A historic onslaught of swift moving severe thunderstorms with embedded tornadoes, followed by several hours of severe gradient winds and areas of blowing dust/smoke (and even a touch of wind-whipped snow) unfolded within South Central Nebraska on this Wednesday afternoon-evening, with the local area serving as the initiation zone of what would not only end up being the most impactful convective…
Every event with a place to put it; 24 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.
A historic onslaught of swift moving severe thunderstorms with embedded tornadoes, followed by several hours of severe gradient winds and areas of blowing dust/smoke (and even a touch of wind-whipped snow) unfolded within South Central Nebraska on this Wednesday afternoon-evening, with the local area serving as the initiation zone of what would not only end up being the most impactful convective event on record during the month of December for the state of Nebraska (far eclipsing Christmas Day 2016), but also for other nearby states including IA/MN. In fact, the nearly continuous swath of damaging winds that stretched from south central NE/north central KS northeastward into southeast MN/western WI was officially declared a serial derecho...the first December derecho on record in the United States. Including nine confirmed tornadoes in South Central Nebraska (and 19 others that occurred in eastern NE), there were 28 confirmed tornadoes within the state...a remarkable fact considering that prior to this day only five Nebraska tornadoes had occurred in December since 1950! Focusing exclusively on the local South Central NE area going forward, the nine tornadoes consisted of five rated EF-1 and four rated EF-0. There were also dozens of measured reports of damaging winds in the 60-80+ MPH range (both thunderstorm/non-thunderstorm), including a peak thunderstorm gust of 85 MPH at Central Nebraska Regional Airport in Grand Island and a peak non-thunderstorm gust of 77 MPH by an unofficial mesonet in southwestern Clay County. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, despite countless instances of damage primarily to irrigation pivots, outbuildings, power lines/poles and trees.
Breaking down event evolution/timing for the local area, first of all, even before convection flared up it was already an unusual/noteworthy December weather day given unseasonable warmth/humidity being pumped into the area on strong south winds. By late morning-early afternoon, southerly gusts were commonly 35-50 MPH as temperatures soared into the mid-60s to low-70s F (setting new Dec. 15th records in Grand Island/Hastings), accompanied by dewpoints surging at least briefly into the 50s F (mainly near/east of Highway 281). This set the stage for severe convection/tornadoes during the early-mid afternoon, as the squall line that eventually impacted all but a few far western local counties raced through South Central NE at an incredible average forward motion of 65-75 MPH. The squall line, which was still in its infant stages as it entered Harlan County out of Kansas shortly before 1 p.m., rapidly intensified/expanded in scope while reaching the Highway 281 corridor by 2 p.m., and then in the blink of an eye had all-but-exited the extreme eastern fringes of the local area (Highway 81 counties) by 3 p.m....wrapping up a brief-but-wild two hours of weather. As for the nine confirmed South Central NE tornadoes, they all occurred between 1:27-2:43 p.m. and had at-times-intermittent path lengths between 7-15 miles. The tornadoes concentrated within counties mainly situated between the Highway 92 and Highway 6 corridors, touching down as far west as eastern Kearney/Franklin counties and as far east-northeast as Hamilton/Polk counties. The circulations were firmly embedded within the aforementioned squall line, making these quasi linear convective system (QLCS) tornadoes with often-intermittent damage paths. As is typical of such tornadoes, there was little in the way of clear cut photographic/video evidence, with the main exception consisting of a more classic looking photo of an EF-1 near Marquette. Although specific details regarding each of the nine tornadoes can be found in their respective event narratives, the vast majority of damage occurred to irrigation pivots, power poles/lines and a handful of outbuildings/grain bins, including a few fairly large metal outbuildings that were partially or completely demolished within only a few miles of communities such as Hastings, Marquette and Polk. Fortunately, no homes suffered major damage, although a few sustained relatively minor roof/siding issues. And although there were no reported injuries, one family north of Hastings had a fairly close call as their sport utility vehicle had several windows blown out of it only about one minute after they arrived home and sought shelter. Although straight-line thunderstorm winds along the surging line took a publicity backseat to the tornadoes, there were dozens of reported measured/estimated gusts of at least 60-70 MPH, and a handful of measured gusts as high as 75-85 MPH, highlighted by 85 MPH at Central Nebraska Regional Airport (official) and unofficial mesonet gusts of 84 MPH near Shickley, 83 MPH near Davenport and 81 MPH near Oxford. As just a sampling of damage attributed to convective winds: a blown-over semi truck on Highway 6 near Hastings; an overturned pickup truck and trailer along I-80 near Grand Island; significant roof and siding damage to a brick building in downtown Giltner; a metal outbuilding largely destroyed near Fullerton; a carport lofted into power lines in Bruning. Lastly in the convective department, hail was a minimal issue for the vast majority of South Central Nebraska. However, stones up to golf ball size significantly damaged a home near Marquette, while slightly smaller, wind-driven hail up to quarter size was reported in the Grand Island and Hastings areas, including a report of considerable damage to siding, fences and shingles in the Lake Hastings area.
