Missouri, 2021Hail and Damaging Winds in Missouri, December 15, 2021
December 15, 2021 · NWS EAX · 51 events in 27 counties and zones
On December 15, 2021, a large-scale weather event rolled through the Central Plains and Upper Midwest bringing tornadoes, dust storms, wildfires, and snow across several central and northern states. Record high temperatures were set across the region including Kansas City, with the Kansas City International Airport tying its all-time December high temperature.
Every event with a place to put it; 23 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. 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
- Deaths
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Property damage
- $35,000
- Crop damage
- None recorded
- Events
- 51
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.
On December 15, 2021, a large-scale weather event rolled through the Central Plains and Upper Midwest bringing tornadoes, dust storms, wildfires, and snow across several central and northern states. Record high temperatures were set across the region including Kansas City, with the Kansas City International Airport tying its all-time December high temperature.
Non-convective winds both ahead and behind the thunderstorms were quite strong. Several locations around the area reported wind gusts above 50 MPH with Lees Summit peaking at 53 MPH, St. Joseph reached 52 MPH, and Johnson County Executive Airport in Olathe, KS reached 60 MPH. Once the line of storms arrived, several areas reported winds in excess of 75 MPH. The Kansas City Downtown Airport reached a peak gust of 77MPH. This resulted in the roof damage to a few airport buildings. Numerous trees and power poles fell across much of eastern Kansas and western Missouri. Areas in far northwest Missouri observed winds of 80-90 MPH as the thunderstorms moved through. Several homes and buildings were damaged across northern Missouri including missing shingles, peeled siding, and blown out windows.
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 Kansas City, MO wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Dec 15, 2:24 PM CST, 36 minutes earlier.
Area forecast discussion, Dec 15, 2:24 PM CST, 36 minutes before
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
National Weather Service Kansas City/Pleasant Hill MO
224 PM CST Wed Dec 15 2021
.Discussion...
Issued at 220 PM CST WED DEC 15 2021
Key Messages:
- Southerly winds gusting 50-60 mph ongoing, stronger winds possible
later this afternoon and early evening over far NW MO and NE KS.
[High wind warning in effect for portions of the area]
- Severe weather possible north of I-70 along a line of storms,
greatest risk over far NW MO. [Tornado watch in effect for portions
of the area]
- Daily record high temperatures ongoing.
- Elevated fire weather conditions ongoing.
Today/Tonight:
Unseasonably warm conditions continue, with temperatures this
afternoon in the lower to middle 70s across the area. This has
shattered most daily record highs, and Kansas City is one degree
away from reaching the all-time warmest December day on record.
Moisture has also increased across the area, with dewpoints steady
in the middle 50s to near 60 upon diurnal mixing.
The primary story has been the persistent strong southerly wind
gusts, with most locations gusting 50 to 60 mph this morning into
the early afternoon. Look for some increase in peak wind gusts later
this afternoon and evening. The highest wind gusts will be across
the northwest half of the CWA, with some locations reaching 65 mph
over portions of far northwest Missouri. Localized power outages and
tree damage is expected in the windiest areas. Wind speeds will
gradually relax by mid to late evening into the early morning hours
Thursday.
Focus is also on the potential for severe weather, generally north
of the Interstate 70 corridor. The greatest potential for severe
weather resides over far northwest Missouri, generally areas N/W of
STJ, closest to the Iowa and Nebraska borders. In this area,
forecast sounding show extreme wind shear, especially in the lowest
1km, along with skinny but marginally sufficient instability for
storm organization/persistence. There will be a window for areas of
far NW MO to see the potential for enhanced wind gusts to 75 mph and
isolated tornadoes with a broken line of storms along a dryline/cold
front. Elsewhere (points south along the line), storm mode remains
in question with the strong linear forcing, unfavorable low-level
shear per storm/line orientation, along with increasing atmospheric
inhibition, to limit conditions supportive of tornadoes. However,
strong winds residing just above the surface may occasionally be
translated down to ground-level, resulting in wind gusts of 60-65
mph. A decreasing severe weather threat with eastern extent is
expected, with the line of storms exiting the entire CWA by mid/late
evening.
