Kansas, 2016

Tornadoes and Hail in Kansas, May 23 to 24, 2016

May 23 to 24, 2016 · NWS DDC · 64 events in 12 counties and zones

Severe thunderstorms erupted during the late afternoon ahead of a dry line. Numerous tornado producing supercell thunderstorms were observed.

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
2
Property damage
None recorded
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
64

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 DDC wrote it up.

Severe thunderstorms erupted during the late afternoon ahead of a dry line. Numerous tornado producing supercell thunderstorms were observed. Dodge City, although with parts damaged by a tornado, escaped a major disaster as tornadoes near that location moved north and northwest, instead of moving northeast (as dictated by the upper steering winds).

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 Dodge City, KS wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 23, 1:37 PM CST, 9 hours 42 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 23, 1:37 PM CST, 9 hours 42 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Dodge City KS
237 PM CDT MON MAY 23 2016

...UPDATE TO LONG TERM...

.SHORT TERM...(This evening through Tuesday)
Issued at 130 PM CDT Mon May 23 2016

Dependent on the time frame for air mass recovery from yesterday's
convection across the high plains southward into the panhandle of
Texas, thunderstorms will be possible across central and portions of
southwest Kansas tonight into Tuesday as short range models
indicate a difluent southwest flow aloft prevailing across the
Central Plains. The RAP13 and HRRR initialize well with the
surface low in extreme southwest Kansas and an attendant frontal
boundary extending northeast into north central Kansas and showing
both lifting northward across western Kansas through this evening.
A southeasterly upslope flow will redevelop across central and
much of southwest Kansas as a result, and in turn, draw moisture
back to the north raising surface dewpoints up into the lower and
mid 60s(F) across central and much of southwest Kansas. Heating of
the lower/mid levels will increase this afternoon as the
prevailing lower cloud deck continues to slowly scatter out,
allowing lower/mid level lapse rates to steepen. Depending on how
long this takes, thunderstorms will be possible toward early evening
as the cap weakens with the best chance for convection associated
with the frontal boundary as it lifts north. Short fuse model
soundings show SBCAPE values climbing in excess of 4000 J/KG
across south central and eastern southwest Kansas through early
this evening, increasing severe potential. Based on the
substantially high amount of CAPE, large hail will be the primary
threat with damaging winds also possible. Due to a modest amount
of vertical shear present, an isolated tornado threat closer to
the Oklahoma border does exist.

A few isolated storms may develop across eastern Colorado within
an upslope flow and move into west central Kansas later tonight
as an H5 vort maxima kicks northeast out of the Southern Rockies
into the Western High Plains. However, with less instability
available, the potential for severe storms will be limited with
damaging winds the main threat.

A prevailing low level south to southeasterly flow across western
Kansas tonight will help reinforce a moisture pool across the
area with surface dewpoints remaining in the upper 50s(F) to the
mid 60s(F). Look for lows generally in the 60s(F) toward daybreak
Tuesday with a few upper 50s(F) possible in west central Kansas.
For Tuesday, warm air advection across the high plains will push
H85 temperatures well up into the mid to upper 20s(C) across
southwest and much of central Kansas. Widespread 80s(F) can be
expected for highs Tuesday afternoon with near 90F possible in
extreme southwest Kansas.

.LONG TERM...(Tuesday night through Monday)
Issued at 235 PM CDT Mon May 23 2016

Thunderstorms will be possible across central and portions of
southwest Kansas Tuesday evening as medium range models show
another in a series of H5 vort maxima ejecting out of the
Southern Rockies into the high plains of western Kansas. Although
the flow aloft will remain fairly weak, considerable moisture and
instability will be present to support thunderstorm development
along and ahead of a dryline projected to extend southward
across southwest Kansas off of an advancing surface low out of
eastern Colorado. Significant instability will heighten the
potential for severe storms, particularly across central Kansas.
The focus for precip shifts eastward Wednesday as drier air lifts
northeast into southwest Kansas behind a dryline expected to
push a little eastward across the area.

