High winds occurred near the town of Codell on this Saturday afternoon. A strong 990 mb low pressure system moved from southwest to northeast across Kansas during the morning, and across Missouri into Illinois during the afternoon.
Every event with a place to put it; 1 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.
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.
The episode as NWS GID wrote it up.
High winds occurred near the town of Codell on this Saturday afternoon. A strong 990 mb low pressure system moved from southwest to northeast across Kansas during the morning, and across Missouri into Illinois during the afternoon. Windy conditions occurred due to the strong pressure gradient west of this low. The pressure at nearby Russell rapidly increased 11 mb during the 6 hr time period from 9 AM to 3 PM CST. Northwest winds were sustained at 30 to 35 mph, with most gusts between 40 and 50 mph. However, an unofficial weather station in Codell gusted to 58 mph around midday.
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 Hastings, NE wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Mar 9, 11:24 AM CST, 1 hour 25 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Hastings NE 1124 AM CST Sat Mar 9 2019 .SHORT TERM...(Today through Sunday daytime) Issued at 536 AM CST Sat Mar 9 2019 By far the main weather concerns of these next 36 hours occur right away during these first 12 hours or so, highlighted by: 1) A continued risk for light icing and perhaps a quick hit of light snow accumulation, especially within counties along/north of Interstate 80...2) At least some coverage of dense fog this morning, initially almost anywhere, but gradually ending from west-to-east as stronger northwest winds surge in...3) Speaking of these winds, it will be a quite-windy day (especially afternoon), as the entire area should see several hours of frequent 35-45 MPH gusts, and perhaps brief/more isolated peak gusts as high as 50-55 MPH (just as a friendly reminder, our office, along with several other offices to our west-southwest no longer issue Wind Advisories, but am nonetheless highlighting these strong winds in our Hazardous Weather Outlook statement). Beyond today, we can look forward to a much quieter/less-windy Sunday, before we gear up for the next round of active weather starting Monday night- Tuesday (as covered in the LONG TERM below). Before diving into the current weather/forecast details, want to also mention that the remarkable 22-DAY STREAK of at-or-below freezing temperatures finally ended this morning at Grand Island and Hastings airports (see CLIMATE section below for more on this). Taking a look at the current/recent weather scene as of 445 AM... Overall, this event playing out pretty much as expected 12-24+ hours ago. Most of our (mainly) Nebraska coverage area experienced at least a brief period of steady freezing drizzle starting last evening, resulting in ice accretion on elevated surfaces and also untreated roads/sidewalks. As the night wore on, gradual warming took place from south-to-north, allowing areas of freezing drizzle to transition to plain, non-freezing drizzle (for example, here at our WFO, we had ice on trees around midnight but it has since melted). As of this writing, nearly the entire CWA has risen into at least the 32-34 range, although a recent call to Ord in our far north revealed that the longer duration of sub-freezing temperatures up there continues to result in plenty of slick spots. Recent radar trends and automated surface obs continue to suggest fairly widespread (mainly non-freezing) drizzle persists across much of the CWA, with some steadier light rain showers affecting some far east-northeast areas nearer Highway 81. In the big picture of the mid-upper levels, water vapor satellite imagery and short term model data clearly reveal a potent shortwave trough entering western portions of the Central/Southern Plains, with the primary vorticity max centered over the OK Panhandle. At the surface, the attendant low pressure system is currently centered just southwest of our CWA near Hays KS (pressure around 991 millibars). With our domain still north of this feature, most easterly upslope breezes are promoting widespread low clouds and fog. While fog issues temporarily seemed to improve earlier in the night as winds strengthened, have recently noted several airport sensors again falling into the 1/4 to 1/2 mile range as winds temporarily lighten in response to the surface low passing nearby. Now looking ahead forecast-wise, but first focusing solely on active/ongoing Advisories: 1) Dense Fog Advisory: continues for most of the CWA through noon, although several west-southwestern counties only go through 9 AM, as increasing north-northwest winds should scour out not only dense fog, but even lighter fog as they move in from west- to-east. 2) Winter Weather Advisory: Will readily admit that this