Lastly, a short window during the late afternoon and early evening
behind the passing cold front and associated narrow line of storms
may allow for dangerous fire weather conditions to materialize
across far northwest Missouri. Here, relative humidity values as low
as 25 percent in combination with strong wind gusts, including a
wind shift, are expected, and likewise have continued a Red Flag
Warning for these areas.
Thursday and beyond:
Subdued weather returns to the forecast on Thursday and will likely
continue through the remainder of the long range forecast. Friday
afternoon may see a low end chance for some precipitation in the
southern part of the forecast area as moisture surges back north.
Dry conditions return Saturday through the remainder of the
forecast.
&&
.Climate...
Record high temperatures are ongoing.
Wednesday December 15 Previous Records:
Kansas City 68 (2002)
St Joseph 67 (2002)
Kirksville 59 (2002)
* The maximum monthly temperature for Kansas City in
December is 74 F degrees, set on December 3 2012, December 5 2001,
and December 6 1939.
&&
.Aviation...(For the 18Z TAFS through 18Z Thursday Afternoon)
Issued at 1127 AM CST WED DEC 15 2021
VFR conditions with main concern very strong winds at the surface
and off the deck. Peak winds are expected late this afternoon and
early evening just ahead of a cold front, with wind gusts
potentially enhanced by a line of weak thunderstorms. Improving
conditions with relaxing wind gusts overnight into Thursday
morning.
&&
.EAX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
KS...Wind Advisory until midnight CST tonight for KSZ060.
High Wind Warning until midnight CST tonight for KSZ025-057-
102>105.
Red Flag Warning until 9 PM CST this evening for KSZ025-102.
MO...Wind Advisory until midnight CST tonight for MOZ017-025-031>033-
038>040-043>046-053-054.
High Wind Warning until midnight CST tonight for MOZ001>008-
011>016-020>024-028>030-037.
Red Flag Warning until 9 PM CST this evening for MOZ001-002-011-
012.
&&
Discussion...Blair
Aviation...BlairHazardous weather outlook, Dec 15, 4:18 AM CST, 10 hours 42 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Kansas City/Pleasant Hill MO
418 AM CST Wed Dec 15 2021
KSZ025-057-060-102>105-MOZ001>008-011>017-020>025-028>033-037>040-
043>046-053-054-161030-
Atchison KS-Miami-Linn KS-Doniphan-Leavenworth-Wyandotte-Johnson KS-
Atchison MO-Nodaway-Worth-Gentry-Harrison-Mercer-Putnam-Schuyler-
Holt-Andrew-De Kalb-Daviess-Grundy-Sullivan-Adair-Buchanan-Clinton-
Caldwell-Livingston-Linn MO-Macon-Platte-Clay-Ray-Carroll-Chariton-
Randolph-Jackson-Lafayette-Saline-Howard-Cass-Johnson MO-Pettis-
Cooper-Bates-Henry-
418 AM CST Wed Dec 15 2021
This hazardous weather outlook is for northwest...north central and
west central Missouri...as well as extreme eastern Kansas.
.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight
Strong southwesterly winds are expected today gusting up to 65 mph
late this afternoon and evening. Strong winds may be hazardous to
those traveling, especially those driving high profile vehicles.
Winds could blow down trees or power lines. Elevated to extreme fire
weather conditions are expected today. Burning today is highly
discouraged.
Scattered thunderstorms are expected Wednesday evening. Some storms
may be strong or severe with damaging winds as the main severe
threat.
More detailed information can be accessed at...
https://www.weather.gov/eax/hwo
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday
No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
More detailed information can be accessed at...
https://www.weather.gov/eax/hwo
In the hours before
Local storm report, Dec 15, 12:14 PM CST, 2 hours 46 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE KANSAS CITY/PLEASANT HILL MO
1214 PM CST WED DEC 15 2021
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1156 AM NON-TSTM WND GST 3 E JARBALO 39.21N 95.01W
12/15/2021 M58 MPH LEAVENWORTH KS EMERGENCY MNGR
58 MPH WIND GUST MEASURED AT THE LEAVENWORTH
COUNTY SHOP.