Prevailing southerlies near the surface will reinforce the
warmer air mass across the high plains Wednesday and Thursday.
Highs mainly up into the 80s(F) can be expected each day with a
few lower 90s(F) possible in some locations. Cooler temperatures
are expected by Friday with a cold front pushing through western
Kansas toward the end of the week.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 18Z TAFS through 18Z Tuesday afternoon)
Issued at 1220 PM CDT Mon May 23 2016

VFR conditions will prevail at all TAF sites through late this
afternoon. Thunderstorms are then expected to develop and move
northeast across central and portions of southwest Kansas this
evening, potentially affecting KHYS with brief periods of MVFR/IFR
cigs/vsbys. There is less confidence of KDDC or even KGCK being
affected. Otherwise, VFR conditions are expected to continue
through early Tuesday morning. Winds will remain light and variable
through this evening as a near stalled out frontal boundary situated
across north central into southwest Kansas begins to lift slowly
north. East to southeast winds around 5 to 15kt are expected to
develop later this evening as the frontal boundary lifts further
north.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
DDC  63  87  64  89 /  30  20  20  10
GCK  58  87  60  89 /  20  10  10  10
EHA  58  90  57  88 /  10  10  10   0
LBL  62  90  62  91 /  20  10  10   0
HYS  62  84  63  88 /  40  20  20  10
P28  67  86  67  91 /  50  30  30  10

&&

.DDC Watches/Warnings/Advisories...
NONE.
&&

SHORT TERM...JJohnson
LONG TERM...JJohnson
AVIATION...JJohnson
Hazardous weather outlook, May 23, 1:48 PM CST, 9 hours 31 minutes before
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DODGE CITY KS
248 PM CDT MON MAY 23 2016

KSZ030-031-043>046-061>066-074>081-084>090-241100-
TREGO-ELLIS-SCOTT-LANE-NESS-RUSH-HAMILTON-KEARNY-FINNEY-HODGEMAN-
PAWNEE-STAFFORD-STANTON-GRANT-HASKELL-GRAY-FORD-EDWARDS-KIOWA-
PRATT-MORTON-STEVENS-SEWARD-MEADE-CLARK-COMANCHE-BARBER-
248 PM CDT MON MAY 23 2016 /148 PM MDT MON MAY 23 2016/

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

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

DISCUSSION...STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE
ACROSS SOUTH CENTRAL AND EASTERN PORTIONS OF SOUTHWEST KANSAS LATE
THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING. LARGE HAIL UP TO BASEBALL SIZE AND
DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH WILL BE THE MAIN THREAT. THE
POTENTIAL FOR ISOLATED TORNADOES DOES EXIST.

WEATHER HAZARDS EXPECTED...

  LIMITED TORNADO RISK.
  ELEVATED HAIL RISK.
  ELEVATED THUNDERSTORM WIND DAMAGE RISK.
  LIMITED LIGHTNING RISK.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY.

DISCUSSION...THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE POSSIBLE EACH DAY THROUGH THE
END OF THE WEEK WITH A HEIGHTENED POTENTIAL FOR SEVERE WEATHER
TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY.

HAZARDS WEATHER RISK...

  TUESDAY...
  ELEVATED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM RISK.
  LIMITED FIRE WEATHER RISK.

  WEDNESDAY...
  ELEVATED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM RISK.
  LIMITED FIRE WEATHER RISK.

  THURSDAY...
  LIMITED LIGHTNING RISK.
  LIMITED FIRE WEATHER RISK.

  FRIDAY...
  LIMITED LIGHTNING RISK.

  SATURDAY...
  LIMITED LIGHTNING RISK.

  SUNDAY...
  LIMITED LIGHTNING RISK.
  LIMITED FIRE WEATHER RISK.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION MAY BE NEEDED LATER TODAY AND TONIGHT
GENERALLY SOUTHEAST OF A GARDEN CITY TO HAYS LINE.

&&

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT OUR WEBPAGE HTTP://WEATHER.GOV/DDC/EHWO

32

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 23, 5:22 PM CST, 5 hours 57 minutes before
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DODGE CITY KS
622 PM CDT MON MAY 23 2016

KSZ089-090-240000-
BARBER KS-COMANCHE KS-
622 PM CDT MON MAY 23 2016

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHEASTERN COMANCHE AND
SOUTHWESTERN BARBER COUNTIES UNTIL 700 PM CDT...

