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Butler

When: May 30, 7:18 PM CST
Where: Butler County, 3.5 mi N of Benton
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.830, -97.110

No damage reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Butler

When: May 30, 7:30 PM CST to 7:31 PM CST
Where: Butler County, Rose Hill
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $500
Crop damage: $2,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.570, -97.130

Downed 8-inch diameter limbs as well as a large sign.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sumner

When: May 30, 7:33 PM CST
Where: Sumner County, 3.37 mi ESE of Belle Plaine
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.390, -97.170

No damage reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Butler

When: May 30, 7:35 PM CST
Where: Butler County, 2.14 mi NNE of Douglass
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 37.550, -97.010

No damage reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 7:39 PM CST to 7:40 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 4.29 mi SSW of (Ict)wichita Arpt
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 37.590, -97.450

Fire department reports 1.5 miles of power poles snapped along 55th St. South between Maize and Tyler Rds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Butler

When: May 30, 7:50 PM CST
Where: Butler County, 1.29 mi ESE of Leon
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.670, -96.760

No damage reported.

Hail, Harper

When: May 30, 8:13 PM CST
Where: Harper County, 3.44 mi SW of Duquoin
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 37.350, -98.130

Occurred at NW 40th Ave./NW 150th Rd. intersection.

Hail, Cowley

When: May 30, 8:50 PM CST
Where: Cowley County, 2.14 mi SSE of Arkansas City
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.040, -97.040

Duration about 30 seconds.

Heavy Rain, McPherson

When: May 30, 11:00 PM CST
Where: McPherson County, Inman
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 38.230, -97.770

Measured 4.35 inches total rainfall. estimated time per Doppler.

Heavy Rain, Sedgwick

When: May 30, 11:20 PM CST
Where: Sedgwick County, 1.49 mi SSW of Eastborough
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.680, -97.260

Measured 3.41 inches total rainfall. Estimated time per Doppler.

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Lightning: A lightning strike that killed, injured or caused damage.
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.
Heavy Rain: Rainfall totals unusual for the place and season that did not produce a flood.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Kansas in 2012 Every state in 2012 This day in weather history Warnings in Kansas, May 2012

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: 384530, 384531, 384532, 384533, 384534, 384535, 384536, 384537, 384538, 384539, 384540, 384541, 384542, 384543, 384544, 384545, 384546, 384547, 384548, 384549, 384550, 384551, 384552, 384553, 384554, 384555, 384628, 384629, 384631, 384633, 384634, 384635, 384636, 384637, 384638, 384639, 384640, 384641, 385015, 384642, and more.