&&
BPLocal storm report, Dec 15, 2:08 PM CST, 52 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE KANSAS CITY/PLEASANT HILL MO
208 PM CST WED DEC 15 2021
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0101 PM TSTM WND DMG 5 ENE LATHROP 39.58N 94.24W
12/15/2021 CLINTON MO PUBLIC
REPORT FROM MPING: 3-INCH TREE LIMBS BROKEN;
POWER POLES BROKEN.
&&
BPLocal storm report, Dec 15, 2:09 PM CST, 51 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...CORRECTED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE KANSAS CITY/PLEASANT HILL MO
209 PM CST WED DEC 15 2021
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0101 PM NON-TSTM WND DMG 5 ENE LATHROP 39.58N 94.24W
12/15/2021 CLINTON MO PUBLIC
CORRECTS PREVIOUS TSTM WND DMG REPORT FROM 5
ENE LATHROP. REPORT FROM MPING: 3-INCH TREE
LIMBS BROKEN; POWER POLES BROKEN.
&&
BPEvent by event
25 thunderstorm wind, 23 high wind, 3 hail. Local standard time, as filed.
High Wind, Andrew
- When
- December 15, 3:00 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST
- Where
- Andrew forecast zone
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 39.984, -94.802 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Through the afternoon on December 15th strong wind caused sustained winds in the 40 to 50 mph range, with frequent gusts well over 60 mph. While most ASOS and AWOS stations recorded gusts around 65 mph, there were several reports of higher winds and damage representative of around 70 mph, such as tree damage and powerlines down. This all preceded strong thunderstorms that also caused strong winds and scattered damage across the area.
High Wind, Atchison
- When
- December 15, 3:00 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST
- Where
- Atchison forecast zone
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 40.431, -95.428 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Through the afternoon on December 15th strong wind caused sustained winds in the 40 to 50 mph range, with frequent gusts well over 60 mph. While most ASOS and AWOS stations recorded gusts around 65 mph, there were several reports of higher winds and damage representative of around 70 mph, such as tree damage and powerlines down. This all preceded strong thunderstorms that also caused strong winds and scattered damage across the area.
High Wind, Buchanan
- When
- December 15, 3:00 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST
- Where
- Buchanan forecast zone
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 39.660, -94.806 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Through the afternoon on December 15th strong wind caused sustained winds in the 40 to 50 mph range, with frequent gusts well over 60 mph. While most ASOS and AWOS stations recorded gusts around 65 mph, there were several reports of higher winds and damage representative of around 70 mph, such as tree damage and powerlines down. This all preceded strong thunderstorms that also caused strong winds and scattered damage across the area.
High Wind, Caldwell
- When
- December 15, 3:00 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST
- Where
- Caldwell forecast zone
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 39.656, -93.983 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Through the afternoon on December 15th strong wind caused sustained winds in the 40 to 50 mph range, with frequent gusts well over 60 mph. While most ASOS and AWOS stations recorded gusts around 65 mph, there were several reports of higher winds and damage representative of around 70 mph, such as tree damage and powerlines down. This all preceded strong thunderstorms that also caused strong winds and scattered damage across the area.
High Wind, Clay
- When
- December 15, 3:00 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST
- Where
- Clay forecast zone
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 39.311, -94.421 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Through the afternoon on December 15th strong wind caused sustained winds in the 40 to 50 mph range, with frequent gusts well over 60 mph. While most ASOS and AWOS stations recorded gusts around 65 mph, there were several reports of higher winds and damage representative of around 70 mph, such as tree damage and powerlines down. This all preceded strong thunderstorms that also caused strong winds and scattered damage across the area.
High Wind, Clinton
- When
- December 15, 3:00 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST
- Where
- Clinton forecast zone
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 39.602, -94.405 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Through the afternoon on December 15th strong wind caused sustained winds in the 40 to 50 mph range, with frequent gusts well over 60 mph. While most ASOS and AWOS stations recorded gusts around 65 mph, there were several reports of higher winds and damage representative of around 70 mph, such as tree damage and powerlines down. This all preceded strong thunderstorms that also caused strong winds and scattered damage across the area.
