Although this six-county North Central Kansas area missed out on the more significant coverage of severe thunderstorms that impacted many places not far off to the north, east and southeast on this Friday afternoon-early evening, it still dealt with spotty strong to severe storms, and more notably a few hours of damaging (mainly non-thunderstorm driven) winds behind a surging dryline/cold front.…
Every event with a place to put it; 15 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.
Although this six-county North Central Kansas area missed out on the more significant coverage of severe thunderstorms that impacted many places not far off to the north, east and southeast on this Friday afternoon-early evening, it still dealt with spotty strong to severe storms, and more notably a few hours of damaging (mainly non-thunderstorm driven) winds behind a surging dryline/cold front. These damaging winds, which affected various portions of the area and were mainly out of the west/northwest, seemed to be most concentrated within Rooks, Osborne and Mitchell counties between 5-8 p.m. CDT. During this time, several mesonet stations registered severe-criteria gusts ranging from 58-84 MPH (including 84 MPH seven miles east of Tipton, 79 MPH four miles west-southwest of Beloit, 67 MPH near Osborne and 59 MPH in Plainville). Though ground-truth damage reports were limited, a hay shed was blown down in southeastern Osborne County and at least one large tree was toppled in Beloit. The setup behind these damaging winds was likely a bit complex and multi-faceted, but they were likely driven primarily by a pronounced spike in the local surface pressure gradient between a strong/departing low pressure center and also sharp pressure rises behind the aforementioned surging frontal boundaries. However, this might not have been a purely non-convective wind event either, as many of the enhanced gusts tended to occur in the vicinity of otherwise benign looking rain showers/weak storms, making it plausible that light precipitation falling through a steep low-level lapse rate environment might have also enhanced the ambient gradient-driven winds. Turning to actual strong-to-severe thunderstorms within the local domain, fortunately coverage/impacts were fairly limited and mainly confined to parts of Phillips, Rooks and Smith counties. There was only one report of severe-criteria hail...ping pong ball size near Long Island....as the far southern fringes of a supercell in Nebraska brushed across far northern Phillips County mainly between 5-6 p.m. CDT. During the following hour, a line of storms briefly intensified mainly over Smith/Rooks counties, prompting a 61 MPH gust at the Smith Center airport and dropping hail up to nickel size near Webster State Park.
Finishing with a closer look at the meteorological situation, overall this was a prime springtime severe weather setup. In the mid-upper levels, a strong, slightly negatively-tilted shortwave trough ejected out of the Rockies and across the heart of Nebraska/northern Kansas over the course of the afternoon-evening. At the surface, the main low pressure center drifted slowly eastward across northern Kansas (peaking at around 992 millibars), with a fairly well-defined warm front taking shape along the KS/NE border ahead of it and a sharp cold front/dryline combination surging in behind it. Within most of the local area, afternoon temperatures soared into the upper 80s-low 90s (F) just south of the warm front, but low-level moisture was seasonably-modest with dewpoints only reaching the 50s ahead of the dryline/cold front. Nonetheless, steep mid-level lapse rates prompted healthy instability with mixed-layer CAPE peaking as high as 1500-2500 J/kg, and deep-layer shear was modestly-strong (as high as 40-50 knots).
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 Apr 29, 1:00 PM CST, 3 hours earlier.
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
National Weather Service Hastings NE
200 PM CDT Fri Apr 29 2022
.DISCUSSION...(Today through Thursday)
Issued at 328 AM CDT Fri Apr 29 2022
Showers and thunderstorms continue to move northeast across the
area early this morning. Stratus is developing behind the storms
and this is expected to continue as the storms continue northeast.
If winds were to become light enough, there is the potential for
patchy fog especially where it has rained, but as winds are not
currently forecast to be quite light enough, have left it out of
the forecast. I still wanted to mention it, though.
We also may see some very brief near-critical to critical fire
weather conditions across our Kansas counties as drier air moves
in ahead of the cold front. This may not materialize with the rain
moving across many of our Kansas counties this morning, however.
