During the evening hours, a line of showers and storms developed over Eastern Colorado. As the line move over Yuma and Kit Carson counties, 60 mph wind gusts occurred with some small tree limb damage reported near Idalia, Colorado.
Every event with a place to put it. 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 GLD wrote it up.
During the evening hours, a line of showers and storms developed over Eastern Colorado. As the line move over Yuma and Kit Carson counties, 60 mph wind gusts occurred with some small tree limb damage reported near Idalia, Colorado.
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 Goodland, KS wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 17, 4:28 PM MST, 1 hour 11 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Goodland KS
528 PM MDT Tue May 17 2022
.UPDATE...
Issued at 524 PM MDT Tue May 17 2022
Storms have formed along a warm front/dryline that is currently
across Northwestern Kansas. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch for
counties along and southeast of a line from Tribune to Greeley
counties has been issued until 11pm MT/midnight CT. These are
counties along and ahead of the line. Hail and strong winds are
expected to be the main threat as this line moves to east across
the next few hours.
Also storms have formed along the Palmer Divide and are moving
east into the area. These storms are expected to move east with
most of them dissipating shortly after the Colorado state line. A
few may continue eastward with latest guidance giving the highest
chances in Southwestern Nebraska. A few storms may produce strong
wind gusts.
&&
.SHORT TERM...(This evening through Friday Morning)
Issued at 234 PM MDT Tue May 17 2022
The main concerns for the short term period are the potential for
severe weather this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon. A developing
low pressure system just off the Front Range is leading to an
increase in a CU field along with a developing storm near Ft.
Collins/Greeley area. The expectation is that this will continue to
move towards the east towards Yuma/Kit Carson county through the
afternoon with the main threat being damaging wind gusts with
inverted v soundings present along with a copious amount of DCAPE
being present. This activity should weaken as it nears or just
after it cross the Kansas state line as we lose diurnal heating.
The other area for potential severe weather appears to be along and
east of a Tribune to McCook line along a weak cold front/wind shift
boundary. A stout CAP is in place but is anticipated to break
late this afternoon as the better forcing from the Colorado low
and convective temperatures are met. A Slight risk from the SPC is
in place where large hail and damaging winds appear to the main
hazard. RAP forecast soundings near Hill City indicate MUCAPE near
2600 j/kg resulting in a high large hail and significant hail
parameter which may support isolated instances of 2+ inch hail. A
caveat to this would be weak 0-6km shear of 25-35 knots will
would support more of a multicell/cluster to develop; as a result
feel the significant hail potential will be reserved to
initiation time frame of 22-00Z unless a dominant more discrete
cell can occur. Due to the rapid upscale development expected am
anticipating more of a damaging wind threat to eventually develop
as storms move to the east out of the CWA around 05-06Z. A couple
hour landspout potential may develop over portions of Cheyenne
County (CO), Greeley and Wichita counties as the cold front/wind
shift boundary appears to be stationary and SPC Mesoanalysis
depicts and overlapping SFC Vorticity/MLCAPE area, this is
dependent on if any developing updrafts occur in this area.
Wednesday, low level moisture returns to east Colorado.
Anticipated strong diurnal heating to result in high based
updraft development along and near the Front Range. Forecast
soundings indicate the potential for 0-6 shear of 25-35 knots
which would result in a multicell convection solutions as
damaging winds would be the main threat with some potential for
large hail with the strongest storms. High temperatures are
forecast to be in the upper 70s to mid 80s across the area, winds
will however be variable around 5-15 mph across the area.
Overnight, lows will be seasonal in the 50s over the the CWA.
Thursday, high pressure develops over the High Plains with gusty
southwesterly winds advecting dry air as RH values approach the
single digits over western portions of the area. Southwesterly winds
of 15-25 mph and wind gusts up to 35 mph look likely across the
majority of the area. After collaboration with surrounding
offices have went with a Fire Weather Watch for counties along and
west of Kansas Highway 27 for Thursday afternoon. As of 5/14 Fire
Weather Fuel Status for the CWA fuels are dry across the entire
area with a few burn bans remaining in place. The potential for
rainfall due today and tomorrows convective potential does exists
which may inhibit short term fire weather concerns, opted to go
for the watch due to the very dry recent conditions and not
making any assumptions on how much rainfall each county may
receive as a widespread rain is not currently expected at this
time. Thursday evening a strong cold front is expected to move
into the area which will allow winds to shift from the SW to the
NE during the evening hours, which would pose the risk for a
rapidly changing wildfire direction if one were to be ongoing.
Cooler temperatures then move into the area behind the front into
Friday morning with overnight lows in the upper 30s across east
Colorado to the low 50s over eastern portions of the area.