AT 622 PM CDT...DOPPLER RADAR WAS TRACKING A STRONG THUNDERSTORM 7
MILES WEST OF AETNA...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 20 MPH.

NICKEL SIZE HAIL AND WINDS IN EXCESS OF 40 MPH WILL BE POSSIBLE WITH
THIS STORM.

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
AETNA.

LAT...LON 3703 9923 3737 9896 3724 9866 3700 9889
      3700 9910
TIME...MOT...LOC 2322Z 211DEG 18KT 3705 9909

RBURG
Special weather statement, May 23, 8:43 PM CST, 2 hours 36 minutes before
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DODGE CITY KS
943 PM CDT MON MAY 23 2016

KSZ088>090-240330-
CLARK KS-BARBER KS-COMANCHE KS-
943 PM CDT MON MAY 23 2016

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR COMANCHE...EASTERN CLARK AND
SOUTHWESTERN BARBER COUNTIES UNTIL 1030 PM CDT...

AT 943 PM CDT...DOPPLER RADAR WAS TRACKING A STRONG THUNDERSTORM 6
MILES NORTH OF SELMAN...OR 6 MILES NORTHEAST OF BUFFALO...MOVING NORTH
AT 25 MPH.

NICKEL SIZE HAIL AND WINDS IN EXCESS OF 40 MPH WILL BE POSSIBLE WITH
THIS STORM.

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
COLDWATER...PROTECTION...SITKA...AETNA...LAKE COLDWATER AND BUTTERMILK.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TORRENTIAL RAINFALL IS ALSO OCCURRING WITH THIS STORM...AND MAY LEAD
TO LOCALIZED FLOODING. DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE THROUGH FLOODED
ROADWAYS.

&&

LAT...LON 3700 9974 3739 9976 3723 9891 3700 9890
TIME...MOT...LOC 0243Z 196DEG 22KT 3690 9953

RBURG
Special weather statement, May 23, 9:41 PM CST, 1 hour 38 minutes before
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DODGE CITY KS
1041 PM CDT MON MAY 23 2016

KSZ089-240430-
COMANCHE KS-
1041 PM CDT MON MAY 23 2016

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR COMANCHE COUNTY UNTIL 1130 PM
CDT...

AT 1041 PM CDT...DOPPLER RADAR WAS TRACKING A STRONG THUNDERSTORM 7
MILES SOUTHWEST OF PROTECTION...MOVING NORTHEAST AT 15 MPH.

NICKEL SIZE HAIL AND WIND GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH WILL BE POSSIBLE WITH
THIS STORM.

LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
COLDWATER...PROTECTION...WILMORE...LAKE COLDWATER AND BUTTERMILK.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TORRENTIAL RAINFALL IS ALSO OCCURRING WITH THIS STORM...AND MAY LEAD
TO LOCALIZED FLOODING. DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE THROUGH FLOODED
ROADWAYS.

&&

LAT...LON 3726 9954 3738 9912 3700 9906 3700 9953
TIME...MOT...LOC 0341Z 247DEG 13KT 3711 9953

RBURG

The radar

The Grand Island radar (KUEX), 155 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 05:20 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

38 tornado, 21 hail, 3 funnel cloud, 2 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Ellis

When
May 23, 11:19 PM CST
Where
Ellis County, 11.45 mi W of Turkville
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
39.130, -99.390

Tornado, Scott

When
May 24, 2:56 PM CST to 3:00 PM CST
Where
Scott County, 4.11 mi SSE of Modoc to 3.69 mi SSE of Modoc
Rating
EF0
Path length
1 mi
Path width
50 yd
Reported by
Storm Chaser
Coordinates
38.424, -101.054

A storm chaser with a television station reported the first tornado of the day. This tornado appeared to be a landspout but it was difficult to tell based on the distance from the chaser.

Tornado, Scott

When
May 24, 3:04 PM CST to 3:22 PM CST
Where
Scott County, 4.21 mi ESE of Modoc to 4.42 mi ENE of Modoc
Rating
EF0
Path length
4.17 mi
Path width
200 yd
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
38.451, -101.012

This tornado appeared capable of producing at least EF1-EF2 damage. But it never hit anything.