Turning to non-convective severe winds, for the majority of South Central Nebraska they peaked in intensity a few hours after the passage of the squall line (and also impacted those few far western counties that were spared by convection), ramping up initially from the southwest and eventually west-northwest behind a surging composite cold front/dryline. Generally speaking, roughly the southwestern half of the local area observed its strongest non-convective winds between 2-7 p.m., while the northeastern half of the area peaked more so 4-9 p.m. However, the entire area endured at least a few hours of sustained speeds commonly 30-45 MPH and sporadic gusts of 50-70 MPH, including official peak gusts of 73 MPH at Hastings and Ord airports, and unofficial peak mesonet gusts of 77 MPH near Glenvil, 76 MPH near Davenport and 75 MPH near Norman. Although these non-convective winds undoubtedly caused considerable minor damage and/or exacerbated damage already done by earlier convective winds, specific reports were actually quite limited. However, one unique highlight of these southwesterly-turning-westerly winds is that they shrouded much of the local area a under an eerie pall for a few hours during the mid-late afternoon...a combination of blowing dust (emanating off the western High Plains) and also smoke (from large wildfires in northern KS) that reduced visibility to under a mile in some spots. Fortunately, no wildfires were sparked within South Central NE itself, despite favorable conditions for large fire growth behind the dryline (especially in southwestern counties). The final severe-criteria gust of the evening (59 MPH) occurred in Nance County shortly after 7 p.m., and gusts eased down to only 30-40 MPH within most of South Central NE by 10 p.m.
The last weather element of this multi-faceted event (and ironically of least-overall impact for December) was snow, as far western/northwest portions of the local area observed roughly a one-hour period of wind-whipped snow between 3:30-5:30 p.m. as a weakening deformation zone on the backside of the system clipped parts of mainly Dawson, Sherman, Valley and far western Buffalo counties. Although total accumulations were mainly at-or-below one-half inch and there were no reports of significant travel impacts, the fact that this snow band prompted brief, greatly-reduced visibility reductions along Interstate 80 prompted the first-ever Snow Squall Warning issuance within South Central NE.
Examining the meteorology behind this event, this would have been considered a powerhouse setup for severe convection/high winds during the more typical spring season usually associated with this type of system, let alone in mid-December. In the mid-upper levels, not only was the parent, negatively-tilted shortwave trough notably intense as it slammed across the central United States, but it was also notably fast. At daybreak, its vorticity maximum was just passing by the Four Corners, but by mid-day it had already reached the NE/CO/KS border area and by sunset had advanced into far northeast NE. At the 500-millibar level, a stout jet streak of 100+ knots nosed into South Central NE from the south-southwest during the afternoon, while lower in the column a potent southerly low level jet (evident at 850 millibars) ramped up to 40-60 knots. At the surface, a vigorous low pressure center sliced across the heart of Nebraska from southwest-to-northeast during the afternoon, deepening to around 984 millibars along the way and driving a sharp dryline/cold frontal combo eastward through the area. As mentioned, surface dewpoints climbed into the 50s F across much of the area prior to convective initiation, fostering a corridor of mixed-layer CAPE up to 500-1000 J/kg. Although somewhat modest instability values by warmer-season standards, in this case it was more than enough to promote robust severe convection in the presence of extreme wind fields, with embedded QLCS tornadoes no surprise given 0-1 kilometer bulk shear around 40 knots and effective storm-relative helicity (SRH) around 200-300 m2/s2. In the wake of the squall line, the ensuing non-convective wind event corresponded to a zone of deep subsidence (likely associated with a sting jet) and a pronounced surface pressure gradient on the backside of the departing low, with a 16-millibar gradient noted across South Central NE at 6 p.m. (ranging from 988 mb at Columbus to 1004 mb at McCook).
Closing with some comments about official NWS forecasts leading up to this historic event, there was excellent awareness several days in advance regarding the likelihood of powerful non-convective winds both ahead of (southerlies) and behind (westerlies) the intense surface low pressure system. An area-wide High Wind Watch was issued early on the 13th (48-60 hours in advance) and was subsequently upgraded to a High Wind Warning early on the 14th. However, what was not as well anticipated (both at the local and national forecast level) was how great of a convective/tornado threat South Central NE would face, as the fast-tracking squall line ended up forming slightly earlier and several counties farther west than most model data suggested (especially 12+ hours out). As a result, there was a noticeable ramp-up of convective threat categories within South Central NE on Dec. 15th SPC Day 1 Outlooks, progressing from the initial 06Z outlook that barely brushed the far eastern fringes of the area with a Marginal Risk (level 1 of 5), to the 1630Z outlook that correctly shifted Slight (level 2) and Enhanced (level 3) categories westward into several counties along/east of Highway 281.