is probably a fairly marginal headline, but at least for now, plan to keep it going for all counties along/north of Interstate 80 through today to cover possible impacts from: 1) continued light icing from freezing drizzle/rain, although this should be very minimal...2) The possibility of a quick-hitting band of snow/sleet that could drop up to around one-half inch in a few spots...3) Possible blowing snow issues as northwest winds ramp up this afternoon (although the overnight drizzle/rain has hopefully but somewhat of a "crust" onto existing snow pack, mitigating its blowing potential somewhat). Would not be surprised to see at least parts of this Advisory cancelled before (perhaps well- before) its current 6 PM expiration time, but will defer these decision to the next few shifts. Today's forecast: Obviously see above for some thoughts on active Advisories. In the mid-upper levels, the aforementioned, quick-moving low pressure system takes on a negative-tilt as it tracks across mainly KS, eventually reaching the southeast IA/IL border area by sunset. At the same time, the strong surface low currently near our southern CWA will reach northwest MO by mid-day, and the southeast IA area by sunset. Precipitation-wise, at the very least, areas of drizzle (perhaps limited freezing drizzle) will persist most areas this morning, and for some eastern counties this afternoon before low clouds finally start scouring out and large-scale subsidence takes hold from west-to-east. However, besides drizzle/light rain, various models also suggest that at least a narrow band of snow (possibly mixed with some sleet) could traverse mainly the northern half of the CWA today from west-to-east, as we finally see a narrow zone of mid-level saturation on the back side of the upper trough axis. Barring some surprises, am not expecting any snow accumulation to exceed one-half inch in most spots that see any, but what does fall could blow around pretty good. By mid- afternoon, the vast majority of the CWA should be precip-free (and fog-free before then), as precipitation departs east. While we obviously cannot "ignore" the limited wintry precip issues today, the overall "big story" for the CWA as a whole will be the strong northwest wind this afternoon, with several hours of sustained 25-35 MPH/gusts 35-45 MPH likely, and perhaps some brief/isolated gusts into the 50-55 MPH range. Although surprises have been known to happen in these kind of setups, am reasonably confident that we should not need a formal High Wind Warning today (issued for sustained 40 MPH/severe gusts 58+ MPH), although it could be a close call in a few places. Although it will still be quite breezy by sunset, the worst of the winds should occur between Noon-5PM in most places. Temp-wise, made very little change to highs, with most Nebraska zones holding fairly steady in the mid-30s, while areas near-south of the state line are more favored for upper 30s- low 40s. Finally, cloud-cover wise, while especially the southwest half of the CWA should see at least some sunshine today, much of the northeast half will likely remain mostly cloudy as considerable lower stratocumulus wraps around the backside of the departing system. Tonight: Not nearly as much to talk about here, fortunately, as our area enters a roughly 48-hour period of quieter weather before the next weather-maker arrives for next week. In the mid-upper levels, our flow goes mainly zonal (west-east), as the departing system makes it to the upper Great Lakes by sunrise Sunday. At least this evening, it will remain fairly windy, with sustained speeds gradually decreasing from 20-30 MPH at sunset, to 10-20 MPH by midnight, and then mainly only 5-15 MPH by sunrise. Despite what should be mostly clear skies overnight, the steady breezes most of the night should keep temps from "tanking" too far, and have lows aimed into the low 20s most areas, but some teens north-northwest. Sunday daytime: Compared to today, much quieter/more pleasant, but of course continued colder-than-average. We remain under benign quasi-zonal flow aloft, while at the surface, a high pressure axis passes through as the day goes on. What this mainly means is MUCH lighter breezes than today, with the morning generally averaging 5-15 MPH from the northwest, while the afternoon should only average 5-10 MPH as direction becomes more variable and eventually easterly. While there will be some higher clouds around, skies as a whole should average partly cloudy. Kept high temps similar to previous, and a bit cooler than most raw model guidance (mainly to account for snow cover effects), with a modest range from low-mid 30s north, mid-upper 30s central and upper 30s-low 40s in KS. .LONG TERM...