Tornado, Scott

When
May 24, 3:55 PM CST
Where
Scott County, 3.72 mi N of Manning
Rating
EF0
Path length
0.1 mi
Path width
50 yd
Reported by
Storm Chaser
Coordinates
38.603, -100.733

There was brief circulation visible at the surface from this weak tornado.

Tornado, Scott

When
May 24, 3:55 PM CST to 4:11 PM CST
Where
Scott County, 3.92 mi N of Manning to 4.14 mi N of Manning
Rating
EF0
Path length
0.7 mi
Path width
100 yd
Reported by
Storm Chaser
Coordinates
38.607, -100.722

This was the last of the tornadoes from this particular supercell thunderstorm.

Tornado, Lane

When
May 24, 4:13 PM CST to 4:16 PM CST
Where
Lane County, 1.65 mi E of Healy to 2.75 mi ENE of Healy
Rating
EF0
Path length
1.2 mi
Path width
50 yd
Reported by
Storm Chaser
Coordinates
38.604, -100.590

This tornado appeared to be stronger than the rating but since it did not encounter anything, it was given a rating of EF0.

Tornado, Lane

When
May 24, 4:24 PM CST to 4:31 PM CST
Where
Lane County, 5.05 mi ESE of Healy to 4.66 mi WSW of Shields
Rating
EF0
Path length
0.8 mi
Path width
125 yd
Reported by
Storm Chaser
Coordinates
38.577, -100.531

This tornado moved almost due north.

Tornado, Lane

When
May 24, 4:26 PM CST to 4:28 PM CST
Where
Lane County, 4.37 mi ENE of Healy to 4.47 mi ENE of Healy
Rating
EF0
Path length
0.1 mi
Path width
15 yd
Reported by
Storm Chaser
Coordinates
38.630, -100.549

There was brief circulation at the surface from this apparent weak tornado.

Hail, Seward

When
May 24, 4:31 PM CST
Where
Seward County, 4.96 mi SSW of Hayne
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.030, -100.820

Hail, Seward

When
May 24, 4:35 PM CST
Where
Seward County, 2.15 mi NE of Hayne
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.120, -100.770

Hail, Ford

When
May 24, 4:40 PM CST
Where
Ford County, 8.22 mi W of Bloom
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
37.480, -100.050

Funnel Cloud, Ford

When
May 24, 4:49 PM CST
Where
Ford County, 6.63 mi WNW of Bloom
Reported by
Storm Chaser
Coordinates
37.520, -100.010

Tornado, Lane

When
May 24, 4:49 PM CST to 4:50 PM CST
Where
Lane County, 0.68 mi NE of Pendennis to 0.72 mi NE of Pendennis
Rating
EF0
Path length
0.1 mi
Path width
15 yd
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
38.636, -100.320

There was brief circulation at the surface for a little less than a minute.

Hail, Ford

When
May 24, 4:52 PM CST
Where
Ford County, 8.25 mi W of Bloom
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
37.470, -100.050

Tornado, Ford

When
May 24, 4:55 PM CST to 5:25 PM CST
Where
Ford County, 13.01 mi W of Bloom to 6.66 mi SSW of Howell
Rating
EF3
Path length
14.7 mi
Path width
675 yd
Injuries
1 direct, 0 indirect
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
37.503, -100.135

Family took shelter in an underground unit and was able to survive. The modular home was completely destroyed. Two vehicles were thrown about 150 yards. Another truck was carried, rolled, thrown with the bed located 1200 yards from the original location. The two occupants in the home destroyed were in a reinforced concrete bunker but one received minor injuries when a piece of pipe was driven into the wall breaking out concrete. The steal rebar prevented the chunk of pipe from penetrating into the individual. Visually at one point this tornado appeared to be strong enough to cause EF4 damage.

Tornado, Ford

When
May 24, 4:59 PM CST to 5:01 PM CST
Where
Ford County, 11.23 mi WNW of Bloom to 11.34 mi WNW of Bloom
Rating
EF0
Path length
0.7 mi
Path width
50 yd
Reported by
Storm Chaser
Coordinates
37.534, -100.093

This was a brief and intermittent tornado under a second meso-cyclone that was east/northeast of the first tornado in southern Ford county.