High Wind, Daviess
- When
- December 15, 3:00 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST
- Where
- Daviess forecast zone
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 39.961, -93.985 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Through the afternoon on December 15th strong wind caused sustained winds in the 40 to 50 mph range, with frequent gusts well over 60 mph. While most ASOS and AWOS stations recorded gusts around 65 mph, there were several reports of higher winds and damage representative of around 70 mph, such as tree damage and powerlines down. This all preceded strong thunderstorms that also caused strong winds and scattered damage across the area.
High Wind, De Kalb
- When
- December 15, 3:00 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST
- Where
- De Kalb forecast zone
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 39.893, -94.405 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Through the afternoon on December 15th strong wind caused sustained winds in the 40 to 50 mph range, with frequent gusts well over 60 mph. While most ASOS and AWOS stations recorded gusts around 65 mph, there were several reports of higher winds and damage representative of around 70 mph, such as tree damage and powerlines down. This all preceded strong thunderstorms that also caused strong winds and scattered damage across the area.
High Wind, Gentry
- When
- December 15, 3:00 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST
- Where
- Gentry forecast zone
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 40.212, -94.410 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Through the afternoon on December 15th strong wind caused sustained winds in the 40 to 50 mph range, with frequent gusts well over 60 mph. While most ASOS and AWOS stations recorded gusts around 65 mph, there were several reports of higher winds and damage representative of around 70 mph, such as tree damage and powerlines down. This all preceded strong thunderstorms that also caused strong winds and scattered damage across the area.
High Wind, Grundy
- When
- December 15, 3:00 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST
- Where
- Grundy forecast zone
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 40.114, -93.565 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Through the afternoon on December 15th strong wind caused sustained winds in the 40 to 50 mph range, with frequent gusts well over 60 mph. While most ASOS and AWOS stations recorded gusts around 65 mph, there were several reports of higher winds and damage representative of around 70 mph, such as tree damage and powerlines down. This all preceded strong thunderstorms that also caused strong winds and scattered damage across the area.
High Wind, Harrison
- When
- December 15, 3:00 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST
- Where
- Harrison forecast zone
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 40.355, -93.992 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Through the afternoon on December 15th strong wind caused sustained winds in the 40 to 50 mph range, with frequent gusts well over 60 mph. While most ASOS and AWOS stations recorded gusts around 65 mph, there were several reports of higher winds and damage representative of around 70 mph, such as tree damage and powerlines down. This all preceded strong thunderstorms that also caused strong winds and scattered damage across the area.
High Wind, Holt
- When
- December 15, 3:00 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST
- Where
- Holt forecast zone
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 40.094, -95.215 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Through the afternoon on December 15th strong wind caused sustained winds in the 40 to 50 mph range, with frequent gusts well over 60 mph. While most ASOS and AWOS stations recorded gusts around 65 mph, there were several reports of higher winds and damage representative of around 70 mph, such as tree damage and powerlines down. This all preceded strong thunderstorms that also caused strong winds and scattered damage across the area.
High Wind, Jackson
- When
- December 15, 3:00 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST
- Where
- Jackson forecast zone
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 39.009, -94.346 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Through the afternoon on December 15th strong wind caused sustained winds in the 40 to 50 mph range, with frequent gusts well over 60 mph. While most ASOS and AWOS stations recorded gusts around 65 mph, there were several reports of higher winds and damage representative of around 70 mph, such as tree damage and powerlines down. This all preceded strong thunderstorms that also caused strong winds and scattered damage across the area.
High Wind, Linn
- When
- December 15, 3:00 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST
- Where
- Linn forecast zone
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 39.870, -93.107 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Through the afternoon on December 15th strong wind caused sustained winds in the 40 to 50 mph range, with frequent gusts well over 60 mph. While most ASOS and AWOS stations recorded gusts around 65 mph, there were several reports of higher winds and damage representative of around 70 mph, such as tree damage and powerlines down. This all preceded strong thunderstorms that also caused strong winds and scattered damage across the area.