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 Dec 15, 12:15 PM CST, 44 minutes earlier.
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
National Weather Service Hastings NE
1215 PM CST Wed Dec 15 2021
.DISCUSSION...(Today through Tuesday)
Issued at 312 AM CST Wed Dec 15 2021
Here we go. The main event and focus of the forecast is today
with winds expected to rapidly increase later this morning to
potentially historic levels. Currently, southerly winds are
already beginning to increase early this morning as a very strong
low pressure system crosses the Rockies and deepens. By midday
today, sustained southerly winds of 40 to 50 mph with gusts to 70
mph or greater will be experienced across Nebraska and Kansas.
This will continue through the afternoon and into the evening,
with winds switching to southwesterly and westerly this afternoon
and northwesterly later this evening as the front passes through.
As such, a High Wind Warning is in effect from 9AM to 9PM today.
With most of north central Kansas still dry and avoiding much
moisture from previous systems, elected to add the possibility of
blowing dust to the forecast for that area, especially as the
strongest wind gusts are expected to occur there. It is best to
stay inside during this event but if you MUST be outdoors, use
extreme caution as these winds can easily blow down trees and
power poles. Widespread power outages are also very possible.
In addition, with the southerly winds today, there will be enough
moisture to see isolated thunderstorms today, mainly along and
east of Highway 14. With a few hundred joules of CAPE, cannot rule
out a strong storm as the instability will be combined with decent
shear and a strengthening low. Any possible threat here should be
limited as the instability will move to the east of the area
during the afternoon.
Warmer temperatures will also come out of these strong southerly
winds. Ahead of the front, expect record or near record high
temperatures today. There will be very strong warm air advection,
which supports the idea of record temperatures but also brings
very low dewpoints and generally dangerous fire weather conditions.
With this, we are very confident in the Red Flag Warning that is
in effect through the evening.
Behind the cold front this evening as winds diminish some and
switch to the northwest, there is a chance for some light snow
across portions of south central Nebraska tonight. This should be
short-lived and no accumulation is expected.
Thursday onward, temperatures return to near normal for the next
several days. The next system anywhere near our area will be
associated with a low expected to pass just to our north Friday
night. However, this will push off to the northeast, keeping
precipitation well to our north, leaving our area with potentially
breezy conditions Friday evening into Saturday morning. Otherwise,
weather is expected to be much quieter for the remainder of the
forecast period starting Thursday.
&&
.AVIATION...(For the 18Z KGRI/KEAR TAFS through 18Z Thursday)
Issued at 1206 PM CST Wed Dec 15 2021
Biggest issue by far will be wind speeds. Exceptionally strong
wind speeds are expected with a dynamic system moving through.
High confidence with strong wind gusts as historically strong wind
gusts are forecast by hi-resolution models. Dust could be an issue
with visibility today, and we may need to lower to at least MVFR.
Also KEAR could be on the far south end of some falling snow,
driven by very strong wind which could also lower visibility near
and shortly after 00Z. LLWS is possible at the beginning of the
forecast before surface winds start to really ramp up. Slow
decrease to wind gusts into the overnight.
&&
.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 312 AM CST Wed Dec 15 2021
The combination of strong winds and low relative humidity
values will result in dangerous fire weather conditions across
the local area today. In addition to the strong winds, a change
in wind direction from the south southwest to the northwest with
the associated cold front this afternoon and evening will make any
fire that develops difficult. Avoid engaging in activities that
could lead to fire ignition today.
&&
.CLIMATE...
Issued at 359 PM CST Mon Dec 13 2021
..Regarding Potential Record High Temperatures Wed. Dec. 15 at
Grand Island/Hastings (our two primary climate records sites)..
WEDNESDAY (Dec. 15):
Although still subject to at least minor change, we are CURRENTLY
forecasting record or near record high temps for today...
Record Current Forecast
Grand Island 67 in 2002 67 (tie)
Hastings 67 in 2002 67 (tie)
PLEASE NOTE: Although morning lows Wednesday may also "appear" to
threaten Dec. 15 records for warmest minimum temperature, keep in
mind that daily records are based off the FULL calendar day, and
at this time we expect temperatures to fall far enough this
evening (prior to midnight) to keep existing warm minimum temp
records intact (current records 35 at GRI/39 at HSI).
&&
.GID WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NE...High Wind Warning until 9 PM CST this evening for NEZ039>041-
046>049-060>064-072>077-082>087.
Red Flag Warning until 9 PM CST this evening for NEZ048-049-
062>064-075>077-084>087.