Tornado, Lane

When
May 24, 4:59 PM CST to 5:02 PM CST
Where
Lane County, 10.09 mi S of Alamota to 9.6 mi S of Alamota
Rating
EF0
Path length
0.8 mi
Path width
50 yd
Reported by
Storm Chaser
Coordinates
38.305, -100.346

This was a brief tornado.

Tornado, Lane

When
May 24, 5:04 PM CST to 5:10 PM CST
Where
Lane County, 3.4 mi SE of Alamota to 4.96 mi SE of Alamota
Rating
EF0
Path length
1.7 mi
Path width
50 yd
Reported by
Storm Chaser
Coordinates
38.419, -100.272

Another tornado observed from the cyclic supercell.

Hail, Hodgeman

When
May 24, 5:09 PM CST
Where
Hodgeman County, 14.68 mi WSW of Jetmore
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
38.000, -100.150

Tornado, Hodgeman

When
May 24, 5:12 PM CST to 5:19 PM CST
Where
Hodgeman County, 18.08 mi NW of Jetmore to 17.89 mi NW of Jetmore
Rating
EF0
Path length
2.5 mi
Path width
75 yd
Continued into
Ness, Ks (DDC)
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
38.237, -100.166

This tornado moved into Ness County at 17:19 CST. It only went through grassland and a fence in Hodgeman County but became much stronger in Ness County.

Tornado, Ford

When
May 24, 5:14 PM CST to 5:22 PM CST
Where
Ford County, 9.9 mi SSW of Dodge City to 8.67 mi SSW of Dodge City
Rating
EF1
Path length
1.4 mi
Path width
50 yd
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
37.618, -100.091

This tornado did damage to trees and carried a stock tank over 1/2 mile.

Tornado, Ness

When
May 24, 5:19 PM CST to 5:37 PM CST
Where
Ness County, 12.14 mi SSE of Beeler to 8.28 mi SSE of Laird
Rating
EF3
Path length
8.52 mi
Path width
300 yd
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
38.262, -100.134

This tornado moved out of Hodgeman County at 17:19 CST and produced EF3 damage at a farm. The most severe damage was done to trees in a draw or old creek bottom.

Hail, Seward

When
May 24, 5:20 PM CST
Where
Seward County, 2.98 mi NNE of Hayne
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.140, -100.780

Tornado, Ford

When
May 24, 5:20 PM CST to 5:21 PM CST
Where
Ford County, 9.88 mi SSW of Dodge City to 9.7 mi SSW of Dodge City
Rating
EF0
Path length
0.2 mi
Path width
50 yd
Reported by
Storm Chaser
Coordinates
37.628, -100.115

From chaser video this circulation was clearly evident and very much appeared to be a sub-meso producing brief tornado within in the larger storm mesocyclone. This tornado had a brief cone appearance and lasted about 45 to 60 seconds.

Tornado, Ford

When
May 24, 5:22 PM CST to 5:36 PM CST
Where
Ford County, 8.38 mi SSW of Dodge City to 5.23 mi SW of Dodge City
Rating
EF2
Path length
5 mi
Path width
550 yd
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
37.646, -100.099

Visually this tornado appeared to be much stronger, perhaps strong enough to produce EF4 damage. Damage was done to several irrigation pivot sprinklers and to a farm house (that was on the edge of the circulation).

Hail, Ford

When
May 24, 5:26 PM CST
Where
Ford County, 2.14 mi SW of Dodge City
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
37.730, -100.050

Tornado, Ford

When
May 24, 5:28 PM CST to 5:33 PM CST
Where
Ford County, 7.07 mi SSW of Dodge City to 4.97 mi SW of Dodge City
Rating
EF0
Path length
2.7 mi
Path width
90 yd
Reported by
Storm Chaser
Coordinates
37.660, -100.082

There were intermittent needle condensation tornadoes, several times with two at the same time underneath the mesocyclone. For sake of an argument, the two needles will considered a multiple vortex since they were associated with the same apparent meso.

Hail, Ford

When
May 24, 5:30 PM CST
Where
Ford County, 0.88 mi NW of Dodge City
Measured
1.25 in hail
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
37.760, -100.030

Hail, Ford

When
May 24, 5:30 PM CST
Where
Ford County, 4.46 mi SSW of Dodge City
Measured
5 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.690, -100.050

There was a picture taken of this giant hail stone.