.LONG TERM...(Friday through Tuesday)
Issued at 1245 PM MDT Tue May 17 2022
Friday will be breezy and much cooler with high temperatures
ranging from the lower 50s in northeast Colorado to the lower 70s
in Hill City. Upper trough approaching the Rockies will cause
increasing clouds through the day. Precipitation chances start in
northeast Colorado Friday afternoon and spread across the
remainder of the area Friday night, ending Saturday morning. As
temperatures drop into the lower 30s, rain will mix with or change
to snow, mainly in northeast Colorado, but possibly into northwest
Kansas and southwest Nebraska as far east as Highway 25. Models
still aggressively accumulating snow, but with warm ground
temperatures expecting quite a bit of melting. Nonetheless, an
inch or so of slushy accumulation possible during this time. Frost
and freeze highlights will probably be necessary as the growing
season is well under way. Might see some sun Saturday afternoon
and optimistically have highs in the 50s and 60s. Another late
season frost or freeze possible Saturday night as well, mainly
along and west of Highway 25 and into northeast Colorado, as
temperatures drop into the 30s once again.
For Sunday and Monday, another shortwave trough will be moving out
of the northern Rockies and across the central High Plains.
Temperatures will warm into the upper 60s to lower 70s Sunday
afternoon before scattered showers develop Sunday night with the
upper system. Temperatures will be warm enough for all rain this
time around, with lows Sunday night in the 40s. Showers will
continue into Monday morning before ending Monday afternoon. High
temperatures on Monday will be in the upper 60s to lower 70s with
lows Monday night in the 40s. Tuesday currently looks dry as upper
flow turns southwest ahead of the next system digging into the
central Rockies Tuesday night. Downsloping wind component will
allow temperatures on Tuesday to warm to around 80.
&&
.AVIATION...(For the 00Z TAFS through 00Z Wednesday evening)
Issued at 445 PM MDT Tue May 17 2022
For KGLD... VFR conditions are expected through the period.
However, a round of thunderstorms may reach the terminal during
the evening hours (likely between 01-03Z). Ahead of the
thunderstorms, the outflow may kick up blowing dust and reduce
visibility a bit. If the thunderstorms or outflow goes over the
terminal, expect strong wind gusts potentially in excess of 50 kts
and a sudden wind change. After the thunderstorms pass,
relatively quiet conditions and lower wind speeds are expected.
For KMCK... VFR conditions are expected through the period.
However, thunderstorms may move near and through the terminal
closer to midnight local time (around 03-05Z). The blowing dust
potential is not expected to reach the terminal. If the
thunderstorms or outflow goes over the terminal, expect strong
wind gusts potentially in excess of 50 kts and a sudden wind
change. Conditions will then be relatively quiet with winds
reducing in speed.
&&
.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 234 PM MDT Tue May 17 2022
Fire weather concerns again return to the area Thursday as
southwesterly flow advects dry and warm conditions back into the
area. High temperatures in the 90s will aid in RH values dropping
to near the single digits across western portions of the area.
Southwesterly winds will gust up to 35 mph as diurnal mixing
increases during the afternoon. Fuels currently remain receptive
for wildfire development, as result a Fire Weather Watch was
issued for counties along and west of Kansas Highway 27 on
Thursday. An advancing cold front during the evening hours will
cause winds to turn the northeast resulting in unpredictable
changing of wildfires if one were to be occurring.
&&
.GLD WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
KS...Fire Weather Watch from Thursday morning through Thursday
evening for KSZ001-013-027-041.
CO...Fire Weather Watch from Thursday morning through Thursday
evening for COZ252>254.
NE...NONE.
&&
UPDATE...KAK
SHORT TERM...TT
LONG TERM...024
AVIATION...KAK
FIRE WEATHER...TTHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Goodland KS 523 PM MDT Tue May 17 2022 COZ090>092-KSZ001>004-013>016-027>029-041-042-NEZ079>081-182330- Yuma-Kit Carson-Cheyenne-Rawlins-Decatur-Norton-Sherman-Thomas- Sheridan-Graham-Wallace-Logan-Gove-Greeley-Wichita-Dundy-Hitchcock- Red Willow- 523 PM MDT Tue May 17 2022 /623 PM CDT Tue May 17 2022/ This hazardous weather outlook is for extreme southwest Nebraska... northwest Kansas and east central Colorado. .DAY ONE...THIS EVENING AND TONIGHT... A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 11pm MT/midnight CT for counties along and southeast of a line from Norton county to Greeley county. Damaging wind gusts and large hail are the primary threats with these storms. Thunderstorms are also possible for counties along and near the Colorado border this evening. A few of the storms may produce strong wind gusts. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...WEDNESDAY THROUGH TUESDAY... Scattered thunderstorms will develop along southern portions of the Colorado Front Range early Wednesday afternoon, tracking east toward the Kansas border during the late afternoon and early evening. A few severe storms are possible, mainly south of Interstate 70 and west of Highway 83 between 3 PM and 9 PM MDT. Near critical to critical fire weather conditions are anticipated across the entire Tri-State area on Thursday. An abrupt northerly wind shift during the late afternoon and early evening is the primary concern. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter reports of severe wind gusts, hail of any size, flooding and any tornadoes are appreciated. Please call, email or send in social media reports.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Goodland KS
657 PM CDT Tue May 17 2022
KSZ014-015-180030-
Sheridan KS-Thomas KS-
657 PM CDT Tue May 17 2022
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of east central Thomas
and southwestern Sheridan Counties through 730 PM CDT...