High Wind, Livingston
- When
- December 15, 3:00 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST
- Where
- Livingston forecast zone
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 39.782, -93.548 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Through the afternoon on December 15th strong wind caused sustained winds in the 40 to 50 mph range, with frequent gusts well over 60 mph. While most ASOS and AWOS stations recorded gusts around 65 mph, there were several reports of higher winds and damage representative of around 70 mph, such as tree damage and powerlines down. This all preceded strong thunderstorms that also caused strong winds and scattered damage across the area.
High Wind, Mercer
- When
- December 15, 3:00 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST
- Where
- Mercer forecast zone
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 40.422, -93.569 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Through the afternoon on December 15th strong wind caused sustained winds in the 40 to 50 mph range, with frequent gusts well over 60 mph. While most ASOS and AWOS stations recorded gusts around 65 mph, there were several reports of higher winds and damage representative of around 70 mph, such as tree damage and powerlines down. This all preceded strong thunderstorms that also caused strong winds and scattered damage across the area.
High Wind, Putnam
- When
- December 15, 3:00 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST
- Where
- Putnam forecast zone
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 40.479, -93.016 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Through the afternoon on December 15th strong wind caused sustained winds in the 40 to 50 mph range, with frequent gusts well over 60 mph. While most ASOS and AWOS stations recorded gusts around 65 mph, there were several reports of higher winds and damage representative of around 70 mph, such as tree damage and powerlines down. This all preceded strong thunderstorms that also caused strong winds and scattered damage across the area.
High Wind, Ray
- When
- December 15, 3:00 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST
- Where
- Ray forecast zone
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 39.352, -93.990 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Through the afternoon on December 15th strong wind caused sustained winds in the 40 to 50 mph range, with frequent gusts well over 60 mph. While most ASOS and AWOS stations recorded gusts around 65 mph, there were several reports of higher winds and damage representative of around 70 mph, such as tree damage and powerlines down. This all preceded strong thunderstorms that also caused strong winds and scattered damage across the area.
High Wind, Schuyler
- When
- December 15, 3:00 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST
- Where
- Schuyler forecast zone
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 40.470, -92.521 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Through the afternoon on December 15th strong wind caused sustained winds in the 40 to 50 mph range, with frequent gusts well over 60 mph. While most ASOS and AWOS stations recorded gusts around 65 mph, there were several reports of higher winds and damage representative of around 70 mph, such as tree damage and powerlines down. This all preceded strong thunderstorms that also caused strong winds and scattered damage across the area.
High Wind, Sullivan
- When
- December 15, 3:00 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST
- Where
- Sullivan forecast zone
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 40.211, -93.111 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Through the afternoon on December 15th strong wind caused sustained winds in the 40 to 50 mph range, with frequent gusts well over 60 mph. While most ASOS and AWOS stations recorded gusts around 65 mph, there were several reports of higher winds and damage representative of around 70 mph, such as tree damage and powerlines down. This all preceded strong thunderstorms that also caused strong winds and scattered damage across the area.
High Wind, Worth
- When
- December 15, 3:00 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST
- Where
- Worth forecast zone
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 40.479, -94.422 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Through the afternoon on December 15th strong wind caused sustained winds in the 40 to 50 mph range, with frequent gusts well over 60 mph. While most ASOS and AWOS stations recorded gusts around 65 mph, there were several reports of higher winds and damage representative of around 70 mph, such as tree damage and powerlines down. This all preceded strong thunderstorms that also caused strong winds and scattered damage across the area.
High Wind, Platte
- When
- December 15, 3:00 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST
- Where
- Platte forecast zone
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 39.381, -94.774 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Through the afternoon on December 15th strong wind caused sustained winds in the 40 to 50 mph range, with frequent gusts well over 60 mph. While most ASOS and AWOS stations recorded gusts around 65 mph, there were several reports of higher winds and damage representative of around 70 mph, such as tree damage and powerlines down. This all preceded strong thunderstorms that also caused strong winds and scattered damage across the area.