KS...High Wind Warning until 9 PM CST this evening for KSZ005>007-
017>019.
Red Flag Warning until 9 PM CST this evening for KSZ005>007-
017>019.
&&
DISCUSSION...Hickford
AVIATION...Heinlein
FIRE WEATHER...Hickford
CLIMATE...HickfordHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Hastings NE 1130 AM CST Wed Dec 15 2021 KSZ005>007-017>019-NEZ039>041-046>049-060>064-072>077-082>087- 161200- 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- 1130 AM CST Wed Dec 15 2021 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for south central Nebraska and portions of north central Kansas. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight. An unusually high risk for hazardous weather is expected today and this evening from multiple concurrent hazards. Exceptionally strong winds are expected today, especially during the afternoon through evening hours. These winds will start the day out of the south, before turning to the west, then northwest behind a passing cold front. Widespread wind gusts of 70 mph or more are possible. A High Wind Warning is in effect for the entire area morning through 9 PM this evening. Please refer to the latest High Wind Warning message for additional information. These strong winds, combined with low relative humidity, are also expected to result in critical fire weather conditions for portions of the area this afternoon. As a result...a Red Flag Warning will be in effect for areas southeast of a line from Columbus Nebraska to Grand Island to Phillipsburg Kansas from Noon through 9 PM today. Please refer to the latest Red Flag warning message for additional information. There is potential for severe thunderstorms this early to mid afternoon especially for areas along and east of Highway 281. A marginal to slight severe risk of storms is possible for this area much of this area and an enhanced risk for the Highway 81 corridor, mainly between the noon and 4 PM. Thunderstorm wind gusts of 70-80 mph are the main potential threat, but an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. With such exceptionally strong winds expected, visibility could be reduced at times today due to blowing dust, and in some areas, from falling snow. Blowing dust will be possible for the entire outlook area, especially for areas of north central Kansas all day today and into this evening, and could reduce visibility to near zero for some areas at times. Falling snow combined with strong northwest wind gusts could reduce visibility to less than a quarter mile for areas mainly northwest of a line from Elwood to Kearney to Fullerton, Nebraska late this afternoon and into the evening mainly between 5 PM and 9 PM. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Any reports of any wind damage from this event are appreciated. && More information may be obtained at the following web page: https://www.weather.gov/hastings Heinlein
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HASTINGS NE
1220 PM CST WED DEC 15 2021
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1207 PM NON-TSTM WND GST PLAINVILLE 39.23N 99.30W
12/15/2021 M59 MPH ROOKS KS MESONET
&&PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HASTINGS NE
1238 PM CST WED DEC 15 2021
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1224 PM NON-TSTM WND GST 8 NNE CODELL 39.30N 99.14W
12/15/2021 M65 MPH ROOKS KS MESONET
WINDS OUT OF THE SSW.
&&PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HASTINGS NE
1245 PM CST WED DEC 15 2021
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1241 PM NON-TSTM WND GST STOCKTON 39.43N 99.27W
12/15/2021 M60 MPH ROOKS KS MESONET
SW WINDS GUSTING TO 60MPH.
&&PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HASTINGS NE
1247 PM CST WED DEC 15 2021
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1231 PM NON-TSTM WND GST 7 E TIPTON 39.36N 98.35W
12/15/2021 M62 MPH MITCHELL KS MESONET
SOUTH WINDS.
&&PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HASTINGS NE
1257 PM CST WED DEC 15 2021
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1246 PM NON-TSTM WND GST 1 W LOGAN 39.66N 99.58W
12/15/2021 M63 MPH PHILLIPS KS MESONET
MESONET STATION EW3001 LOGAN 1 W.
&&The Grand Island radar (KUEX), 97 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 18:56 UTC.
74 thunderstorm wind, 24 high wind, 18 tornado, 5 hail. Local standard time, as filed.
Wind gusts recorded by area mesonet stations included 81 MPH, measured seven miles east-southeast of Oxford, and 73 MPH, measured four miles southeast of Oxford.
Wind damage was reported in Alma, including downed tree limbs, some shingle and roof damage, power lines downed, and small outbuilding damage.
Wind gusts exceeding 60 MPH were common. A peak wind gust of 69 MPH was measured at 4:35 PM CST by a mesonet station located just east of Overton.
Wind gusts exceeding 60 MPH were common. A peak wind gust of 76 MPH was measured at 6:16 PM CST by a mesonet station located near Davenport.
Wind gusts exceeding 60 MPH were common. Peak wind gusts were estimated to be near 65 MPH, based off nearby observations. The highest measured wind gust in the county was 58 MPH, measured at 4:16 PM CST by a mesonet station located three miles south-southeast of Johnson Lake. An NWS cooperative observer eight miles south of Elwood reported damage to trees, pivots and buildings in the area.