(Sunday night through Friday) Issued at 435 AM CST Sat Mar 9 2019 Still looking at dry conditions to start off the long term period Sunday night, with models remaining in good agreement. At 00Z Monday, models are showing zonal flow in place across the Central Plains, with low pressure located over Ontario...and the low pressure system of more interest for our area located near the central coast of CA. Through Sunday night, and at least through the first half of Monday, upper level shortwave ridging develops over the area...set up between the system shifting into the northeastern CONUS and the West Coast digging further south. Removed PoPs from the 12-18Z period Monday, and strongly considered doing the same for the afternoon hours. The ECMWF the past couple runs have held precip off until evening, and while the 00Z NAM/GFS backed off some, they continued to show the potential for some light precip creeping into far SWrn areas. The 06Z NAM backed off even more, but will hang on to the small area of 20 PoPs for now, but won't be surprised if the daytime run of superblend ends up taking them out. Otherwise for Monday, expecting to see increasing cloud cover through the day. Winds will remain south-southeasterly, with the CWA set up between the large departing sfc high and low pressure starting to deepen off to the west ahead of the main upper low. Speeds look to top out around 10-15 MPH. No notable changes made to forecast highs, which range from the upper 30s in the north to lower/mid 40s in the south. Monday night/Tuesday looks to bring the first round of precipitation to the region. Through this period, models show the main western CONUS low pressure system pushing further east, and by 00Z Wed is near the AZ/Mex border. Out ahead of it, a shortwave disturbance swings through the region, and aided by increased warm air/moisture advection, precip is expected to spread from SW to NE across the CWA. Precipitation type continues to have the potential to be quite messy, but confidence is pretty low in exactly how it will pan out. The GFS/ECMWF are on the warmer side of things, with better chances of liquid being the more predominant type, vs the NAM which is notably colder and would result in more of a wintry mix. Decided to stick with what forecast builder produced, which is on the messier side of things, especially across the northern half of the CWA. Monday night precip types include freezing rain and sleet north/rain south, before transitioning to liquid by mid-late morning on Tuesday. Superblend continued it's warming trend of daytime highs for Tuesday, with current highs forecast to reach the lower 40s in the north to near 50 in the south. Winds through Tuesday remain south-southeasterly, as the main sfc low is still off to the west- southwest of our CWA, but as it continues to deepen speeds will pick up a bit...speeds averaging closer to 15 MPH are currently expected. Tuesday night through Thursday is when the passage of the main upper low through the region occurs. Overall there hasn't been any significant change in its path over the past 24 hrs, with models showing it taking a sharp northward turn Wednesday morning, ending up over the SWrn KS/OK and TX panhandle area by 18Z Wed (there are some slight model differences). From there it continues pushing NNE, moving right over the CWA in the roughly 00Z-09Z Thursday time frame...getting to the central/eastern IA/MN border by midday Thursday. The above mentioned warming trend for Tuesday from Superblend continues Tues night-Wed, and currently don't freezing/below freezing temps returning then until midnight-ish Wed night/Thurs AM with the passage of the cold front. Currently have mid 30s to mid 40s for Tues. Night lows, with mid 40s to mid 50s for Wed. highs. As a result, outside of a RA/SN mention in the far north, the precip type CWA-wide Tues night through Wednesday is rain. Would expect precip to be on the mod-heavy side of things for a period of time, esp during the day on Wed. That's not the greatest news considering the notable frost depth (it's 25 in here at the office) and linger snowpack. Run-off and thus flooding concerns remain. Also, while currently not in the forecast, will have to consider throwing a mention of thunder in there depending on model trends...the 00Z GFS shows the potential for a few hundred J/kg of MUCAPE nosing in from the south. Expect Wednesday to be a breezy/windy day. That cold front looks to bring NW winds with sustained speeds of 25-35 MPH (though also wouldn't be surprised to trend up in the coming days). Thursday/Thursday evening, the colder air continues to build into the area behind the front, resulting in a RA/SN mix over to eventually all snow. The overall trend of QPF will be going down with time, as the main upper low continues pushing off to the northeast. Expect the breezy/wind conditions from Wed to carry over into Thursday, so it currently looks to be another unpleasant day, with highs back in the 30s/lower 40s. The forecast dries out late Thursday night through Friday in the wake of this system. It'll likely continue to be breezy through at least the first half of the day, and forecast highs for Friday for the majority of the CWA are currently in the mid-upper 30s. && .AVIATION...