High Wind, Nodaway
- When
- December 15, 3:00 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST
- Where
- Nodaway forecast zone
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 40.361, -94.883 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)
Through the afternoon on December 15th strong wind caused sustained winds in the 40 to 50 mph range, with frequent gusts well over 60 mph. While most ASOS and AWOS stations recorded gusts around 65 mph, there were several reports of higher winds and damage representative of around 70 mph, such as tree damage and powerlines down. This all preceded strong thunderstorms that also caused strong winds and scattered damage across the area.
Thunderstorm Wind, Atchison
- When
- December 15, 4:27 PM CST to 4:30 PM CST
- Where
- Atchison County, 2.14 mi NNE of Watson
- Measured
- 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Trained Spotter
- Coordinates
- 40.510, -95.620
A trained spotter near Watson, Missouri reported 80 mph wind.
Thunderstorm Wind, Atchison
- When
- December 15, 4:40 PM CST to 4:43 PM CST
- Where
- Atchison County, 1.26 mi WNW of Tarkio
- Measured
- 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Trained Spotter
- Coordinates
- 40.440, -95.400
Trained spotter reported 70 mph wind in Tarkio.
Thunderstorm Wind, Atchison
- When
- December 15, 4:51 PM CST to 4:54 PM CST
- Where
- Atchison County, 2.22 mi WNW of Milton
- Measured
- 78 kt (90 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Trained Spotter
- Coordinates
- 40.290, -95.460
A trained spotter in Fairfax reported 90 mph wind.
Thunderstorm Wind, Atchison
- When
- December 15, 4:51 PM CST to 4:54 PM CST
- Where
- Atchison County, 1.26 mi WNW of Tarkio
- Measured
- 78 kt (90 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Trained Spotter
- Coordinates
- 40.440, -95.400
A trained spotter near Tarkio reported 90 mph wind.
Thunderstorm Wind, Nodaway
- When
- December 15, 5:12 PM CST to 5:15 PM CST
- Where
- Nodaway County, 2.76 mi S of Burlington Jct
- Measured
- 64 kt (74 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- Public
- Coordinates
- 40.410, -95.070
A measured wind gust of 74 mph caused some structure damage near Quitman, Missouri.
Thunderstorm Wind, Nodaway
- When
- December 15, 5:13 PM CST to 5:16 PM CST
- Where
- Nodaway County, 0.69 mi N of Clearmont
- Measured
- 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Emergency Manager
- Coordinates
- 40.510, -95.030
A few windows were blown out of the home at this location.
Hail, Nodaway
- When
- December 15, 5:17 PM CST to 5:20 PM CST
- Where
- Nodaway County, 0.69 mi S of Maryville
- Measured
- 1.75 in hail
- Reported by
- Emergency Manager
- Coordinates
- 40.340, -94.870
Along with the golf ball sized hail there were powerlines and trees down across town.
Thunderstorm Wind, Nodaway
- When
- December 15, 5:17 PM CST to 5:20 PM CST
- Where
- Nodaway County, 0.53 mi W of Maryville
- Measured
- 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Law Enforcement
- Coordinates
- 40.350, -94.880
Powerlines and trees down across town. Storm also produced 1.75 inch hail in Maryville.
Thunderstorm Wind, Jackson
- When
- December 15, 6:00 PM CST to 6:03 PM CST
- Where
- Jackson County, 1.07 mi E of Independence
- Measured
- 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Emergency Manager
- Coordinates
- 39.080, -94.410
Several power poles were down in Independence. More than 2500 people were without power.
Thunderstorm Wind, Clinton
- When
- December 15, 6:00 PM CST to 6:03 PM CST
- Where
- Clinton County, 1.01 mi ESE of Plattsburg
- Measured
- 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Law Enforcement
- Coordinates
- 39.563, -94.453
A large tree was blown down, over Highway 116 in Plattsburg.