Tornado, Ford

When
May 24, 5:32 PM CST to 5:38 PM CST
Where
Ford County, 4.96 mi SW of Dodge City to 3.7 mi SW of Dodge City
Rating
EF1
Path length
2.9 mi
Path width
50 yd
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
37.700, -100.085

Damage was done to several pivot irrigation sprinklers.

Hail, Ford

When
May 24, 5:35 PM CST
Where
Ford County, 2.76 mi N of Dodge City
Measured
3 in hail
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
37.790, -100.020

Hail, Ford

When
May 24, 5:40 PM CST
Where
Ford County, 1.49 mi NNW of Dodge City
Measured
3 in hail
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
37.770, -100.030

Tornado, Ness

When
May 24, 5:43 PM CST to 5:50 PM CST
Where
Ness County, 7.75 mi S of Laird to 5.53 mi SSE of Laird
Rating
EF1
Path length
2.9 mi
Path width
50 yd
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
38.338, -100.041

This tornado turned back to the northwest. It did damage to trees.

Tornado, Ford

When
May 24, 5:52 PM CST to 6:12 PM CST
Where
Ford County, 5.3 mi SW of Dodge City to 9.69 mi NNE of Howell
Rating
EF2
Path length
15.6 mi
Path width
1,800 yd
Continued into
Hodgeman, Ks (DDC)
Injuries
1 direct, 0 indirect
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
37.700, -100.094

During the initial stages of development, there was DOW data on this tornado. It intensified from 40 meters/second to 90 meters/second in a span of 21 seconds that lasted less than a minute at those velocities. This would have been enough to produce EF5 damage briefly, based on those velocities. As the tornado moved north into a housing addition just west of Dodge City, it showed multiple vortex characteristics and did EF2 Damage. One person was seriously hurt in a home that was heavily damaged. The tornado eventually went north-northwest and crossed into Hodgeman County at 18:12 CST as it turned northeast. As it crossed into Hodgeman County, it tossed a partially filled stock tank to the west, about a mile and an half from the original location in far northern Ford County.

Tornado, Ford

When
May 24, 5:55 PM CST to 5:56 PM CST
Where
Ford County, 3.98 mi NW of Dodge City to 4.08 mi NW of Dodge City
Rating
EF0
Path length
0.1 mi
Path width
50 yd
Reported by
Storm Chaser
Coordinates
37.792, -100.070

A closer encounter from Storm Chasers as this brief ground circulation under the mesocyclone lasted less than 1 minute.

Tornado, Ness

When
May 24, 5:56 PM CST to 6:11 PM CST
Where
Ness County, 4.25 mi SW of Ness City to 3.83 mi SE of Ness City
Rating
EF0
Path length
6.2 mi
Path width
150 yd
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
38.406, -99.955

This tornado was observed southwest of Ness City but it moved east and may have produced some tree damage. The survey crew could not reach the area of possible tree damage with limited or no access.

Hail, Ness

When
May 24, 6:03 PM CST
Where
Ness County, 0.54 mi W of Ness City
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
38.450, -99.910

Thunderstorm Wind, Ness

When
May 24, 6:03 PM CST
Where
Ness County, 0.54 mi W of Ness City
Measured
70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
38.450, -99.910

Winds were estimated to be 80 MPH.

Tornado, Hodgeman

When
May 24, 6:03 PM CST to 6:05 PM CST
Where
Hodgeman County, 9.6 mi NW of Jetmore to 9.85 mi NW of Jetmore
Rating
EF0
Path length
0.6 mi
Path width
150 yd
Reported by
Storm Chaser
Coordinates
38.165, -100.040

This tornado did not encounter any objects to damage.

Tornado, Ford

When
May 24, 6:07 PM CST to 6:17 PM CST
Where
Ford County, 7.64 mi NW of (Ddc)dodge City Arpt to 8.52 mi NNW of (Ddc)dodge City Arpt
Rating
EF3
Path length
1.9 mi
Path width
150 yd
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
37.861, -100.049

This tornado developed and intensified very rapidly. It was witnessed by an off duty NWS employee along with numerous chasers, law enforcement personnel and storm spotters. It developed just southwest of the county landfill and destroyed the landfills office and shop, producing EF3 damage at point. Fortunately no one was at the facility at the time as it had closed for the day.