Wind gusts exceeding 60 MPH were common. Peak wind gusts were estimated to be near 75 MPH, based off nearby observations. The highest measured wind gust in the county was 65 MPH, measured at 4:21 PM CST by a mesonet station located four miles west-northwest of Oak.
Wind gusts exceeding 60 MPH were common. Peak wind gusts were estimated to be near 65 MPH, based off nearby observations.
A wind gust of 60 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located in Huntley.
A wind gust of 76 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located four miles east of Ragan.
A wind gust of 66 MPH was measured by the Holdrege Airport AWOS.
A wind gust of 72 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located one mile east of Wilcox.
A wind gust of 63 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located three miles south of Holdrege.
A wind gust of 65 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located one mile west-northwest of Wilcox.
A wind gust of 59 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located six miles south-southwest of Elm Creek.
A wind gust of 68 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located five miles north of Axtell.
A wind gust of 61 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located in Minden.
This tornado started in Kearney County north of Minden and crossed into Buffalo County, lifting near Gibbon. This tornado was typical for the day, likely intermittent with regard to ground circulation and impacting rural areas. Much of the path damage can be traced to center irrigation pivots either partially or fully overturned. The tornado damaged a couple power poles and peeled back some roofing material at the Rowe Sanctuary. A measured wind gust 83 MPH was recorded at the sanctuary as the storm passed. Damage was a bit sparse north of the river. The tornadic circulation likely crossed Interstate 80 about three miles west of the Gibbon interchange before knocking over a couple more pivots and lifting just southwest of Gibbon. The maximum estimated speed of 85 MPH was based upon the measured wind gust at the sanctuary and damage to nearby power poles.
A wind gust of 59 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located four miles west-northwest of Riverton.
A wind gust of 64 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located eight miles south-southeast of Kearney.
This tornado touched down just inside Franklin County south of Campbell, moved through northwestern Webster County and into southern Adams County. As this tornado tracked northeast, some power poles, and irrigation pivot, and an outbuilding were damaged east of Campbell. Once it crossed into Adams County, a few more pivots were tipped and a home sustained minor damage. The maximum wind gust was estimated to be 85 MPH.
This tornado touched down just inside Franklin County south of Campbell, moved through northwestern Webster County and into southern Adams County. As this tornado tracked northeast, some power poles, and irrigation pivot, and an outbuilding were damaged east of Campbell. Once it crossed into Adams County, a few more pivots were tipped and a home sustained minor damage. The maximum wind gust was estimated to be 85 MPH.
Local television station reported downed power lines on the southeast side of Kearney.
A wind gust of 74 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located approximately two and a half miles east-southeast of Kearney.
A wind gust of 64 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located one mile west of Heartwell.
This tornado is a continuation of the tornado that touched down in Kearney County, north of Minden. This tornado was typical for the day, likely intermittent with regard to ground circulation and impacting rural areas. Much of the path damage can be traced to center irrigation pivots either partially or fully overturned. The tornado damaged a couple power poles and peeled back some roofing material at the Rowe Sanctuary. A measured wind gust 83 MPH was recorded at the sanctuary as the storm passed. Damage was a bit sparse north of the river. The tornadic circulation likely crossed Interstate 80 about three miles west of the Gibbon interchange before knocking over a couple more pivots and lifting just southwest of Gibbon. The maximum estimated speed of 85 MPH was based upon the measured wind gust at the sanctuary and damage to nearby power poles.
This shorter path tornado started east of Lowell in Kearney County and traveled north-northeast across the Platte River into Buffalo County. Damage was sparse, but a few center irrigation pivots and minor tree damage was found. The tornadic circulation likely crossed Interstate 80 about 2.5 miles west of the Shelton interchange. The tornado moved across one farmstead where a garage was completely destroyed. Minor tree damage was also noted. The damage to the garage was the primary basis for the 80 MPH maximum wind speed estimate. The tornado tipped one more pivot before lifting just northeast of the farmstead.
A wind gust of 66 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located four miles east-northeast of Kearney.
A wind gust of 72 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located approximately one mile east of the Kearney Airport.
This tornado is a continuation of the tornado that touched down east of Lowell in Kearney County and traveled north-northeast across the Platte River into Buffalo County, lifting near Shelton. Damage was sparse, but a few center irrigation pivots and minor tree damage was found. The tornadic circulation likely crossed Interstate 80 about 2.5 miles west of the Shelton interchange. The tornado moved across one farmstead where a garage was completely destroyed. Minor tree damage was also noted. The damage to the garage was the primary basis for the 80 MPH maximum wind speed estimate. The tornado tipped one more pivot before lifting just northeast of the farmstead.