(For the 18Z KGRI/KEAR TAFS through 18Z Sunday) Issued at 1113 AM CST Sat Mar 9 2019 Expect conditions to improve from MVFR to IFR as the afternoon wears into the evening. The main area of precipitation has moved east of the terminals as the mid level wave pushes through the region. Winds have dramatically picked up as we are situated in a tight pressure gradient between a deep surface low over northeast KS and high pressure in Montana. Winds should remain up into the evening as it takes a while for the low to push further east. LLWS might be an issue overnight as winds off the deck remain strong. For now I have the surface winds strong enough to keep LLWS out but this will need to be watched by later shifts. && .CLIMATE... Issued at 435 AM CST Sat Mar 9 2019 ..LONGEST STREAK OF AT-OR-BELOW-FREEZING TEMPERATURES IN DECADES FINALLY ENDS AT GRAND ISLAND AND HASTINGS AIRPORTS!.. - As of early this morning, the temperature at both Grand Island and Hastings climbed just above the freezing mark, into the mid- 30s. - Remarkably, this was the FIRST TIME SINCE FEB 14TH THAT both sites rose above freezing, ending a streak that lasted 22 days! - At Grand Island, this tied for the 5th-longest streak of consecutive days at-or-below freezing, and was the longest in 36 years, since a 22-day run from Dec. 9-30, 1983. However, of all streaks on record that lasted 22 days or longer, this one occurred much later in the winter season. - At Hastings, this tied for the 2nd-longest streak of consecutive days at-or-below freezing, and was the longest since the record-longest of 30 days from Jan. 23-Feb. 21, 1936. && .GID WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... NE...None. KS...None. && SHORT TERM...Pfannkuch LONG TERM...ADP AVIATION...Ewald CLIMATE...Pfannkuch
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Hastings NE 1024 AM CST Sat Mar 9 2019 KSZ005>007-017>019-NEZ039>041-046>049-060>064-072>077-082>087- 101200- Phillips-Smith-Jewell-Rooks-Osborne-Mitchell-Valley-Greeley-Nance- Sherman-Howard-Merrick-Polk-Dawson-Buffalo-Hall-Hamilton-York- Gosper-Phelps-Kearney-Adams-Clay-Fillmore-Furnas-Harlan-Franklin- Webster-Nuckolls-Thayer- 1024 AM CST Sat Mar 9 2019 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for south central Nebraska and portions of north central Kansas. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. The entire outlook area will see strong northwest winds today, especially this afternoon, with several hours of sustained speeds 25 to 35 MPH, frequent gusts around 40 MPH, and perhaps occasional gusts of 50 to 55 MPH. Minor ice jam flooding continues along the Platte River in east- central Hall County...primarily near the Interstate 80 and Highway 281 interchange. Please refer to the Flood Advisory for more details. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. Monday night through Thursday, a strong, slow-moving storm system will bring widespread precipitation to the entire outlook area, with the best chances focused Monday night through Wednesday. There continues to be some uncertainty with precipitation type. A wintry mix is possible Monday night into Tuesday morning, mainly across Nebraska, with rain then becoming the primary precipitation type through Wednesday. Snow builds in for Wednesday night and Thursday, but it is too early to determine amounts. Considering the frozen ground and lingering snow pack, run off from rain could result in some flooding. An accompanying cold front will usher in strong northwest winds Wednesday through Thursday. Sustained speeds around 30 MPH appear likely, along with higher gusts. Finally, minor ice jam flooding is expected to continue along the Platte River in east-central Hall County for several more days...primarily near the Interstate 80 and Highway 281 interchange. Please refer to the Flood Advisory for more details. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will not be needed through tonight, but please pass on any reports of possible icing, snow accumulation or wind damage. && More information may be obtained at the following web page: https://www.weather.gov/hastings Ewald
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HASTINGS NE
1145 AM CST SAT MAR 9 2019
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1130 AM NON-TSTM WND GST 2 NNE CAMBRIDGE 40.30N 100.16W
03/09/2019 M54 MPH FURNAS NE MESONET
&&
THIESThe national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
1 high wind. Local standard time, as filed.
A 58 MPH wind gust was measured by a mesonet located 8 miles north-northeast of Codell.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Kansas in 2019Every state in 2019This day in weather historyWarnings in Kansas, March 2019
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: 806699.