Thunderstorm Wind, Clinton
- When
- December 15, 6:06 PM CST to 6:09 PM CST
- Where
- Clinton County, 4.95 mi NNE of Perrin
- Measured
- 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Law Enforcement
- Coordinates
- 39.740, -94.400
There was a report of people trapped inside of a cellar inside a house that was heavily damaged. The extent of the damage to the home is unclear.
Thunderstorm Wind, Platte
- When
- December 15, 6:06 PM CST to 6:09 PM CST
- Where
- Platte County, 1.24 mi NNE of Northmoor
- Measured
- 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Emergency Manager
- Coordinates
- 39.196, -94.619
Powerlines are down around 56th and Interstate 29.
Thunderstorm Wind, Clay
- When
- December 15, 6:09 PM CST to 6:12 PM CST
- Where
- Clay County, (Mkc)ks City Dntn Ar
- Measured
- 67 kt (77 mph) measured gust
- Property damage
- $25,000
- Reported by
- Broadcast Media
- Coordinates
- 39.120, -94.600
While a local reporter was on the air covering the strong winds a roof was ripped off of a hangar at Kansas City Downtown Airport. While this happened, the ASOS measured 77 mph wind at the location.
Hail, Platte
- When
- December 15, 6:10 PM CST to 6:11 PM CST
- Where
- Platte County, 0.69 mi N of Milton
- Measured
- 1 in hail
- Reported by
- Amateur Radio
- Coordinates
- 39.230, -94.630
Thunderstorm Wind, Daviess
- When
- December 15, 6:19 PM CST to 6:22 PM CST
- Where
- Daviess County, 0.87 mi NW of Coffey
- Measured
- 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
- Property damage
- $10,000
- Reported by
- Emergency Manager
- Coordinates
- 40.110, -94.010
There was a report of a carport and a lean-to blown over in Coffey, Missouri.
Hail, Jackson
- When
- December 15, 6:20 PM CST
- Where
- Jackson County, 0.87 mi SE of Fairmont
- Measured
- 0.75 in hail
- Reported by
- Emergency Manager
- Coordinates
- 39.090, -94.420
Thunderstorm Wind, Harrison
- When
- December 15, 6:23 PM CST to 6:26 PM CST
- Where
- Harrison County, 0.53 mi E of Bethany
- Measured
- 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Fire Department/Rescue
- Coordinates
- 40.270, -94.020
There was a report of powerlines down in Bethany.
Thunderstorm Wind, Clay
- When
- December 15, 6:29 PM CST to 6:32 PM CST
- Where
- Clay County, 5.09 mi NNW of Excelsior Spgs
- Measured
- 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Public
- Coordinates
- 39.420, -94.260
Multiple windows were blown in and shingles were removed from a room. Two 6 to 8 inch diameter trees were blown down.
Thunderstorm Wind, Grundy
- When
- December 15, 6:39 PM CST to 6:42 PM CST
- Where
- Grundy County, 2.14 mi SSW of Brimson
- Measured
- 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Fire Department/Rescue
- Coordinates
- 40.120, -93.740
First responders in Brimson, Missouri reported 60 mph wind.
Thunderstorm Wind, Jackson
- When
- December 15, 6:45 PM CST to 6:48 PM CST
- Where
- Jackson County, 1.28 mi WSW of Greenwood
- Measured
- 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- NWS Employee
- Coordinates
- 38.840, -94.370
NWS employee reported 60 mph wind with the line of thunderstorms that came through the city.
Thunderstorm Wind, Grundy
- When
- December 15, 6:46 PM CST to 6:49 PM CST
- Where
- Grundy County, 0.53 mi E of Trenton
- Measured
- 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Emergency Manager
- Coordinates
- 40.080, -93.610
Numerous trees and powerlines were blown down in Trenton. A roof was also blown off of a structure.
Thunderstorm Wind, Cass
- When
- December 15, 6:53 PM CST to 6:56 PM CST
- Where
- Cass County, 0.88 mi SE of Lake Winnebago
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Official NWS Observations
- Coordinates
- 38.810, -94.260
The National Weather Service Forecast Office in Pleasant Hill estimated 60 to 70 mph winds as the line came through the city.