This tornado touched down just inside Franklin County south of Campbell, moved through northwestern Webster County and into southern Adams County. As this tornado tracked northeast, some power poles, and irrigation pivot, and an outbuilding were damaged east of Campbell. Once it crossed into Adams County, a few more pivots were tipped and a home sustained minor damage. The maximum wind gust was estimated to be 85 MPH.
A wind gust of 58 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located two miles west-southwest of Inavale.
Emergency management reported wind damage in Gibbon. Roof damage was reported to a local trailer park, and a grain bin in town was destroyed.
A wind gust of 71 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located five miles north-northeast of Inavale.
This tornado touched down in Webster County and lifted north into Adams County. This intermittent tornado path started west of Blue Hill, with damage including some irrigation pipe strewn into a tree line, and some tree damage a few miles west of town. As the tornado moved northeast, more pivots were overturned. The maximum wind gust was estimated to be 100 MPH, based upon the snapping of power poles southeast of Ayr. Spotters saw the tornado west of Glenvil, where it upset another pivot before lifting.
This tornado touched down in Webster County and lifted north into Adams County. This intermittent tornado path started west of Blue Hill, with damage including some irrigation pipe strewn into a tree line, and some tree damage a few miles west of town. As the tornado moved northeast, more pivots were overturned. The maximum wind gust was estimated to be 100 MPH, based upon the snapping of power poles southeast of Ayr. Spotters saw the tornado west of Glenvil, where it upset another pivot before lifting.
A semi-truck was overturned along Highway 6 near Adams Central Schools.
A wind gust of 66 MPH was measured by mesonet station located three miles northeast of Ayr.
This tornado touched down in far northeastern Adams County and continued into far southeastern Hall County. This tornado impacted three farmsteads. The maximum wind speed estimate of 100 MPH was based upon the collapse of an outbuilding at one farmstead. Partial roof loss was noted at one home, while another home had some superficial damage. Similar to other tornadoes, more irrigation pivots were overturned. The tornadic circulation probably crossed Highway 281 near the fuel supply facility south of Doniphan before lifting a mile or so south of Doniphan. Although there were no reported injuries, one family along North Marian Road had a fairly close call as their sport utility vehicle had several windows blown out of it only about one minute after they arrived home and sought shelter.
A wind gust of 59 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located one mile south of Prosser.
A wind gust of 61 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located on the north side of Hastings.
Wind-driven hail up to quarter size caused siding, fence, and roof damage.
This tornado touched down in far northeastern Adams County and continued into far southeastern Hall County. This tornado impacted three farmsteads. The maximum wind speed estimate of 100 MPH was based upon the collapse of an outbuilding at one farmstead. Partial roof loss was noted at one home, while another home had some superficial damage. Similar to other tornadoes, more irrigation pivots were overturned. The tornadic circulation probably crossed Highway 281 near the fuel supply facility south of Doniphan before lifting a mile or so south of Doniphan.
Hail up to the size of nickels was reported at the NWS Hastings office.
A wind gust of 71 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located two miles south of Doniphan. An NWS employee estimated wind gusts to be near 65 MPH on the southeast side of Doniphan, resulting in damage to a wood fence.
Wind gusts exceeding 60 MPH were common. A peak wind gust of 64 MPH was measured at 3:55 PM CST by a mesonet station located three miles east of Loomis.
Wind gusts exceeding 60 MPH were common. A peak wind gust of 75 MPH was measured at 5:24 PM CST by a mesonet station located two miles north-northeast of Norman.
Wind gusts exceeding 60 MPH were common. Peak wind gusts were estimated to be near 65 MPH, based off nearby observations. The highest measured wind gust in the county was 60 MPH, measured at 5:45 PM CST by a mesonet station located just south of Elm Creek.
Wind gusts exceeding 60 MPH were common. Peak wind gusts were estimated to be near 75 MPH, based off nearby observations. The highest measured wind gust in the county was 69 MPH, measured at 5:31 PM CST by a mesonet station located two miles west-northwest of Cowles.
Wind gusts exceeding 60 MPH were common. Peak wind gusts were estimated to be near 75 MPH, based off nearby observations. The highest measured wind gust in the county was 60 MPH, measured at 6:02 PM CST by a mesonet station located eight miles north-northwest of Bloomington.
Wind gusts exceeding 60 MPH were common. Peak wind gusts were estimated to be near 70 MPH, based off nearby observations. The highest measured wind gust in the county was 62 MPH, measured at 3:47 PM CST by a mesonet station located five miles northwest of Orleans.
A wind gust of 67 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located four miles northwest of Glenvil.
A wind gust of 59 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located three east-northeast of Guide Rock.
A wind gust of 63 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located two miles north-northwest of Inland.
This tornado touched down in extreme northeast Adams County south of Trumbull, crossed through far northwest Clay County before heading into southwest Hamilton County. This intermittent tornado damaged a horse barn south of Trumbull as it began its roughly seven-mile path. As it moved northeast, most of the observable damage was to a couple of irrigation pivots along with a snapped tree. The estimated maximum wind gust was 75 MPH.