Tornado, Hodgeman

When
May 24, 6:11 PM CST to 6:22 PM CST
Where
Hodgeman County, 10.99 mi NW of Jetmore to 15.01 mi NNW of Jetmore
Rating
EF3
Path length
4.8 mi
Path width
700 yd
Continued into
Ness, Ks (DDC)
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
38.196, -100.038

This tornado moved north and northwest passing into Ness County at 18:22 CST. Unfortunately it heavily damaged a farm that was also struck by a large tornado on March 28, 2007. A stock trailer was carried 1.7 miles from it's original resting location at the farm. Other heavy machinery was carried well over a mile.

Tornado, Hodgeman

When
May 24, 6:12 PM CST to 6:16 PM CST
Where
Hodgeman County, 14.14 mi WSW of Jetmore Muni Arpt to 13.32 mi WSW of Jetmore Muni Arpt
Rating
EF0
Path length
1.1 mi
Path width
125 yd
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
37.913, -100.126

This tornado moved out of Ford County where it had formed southwest of Dodge City. As it crossed into Hodgeman County, it tossed a stock tank (partially filled) 1.5 miles west of the track. Also this tornado turned northeast as it weakened, unlike the previous tornadoes that were turning northwest.

Tornado, Ford

When
May 24, 6:15 PM CST to 6:17 PM CST
Where
Ford County, 9.87 mi NNW of (Ddc)dodge City Arpt to 10.24 mi NNW of (Ddc)dodge City Arpt
Rating
EF1
Path length
0.6 mi
Path width
50 yd
Continued into
Hodgeman, Ks (DDC)
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
37.906, -100.025

Damage was done to a trailer house and outbuilding as well as to trees. The tornado passed into Hodgeman County at 18:17 CST.

Tornado, Ness

When
May 24, 6:17 PM CST to 6:20 PM CST
Where
Ness County, 4.62 mi E of Ness City to 5.48 mi ESE of Ness City
Rating
EF0
Path length
1.32 mi
Path width
50 yd
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
38.441, -99.815

This apparently weak tornado moved south-southeast.

Tornado, Hodgeman

When
May 24, 6:17 PM CST to 6:24 PM CST
Where
Hodgeman County, 8.8 mi WSW of Jetmore Muni Arpt to 6.87 mi WSW of Jetmore Muni Arpt
Rating
EF0
Path length
2.1 mi
Path width
50 yd
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
37.913, -100.018

This tornado moved out of Ford County but did encounter anything to damage on it's track in Hodgeman County.

Tornado, Ness

When
May 24, 6:22 PM CST to 6:30 PM CST
Where
Ness County, 13.02 mi S of Laird to 11.14 mi S of Laird
Rating
EF2
Path length
2.9 mi
Path width
700 yd
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
38.262, -100.052

This tornado moved in from Hodgeman County. It heavily damaged trees, outbuildings, fences and trees.

Hail, Ford

When
May 24, 6:25 PM CST
Where
Ford County, 2.14 mi SW of Dodge City
Measured
2.75 in hail
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
37.730, -100.050

Tornado, Edwards

When
May 24, 6:25 PM CST to 6:33 PM CST
Where
Edwards County, 2.74 mi SSW of Hodges to 1.12 mi WNW of Williams
Rating
EF1
Path length
4.3 mi
Path width
100 yd
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
37.786, -99.406

Damage was done to several pivot irrigation sprinklers and trees.

Hail, Ford

When
May 24, 6:27 PM CST
Where
Ford County, 6.16 mi NNW of (Ddc)dodge City Arpt
Measured
2.5 in hail
Reported by
Storm Chaser
Coordinates
37.850, -100.020

Hail, Haskell

When
May 24, 6:27 PM CST
Where
Haskell County, 3.07 mi ENE of Sublette Arpt
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.500, -100.780

Tornado, Hodgeman

When
May 24, 6:36 PM CST to 6:42 PM CST
Where
Hodgeman County, 3.32 mi W of Jetmore Muni Arpt to 2.77 mi NNW of Jetmore Muni Arpt
Rating
EF0
Path length
3.5 mi
Path width
50 yd
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
37.977, -99.941

This tornado passed over an area that did not have objects to damage but did pass just west of a farm house.