Thunderstorm Wind, Putnam
- When
- December 15, 7:06 PM CST to 7:09 PM CST
- Where
- Putnam County, 1.05 mi E of Lucerne
- Measured
- 74 kt (85 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Law Enforcement
- Coordinates
- 40.470, -93.260
Widespread 70 to 80 mph winds were reported across Putnam County. Near Lucerne a state trooper vehicle was pushed off the road.
Thunderstorm Wind, Johnson
- When
- December 15, 7:17 PM CST to 7:20 PM CST
- Where
- Johnson County, 2.78 mi WSW of Centerview
- Measured
- 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- NWS Employee
- Coordinates
- 38.740, -93.900
NWS employee reported 60 mph winds.
Thunderstorm Wind, Putnam
- When
- December 15, 7:24 PM CST to 7:27 PM CST
- Where
- Putnam County, 0.87 mi SE of Howland
- Measured
- 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Law Enforcement
- Coordinates
- 40.520, -92.940
Four hog barns were destroyed, killing all of the hogs inside. There were reports of 75 to 80 mph wind in Unionville about the same time as the report of the destroyed buildings.
Thunderstorm Wind, Linn
- When
- December 15, 7:30 PM CST to 7:33 PM CST
- Where
- Linn County, 0.53 mi W of Brookfield
- Measured
- 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Public
- Coordinates
- 39.780, -93.090
Most of the roof to an automotive repair facility was blown off.
Thunderstorm Wind, Pettis
- When
- December 15, 8:06 PM CST to 8:09 PM CST
- Where
- Pettis County, 0.69 mi N of Sedalia Arpt
- Measured
- 58 kt (67 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- ASOS
- Coordinates
- 38.710, -93.180
ASOS at Sedalia Airport reported 67 mph wind.
Thunderstorm Wind, Randolph
- When
- December 15, 8:32 PM CST to 8:35 PM CST
- Where
- Randolph County, 0.38 mi SSE of Moberly Bradley Arpt
- Measured
- 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
- Reported by
- AWOS
- Coordinates
- 39.465, -92.428
AWOS at Omar N Bradley Airport in Moberly, Missouri reported 61 mph wind.
- High Wind
- Sustained non-thunderstorm winds of 40 mph or more for an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or more.
- 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.
- Hail
- Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
- Tornadoes and Hail in Iowa, December 15 to 16, 2021$7.1 million · EF2 · 182 events
- High Wind and Winter Weather in Michigan, December 15 to 16, 20212 deaths · 1 injured · $218,000 · 61 kt wind · 14 events
- Tornadoes and Hail in Minnesota, December 15, 20211 death · $2.9 million · EF1 · 82 events
- Wildfire and Dust Storm in Kansas, December 15 to 17, 20211 death · 4 injured · $615,000 · 104 kt wind · 32 events
- Tornadoes and Damaging Winds in Iowa, December 15 to 16, 2021$4.0 million · EF2 · 69 events
- Wildfire and Damaging Winds in Kansas, December 15 to 16, 20211 death · $1.8 million · 84 kt wind · 16 events
- Tornadoes and Hail in Nebraska, December 15, 2021$6.8 million · EF1 · 121 events
- Tornadoes and Hail in Wisconsin, December 15, 20211 injured · $2.1 million · EF2 · 47 events
- Dense Fog in Minnesota, December 15, 20211 death · 4 injured · $130,000 · 1 event
- Wildfire and High Wind in Kansas, December 15 to 16, 20211 death · 73 kt wind · 64 events
- Damaging Winds in Iowa, December 15, 20211 death · 70 kt wind · 36 events
- Tornadoes and Hail in Nebraska, December 15, 20212 injured · EF2 · 81 events
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: 997283, 997284, 997285, 997286, 997287, 997288, 997289, 997290, 997291, 997292, 997293, 997294, 997295, 997296, 997297, 997298, 997299, 997300, 997301, 997302, 997303, 997304, 997305, 998569, 998571, 998573, 998574, 998576, 998584, 998543, 998550, 998552, 998562, 998554, 998557, 998559, 998545, 998561, 998547, 998564, and more.