This tornado touched down in extreme northeast Adams County south of Trumbull, crossed through far northwest Clay County before heading into southwest Hamilton County. This intermittent tornado damaged a horse barn south of Trumbull as it began its roughly seven-mile path. As it moved northeast, most of the observable damage was to a couple of irrigation pivots along with a snapped tree. The estimated maximum wind gust was 75 MPH.
A wind gust of 66 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located 4 miles south of Grand Island.
This tornado touched down in extreme northeast Adams County south of Trumbull, crossed through far northwest Clay County before heading into southwest Hamilton County. This intermittent tornado damaged a horse barn south of Trumbull as it began its roughly seven-mile path. As it moved northeast, most of the observable damage was to a couple of irrigation pivots along with a snapped tree. The estimated maximum wind gust was 75 MPH.
A spotter on the northwest side of Grand Island estimated wind gusts to be between 80 and 90 MPH, while the Central Nebraska Regional Airport ASOS measured a gust of 85 MPH. There was a report of a few railroad cars being blown over in the area. This wind was accompanied by hail ranging in size from peas to quarters.
Hail ranging in size from peas to quarters was reported. This hail was accompanied by wind gusts near 85 MPH.
Wind gusts estimated to be near 80 MPH resulted in a pick-up and trailer being blown over on Interstate 80 just east of the Locust Street exit.
Emergency management estimated wind gusts to be near 85 MPH. A photo from social media shows significant roof and siding damage to a building located downtown.
This Hamilton County tornado touched down four miles southeast of Giltner and traveled northeast into Aurora. The estimated maximum wind gust of 100 MPH was based mainly upon snapped power poles. There were numerous irrigation pivots damaged along and near this path. The tornado crossed Interstate 80 approximately two miles west of the Aurora interchange. The tornado entered the southwest side of Aurora near the fairgrounds. Metal cladding was peeled from storage facilities nearby and there were several spots of tree damage. The tornado lifted around 12th and E Streets just south of the railroad tracks.
A wind gust of 59 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located two miles north-northeast of Deweese.
A wind gust of 69 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located two miles northwest of Superior.
A wind gust of 63 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located four miles northeast of Fairfield.
A wind gust of 68 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located three miles west of Edgar.
A wind gust of 59 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located three miles southeast of Edgar.
A wind gust of 68 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located three miles north of Edgar.
Wind gusts were estimated to be near 70 MPH. Visibility was near zero due to rain and wind. A wind gusts of 63 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located four miles southeast of Clay Center.
Wind gusts were estimated to be near 80 MPH based on area measured gusts. Power lines were blown down in Ong.
Wind gusts were estimated to be near 80 MPH. Power lines and trees were downed in Sutton.
Wind-driven hail up to the size of golf balls caused significant siding damage to an area home.
Wind gusts were estimated to be near 70 MPH. Vehicle window damage was reported on Main Street.
Wind gusts in the area included 83 MPH, measured by a mesonet station located one mile north-northeast of Davenport, and 72 MPH, measured by a mesonet station located two miles south-southeast of Davenport. Photos received from Facebook showed damaged irrigation pivots in the area.
A wind gust of 62 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located four miles north-northeast of Ong.
A wind gust of 64 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located five miles west of Davenport.
This tornado touched down in northeast Hamilton County near Kronborg and moved northeast into southwest Polk County. This tornado was one of the more classic-looking tornadoes of the day, based on photos reviewed. The estimated maximum wind speed of 100 MPH was based primarily upon snapped power poles, but a hog facility was also heavily damages about 2 miles into the path of this tornado. The tornado crossed Highway 66 about two miles west of Polk. Just before it lifted north of Polk, the tornado took down a large metal building.
A wind gust of 84 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located two miles west of Shickley.
Report received from Twitter showed a shed with roof loss and a small outbuilding damaged one mile north of Fullerton. A wind gust of 60 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located six miles west-northwest of Fullerton.
A wind gust of 65 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located four miles west-northwest of Deshler.
A wind gust of 61 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located three miles northwest of Deshler.
A wind gust of 63 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located three miles south-southwest of Shickley.
A wind gust of 58 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located four miles north of Central City.
Emergency management reported irrigation pivot damage in the area.
A wind gust of 68 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located four miles north of Shickley.
A wind gust of 67 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located four miles east-southeast of Ruskin.
This tornado touched down in northeast Hamilton County near Kronborg and moved northeast into southwest Polk County. This tornado was one of the more classic-looking tornadoes of the day, based on photos reviewed. The estimated maximum wind speed of 100 MPH was based primarily upon snapped power poles, but a hog facility was also heavily damages about 2 miles into the path of this tornado. The tornado crossed Highway 66 about two miles west of Polk. Just before it lifted north of Polk, the tornado took down a large metal building.