A strong negatively tilted trough will move across the central
Plains today. There will be plenty of moisture with dewpoints in
the 50s and 60s across the area, instability with MUCAPE values
over 2000 J/kg over western portions of the CWA and potentially
in the 3000-3500 J/kg range over central and eastern portions of
the CWA. Supercell thunderstorms are expected to develop mid-
afternoon, with forecast soundings indicating very large hail
expected to be the biggest threat. Additionally, a few tornadoes
are possible with these storms...really, anywhere they develop
this afternoon has a chance, but the greatest concern for any
stronger tornado will likely be north and east of the low pressure
center where helicity, CAPE, and dewpoints are going to be the
greatest. Right now, that looks to be approximately from the tri-
cities area in Nebraska north and east within the Hastings
forecast area. The time frame for the severe threat is expected to
be from mid- afternoon through late evening before heading east
out of our forecast area.
After the cold front moves through, winds will switch to the
northwest and increase late Friday night into Saturday. The
strongest winds will likely occur late Saturday morning to
Saturday evening, when gusts will likely approach or exceed 60
mph, especially along and west of Highway 281. Because of this,
we have upgraded the High Wind Watch to a High Wind Warning.
Next week looks cooler with potentially several period of rain
chances, and models are becoming more consistent with this trend.
&&
.AVIATION...(For the 18Z KGRI/KEAR TAFS through 18Z Saturday)
Issued at 1253 PM CDT Fri Apr 29 2022
Main issues include a dynamic system moving through the area today
that may produce some severe thunderstorms. Damaging wind gusts
and large hail are possible. An isolated tornado is not out of the
question, but starting to look a bit more likely just to the south
near the state line. Wind will eventually shift to the northwest
toward 00Z behind a cold front with strong and gusty winds
expected. Ceilings will eventually lower behind the front into the
lower MVFR/IFR range. Models have been rather consistent with this
scenario. Wind direction may be the toughest to pinpoint for the
first 9 hours of the forecast as the surface low tracks northeast,
just south of the terminals.
&&
.GID WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NE...High Wind Warning from 7 AM Saturday to 1 AM CDT Sunday for
NEZ039-040-046-047-060>062-072>075-082>085.
KS...High Wind Warning from 7 AM Saturday to 1 AM CDT Sunday for
KSZ005-006-017-018.
&&
DISCUSSION...Hickford
AVIATION...HeinleinHazardous Weather Outlook...UPDATED National Weather Service Hastings NE 821 AM CDT Fri Apr 29 2022 KSZ005>007-017>019-NEZ039>041-046>049-060>064-072>077-082>087- 301200- 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- 821 AM CDT Fri Apr 29 2022 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for south central Nebraska and portions of north central Kansas. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. Severe weather is expected across much of south central Nebraska and north central Kansas late this afternoon and evening. Portions of the area are included in a moderate risk for severe weather with much of the rest of the area in an enhanced risk. Most of the storm activity will occur between 3 PM and 11 PM. The main hazard will be damaging wind gusts over 75 mph and large hail in excess of 2 inches in diameter. Tornadoes are also possible, especially between 5 PM and 8 PM. All of the storms will generally move from southwest to northeast at speeds of 40 mph or greater. There is also a risk of isolated flooding, especially for areas which received significant rainfall Thursday night. In addition on Friday afternoon, the combination of gusty winds and low relative humidity may lead to near-critical to briefly critical fire danger for much of north central Kansas. Finally, as thunderstorms exit the area, strong northwest winds will enter the outlook area late Friday night into Saturday. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Strong northwest winds will overtake the entire outlook area late Friday night into especially Saturday daytime. Sustained speeds of 30 to 40 MPH appear likely Saturday, accompanied by gusts of 50 to 60 MPH. A few gusts may be even stronger. A High Wind Warning is in effect during the daytime and evening hours Saturday for counties along and west of Highway 281, which stand the best chance of seeing gusts around 60 MPH or greater. Additional chances for thunderstorms enter the picture Sunday night, Monday, and again Wednesday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report any possible instances of large hail, strong thunderstorm winds or localized flooding that might occur overnight. && More information may be obtained at the following web page: https://www.weather.gov/hastings
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HASTINGS NE
404 PM CDT FRI APR 29 2022
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0401 PM HAIL 4 S ARAPAHOE 40.25N 99.90W
04/29/2022 E2.00 INCH FURNAS NE PUBLIC
HAIL STILL FALLING AT ARAPAHOE GOLF COURSE.