Funnel Cloud, Hodgeman

When
May 24, 6:39 PM CST
Where
Hodgeman County, 2.07 mi S of Jetmore Muni Arpt
Reported by
Storm Chaser
Coordinates
37.950, -99.880

Tornado, Edwards

When
May 24, 6:49 PM CST to 6:59 PM CST
Where
Edwards County, 1.8 mi SSE of Hodges to 0.75 mi WNW of Centerview
Rating
EF2
Path length
5.4 mi
Path width
150 yd
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
37.795, -99.373

This was an anti-cyclonic tornado that destroyed large power poles, several pivot irrigation sprinklers, and trees.

Thunderstorm Wind, Rush

When
May 24, 6:53 PM CST
Where
Rush County, 7.6 mi N of Mc Cracken
Measured
70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
38.690, -99.570

Winds were estimated to be 80 MPH.

Tornado, Hodgeman

When
May 24, 6:55 PM CST to 6:56 PM CST
Where
Hodgeman County, 10.03 mi W of Jetmore to 9.88 mi WNW of Jetmore
Rating
EF0
Path length
0.5 mi
Path width
50 yd
Reported by
Storm Chaser
Coordinates
38.103, -100.082

This tornado was wrapped in rain at times but clearly evident.

Tornado, Edwards

When
May 24, 7:00 PM CST to 7:29 PM CST
Where
Edwards County, 3.07 mi N of Centerview to 3.77 mi W of Belpre
Rating
EF3
Path length
8.3 mi
Path width
1,100 yd
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
37.864, -99.271

This particularly large tornado damaged a home, trees, feed bunkers and pivot irrigation sprinklers.

Hail, Pratt

When
May 24, 7:16 PM CST
Where
Pratt County, Sawyer
Measured
1.5 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.500, -98.680

Tornado, Pratt

When
May 24, 7:25 PM CST to 7:32 PM CST
Where
Pratt County, 1.76 mi SSE of Sawyer to 1.8 mi ENE of Sawyer
Rating
EF0
Path length
2.3 mi
Path width
75 yd
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
37.477, -98.665

This tornado passed over an area that had nothing to damage.

Tornado, Rush

When
May 24, 7:38 PM CST to 7:40 PM CST
Where
Rush County, 2.39 mi NNW of Shaffer to 2.48 mi NNW of Shaffer
Rating
EF0
Path length
0.2 mi
Path width
50 yd
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
38.502, -99.098

Minor damage was done to trees.

Funnel Cloud, Pratt

When
May 24, 7:40 PM CST
Where
Pratt County, 3.36 mi ENE of Sawyer
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
37.510, -98.620

Hail, Pratt

When
May 24, 8:03 PM CST
Where
Pratt County, 0.88 mi SW of Pratt
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
37.640, -98.740

Hail, Pratt

When
May 24, 8:10 PM CST
Where
Pratt County, 0.88 mi SW of Pratt
Measured
1.25 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
37.640, -98.740

Hail, Pratt

When
May 24, 8:16 PM CST
Where
Pratt County, 0.55 mi W of Pratt
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
37.650, -98.740

Hail, Pawnee

When
May 24, 10:58 PM CST
Where
Pawnee County, 4.7 mi SE of Ash Valley
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
38.260, -99.150

What these are

Hail
Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Tornado
A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.
Funnel Cloud
A rotating column of cloud extending from a thunderstorm that did not reach the ground.
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.

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

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Kansas in 2016Every state in 2016This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Kansas, 2016Warnings in Kansas, May 2016

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: 639581, 640709, 640988, 640989, 640990, 640991, 640992, 640994, 639579, 639575, 639572, 639559, 640995, 639564, 640996, 641002, 641003, 641005, 639562, 641010, 641018, 641014, 639576, 641021, 641022, 639566, 641026, 639563, 639570, 641027, 639569, 639568, 641028, 641029, 641036, 641039, 639578, 639584, 641042, 641244, and more.