At 657 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 4
miles south of Menlo, or 13 miles northwest of Grinnell, moving
southeast at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and nickel size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of east central Thomas
and southwestern Sheridan Counties, including the following
locations... Angelus.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until midnight CDT for
northwestern and west central Kansas.
&&
LAT...LON 3914 10071 3913 10072 3928 10088 3935 10072
3920 10060
TIME...MOT...LOC 2357Z 330DEG 11KT 3930 10074
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
TriggSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Goodland KS
658 PM CDT Tue May 17 2022
KSZ004-016-180030-
Norton KS-Graham KS-
658 PM CDT Tue May 17 2022
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern Norton
and northeastern Graham Counties through 730 PM CDT...
At 658 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Edmond, or 16 miles north of Hill City, moving southeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Nicodemus.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until midnight CDT for
northwestern Kansas.
&&
LAT...LON 3919 9962 3956 10010 3980 9977 3968 9963
3957 9963 3957 9960 3953 9960 3921 9961
TIME...MOT...LOC 2358Z 312DEG 25KT 3960 9980
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
TriggSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Goodland KS
702 PM CDT Tue May 17 2022
KSZ015-180030-
Sheridan KS-
702 PM CDT Tue May 17 2022
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southern Sheridan
County through 730 PM CDT...
At 702 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles east of Menlo, or 8 miles west of Hoxie, moving southeast at 15
mph.
HAZARD...Nickel size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.
This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of southern Sheridan
County, including the following locations... Seguin.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement
agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service
office in Goodland.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until midnight CDT for
northwestern and west central Kansas.
&&
LAT...LON 3925 10027 3913 10054 3914 10054 3934 10071
3944 10056
TIME...MOT...LOC 0002Z 320DEG 11KT 3933 10060
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH
TriggSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Goodland KS
714 PM CDT Tue May 17 2022
KSZ042-180045-
Wichita KS-
714 PM CDT Tue May 17 2022
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southern Wichita
County through 745 PM CDT...
At 714 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8
miles southwest of Leoti, moving southeast at 10 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of southern Wichita
County, including the following locations... Selkirk.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement
agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service
office in Goodland.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until midnight CDT for
west central Kansas.
&&
LAT...LON 3836 10157 3848 10157 3853 10140 3836 10120
3826 10151 3827 10151
TIME...MOT...LOC 0014Z 317DEG 8KT 3840 10147
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
TriggSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Goodland KS
615 PM MDT Tue May 17 2022
COZ091-092-180045-
Kit Carson County CO-Cheyenne County CO-
615 PM MDT Tue May 17 2022
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern
Cheyenne and south central Kit Carson Counties in east central
Colorado through 645 PM MDT...
At 615 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 16
miles north of Kit Carson, or 21 miles south of Seibert, moving
southeast at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of northwestern
Cheyenne and south central Kit Carson Counties in east central
Colorado.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3894 10303 3914 10290 3905 10252 3872 10287
TIME...MOT...LOC 0015Z 301DEG 24KT 3898 10289
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
MRCSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Goodland KS
729 PM CDT Tue May 17 2022
KSZ028-180100-
Logan KS-
729 PM CDT Tue May 17 2022
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of central Logan County
through 800 PM CDT...
At 728 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 5
miles north of Russell Springs, or 18 miles southwest of Oakley,
moving southeast at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and nickel size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Russell Springs around 740 PM CDT.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until midnight CDT for
west central Kansas.
&&
LAT...LON 3902 10124 3909 10110 3892 10091 3884 10114
TIME...MOT...LOC 0028Z 316DEG 16KT 3899 10116
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
TriggThe Goodland radar (KGLD), 97 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 00:40 UTC.
2 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Mesonet station KCOCHEYE8 reported a 60 mph wind gust over a duration of five minutes as a storm approached from the west.
Estimated 60 mph winds associated with a thunderstorm snapped one inch diameter limbs off a tree.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Colorado in 2022Every state in 2022This day in weather historyWarnings in Colorado, May 2022
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: 1031697, 1031699.