This Polk County tornado touched down southeast of Polk and crossed Highway 66 about two miles east of town. The estimated maximum wind speed of 100 MPH was based upon multiple stretches of snapped power poles. Several irrigation pivots were overturned along and near its path.
A wind gust of 63 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located three miles southeast of Deshler.
A wind gust of 79 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located four miles northeast of Shickley.
Emergency management reported that two large pine trees were uprooted at the courthouse.
A wind gust of 63 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located four miles west of Geneva and a wind gust of 60 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located three miles southwest of Geneva.
Wind gusts estimated to be near 75 MPH resulted in tree damage in Geneva. A semi-truck was blown over on Highway 81.
Wind gusts estimated to be near 80 MPH lofted a carport up into nearby power lines. Tree limbs of at least 3-4 inches in diameter were downed. Blowing dust caused visibility to drop down to near one-half mile.
A wind gust of 58 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located one mile west of Stromsburg.
A wind gust of 58 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located three miles northwest of Fairmont.
A wind gust of 70 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located two miles north-northwest of Geneva.
A wind gust of 60 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located three miles east-southeast of Carleton.
A wind gust of 59 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located approximately 5 miles southwest of Silver Creek.
A wind gust of 59 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located two miles east-southeast of Fairmont.
A wind gust of 59 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located three miles east-southeast of Belvidere.
Wind gusts were estimated to be near 60 MPH, downing a few tree limbs. Pea size hail was also reported.
Straight-line winds in this area were estimated to be around 85 MPH. In addition to a few irrigation pivots being overturned, a large metal-framed structure with attached canopy at an area cattle lot suffered significant damage.
Wind gusts estimated to be near 75 MPH resulted in overturned irrigation pivots and a barn being damaged.
A wind gust of 63 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located five miles north-northwest of Alexandria.
A wind gust of 60 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located one mile northeast of Gresham.
Wind gusts exceeding 60 MPH were common. A peak wind gust of 73 MPH was measured by the Ord Airport ASOS at 4:53 PM CST.
Wind gusts exceeding 60 MPH were common. Peak wind gusts were estimated to be near 65 MPH, based off nearby observations.
A wind gust of 73 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located two miles west-southwest of Cordova.
Wind gusts exceeding 60 MPH were common. Peak wind gusts were estimated to be near 65 MPH, based off nearby observations.
Wind gusts exceeding 60 MPH were common. Peak wind gusts were estimated to be near 65 MPH, based off nearby observations.
Wind gusts exceeding 60 MPH were common. A peak wind gust of 70 MPH was measured at 5:10 PM CST by a mesonet station located two miles southeast of St. Paul.
Wind gusts exceeding 60 MPH were common. A peak wind gust of 64 MPH was measured at 5:40 PM CST by a mesonet station located three miles west of York.
Wind gusts exceeding 60 MPH were common. A peak wind gust of 67 MPH was measured at 6:13 PM CST by the Central Nebraska Regional Airport-Grand Island ASOS.
Wind gusts exceeding 60 MPH were common. A peak wind gust of 73 MPH was measured at 6:01 PM CST by the Hastings Airport ASOS.
Wind gusts exceeding 60 MPH were common. A peak wind gust of 77 MPH was measured at 6:06 PM CST by a mesonet station located four miles east of Pauline.
Wind gusts exceeding 60 MPH were common. Peak wind gusts were estimated to be near 70 MPH, based off nearby observations. The highest measured wind gust in the county was 62 MPH, measured at 6:30 PM CST by a mesonet station located three miles east of Shickley.
Wind gusts exceeding 60 MPH were common. Peak wind gusts were estimated to be near 65 MPH, based off nearby observations. The highest measured wind gust in the county was 59 MPH, measured at 7:13 PM CST by mesonet stations located eight miles north-northeast of Palmer and three miles east of Fullerton.
Wind gusts exceeding 60 MPH were common. Peak wind gusts were estimated to be near 65 MPH, based off nearby observations.
Wind gusts exceeding 60 MPH were common. Peak wind gusts were estimated to be near 65 MPH, based off nearby observations.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Nebraska in 2021Every state in 2021This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Nebraska, 2021Warnings in Nebraska, December 2021
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: 991311, 991313, 994235, 994240, 994242, 994244, 994248, 991315, 991314, 991316, 991317, 994770, 994771, 994769, 994772, 991318, 991376, 994793, 991320, 991381, 991382, 991321, 994760, 991322, 991377, 991379, 994761, 994762, 991380, 991383, 994794, 991323, 991325, 991384, 991385, 991326, 991327, 991386, 994777, 994778, and more.