GOLF BALLS WITH A FEW EGGS (SIZED) MIXED IN.
&&PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HASTINGS NE
417 PM CDT FRI APR 29 2022
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0400 PM TSTM WND GST 2 NW GOTHENBURG 40.95N 100.19W
04/29/2022 M50 MPH DAWSON NE MESONET
NEBRASKA MESONET SITE.
&&
PFANNKUCHPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HASTINGS NE
425 PM CDT FRI APR 29 2022
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0405 PM HAIL 4 WNW BEAVER CITY 40.15N 99.89W
04/29/2022 E1.75 INCH FURNAS NE PUBLIC
PEA TO GOLF BALL SIZE HAIL STARTED AT
405...A FEW SMALL STONES STILL FALLING NOW.
&&
PFANNKUCHPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HASTINGS NE
432 PM CDT FRI APR 29 2022
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0413 PM TSTM WND GST 1 NNE COZAD 40.87N 99.98W
04/29/2022 M51 MPH DAWSON NE MESONET
&&
PFANNKUCHSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Hastings NE
446 PM CDT Fri Apr 29 2022
NEZ039-046-292200-
Valley NE-Sherman NE-
446 PM CDT Fri Apr 29 2022
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of Valley and western
Sherman Counties after 500 PM CDT...
At 443 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking severe thunderstorms along
a line extending from 8 miles southwest of Taylor to near Weissert
to 6 miles south of Berwyn. Movement was east at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 60 mph and quarter 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.
Strong thunderstorms will be near...
Arcadia and Ord around 515 PM CDT.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 900 PM CDT for central
Nebraska.
&&
LAT...LON 4174 9892 4145 9886 4112 9888 4115 9921
4174 9921
TIME...MOT...LOC 2143Z 269DEG 26KT 4170 9951 4149 9941 4126 9950
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
ThiesPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HASTINGS NE
455 PM CDT FRI APR 29 2022
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0420 PM HAIL BEAVER CITY 40.14N 99.83W
04/29/2022 E1.75 INCH FURNAS NE PUBLIC
PING PONG TO GOLF BALL SIZE HAIL AT
DISPATCH.
&&
PFANNKUCHThe Grand Island radar (KUEX), 111 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 22:12 UTC.
15 high wind, 3 hail, 2 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Wind gusts were estimated to be near 65-70 MPH, and a spotter reported a hay shed was blown down 11 miles east-southeast of Covert.
A wind gust of 59 MPH was measured by mesonet station located in Plainville.
Wind gusts were estimated to be near 60 MPH along an outflow surge.
A non-thunderstorm wind gust of 58 MPH was measured by a KSU mesonet station located one mile north-northwest of Osborne.
A non-thunderstorm wind gust of 66 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located one mile west of Logan.
A wind gust of 61 MPH was measured by the Smith Center Airport AWOS.
A non-thunderstorm wind gust of 69 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located three miles north of Tipton.
A non-thunderstorm wind gust of 71 MPH was measured by a KSU mesonet station located six miles west-southwest of Beloit.
A non-thunderstorm wind gust of 84 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located seven miles east of Tipton.
A non-thunderstorm wind gust of 79 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located four miles west-southwest of Beloit. Tree damage was also reported in Beloit, including a tree that was approximately three feet in diameter.
A non-thunderstorm wind gust of 70 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located nine miles east-northeast of Victor.
A non-thunderstorm wind gust of 62 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located nine miles northeast of Victor.
A non-thunderstorm wind gust of 66 MPH was measured by a KSU mesonet station located six miles west-southwest of Beloit.
A non-thunderstorm wind gust of 58 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located two miles north of Glen Elder.
A non-thunderstorm wind gust of 66 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located four miles west-southwest of Beloit.
A non-thunderstorm wind gust of 67 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located one mile north-northeast of Osborne.
A non-thunderstorm wind gust of 59 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located in Cawker City.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Kansas in 2022Every state in 2022This day in weather historyWarnings in Kansas, April 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: 1022967, 1022968, 1013521, 1013530, 1013533, 1013534, 1013539, 1013549, 1022973, 1013567, 1013589, 1013590, 1013591, 1013592, 1013594, 1013595, 1013596, 1013597, 1013599, 1013598.