Nebraska, 2022

Tornadoes and Hail in Nebraska, April 29, 2022

April 29, 2022 · NWS GID · 58 events in 17 counties and zones

A substantial round of severe thunderstorms rolled through South Central Nebraska on this Friday afternoon-early evening, causing a plethora of wind damage, scattered pockets of large hail (some very large) and four confirmed, short-track tornadoes (one rated EF-0, three EF-Unknown). m.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. 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

The toll

Deaths
0
Injuries
0
Property damage
None recorded
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
58

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.

What happened

The episode as NWS GID wrote it up.

A substantial round of severe thunderstorms rolled through South Central Nebraska on this Friday afternoon-early evening, causing a plethora of wind damage, scattered pockets of large hail (some very large) and four confirmed, short-track tornadoes (one rated EF-0, three EF-Unknown). For being such a widespread event (the majority of the 24 counties experienced at least limited severe weather) it was fairly quick-evolving and quick-hitting, as all local storms occurred within a 4.5-hour span between 3:30-8 p.m. CDT. Convective mode was a potent, but messy mix consisting primarily of an eastward-charging quasi-linear convective system (QLCS), but also a few briefly-discrete supercells that flared up just ahead of the QLCS (and were subsequently overtaken by it), along with at least one supercell structure embedded within the southern reaches of the QLCS. Digging deeper into storm reports, and starting with the four tornadoes, the first two (both with no known damage) touched down briefly in southwestern Harlan County, spawned by the first (and most isolated) supercell of the day. A short time later, another brief tornado (also no damage reported) was spotted in south central Kearney County, associated with a supercell that initiated just ahead of the approaching QLCS. The fourth tornado, though only rated EF-0, was the most noteworthy one as it developed along the far southern fringes of the QLCS in the Ruskin-Deshler area, overturning several pivots and damaging an outbuilding along a nearly five mile path. However, by far the biggest story of the day was significant straight-line wind damage. Though sporadic pockets of damage occurred in western counties, by far the most concentrated swaths focused within the following counties: Adams, Nuckolls, Thayer and especially Clay/Fillmore. This was due to a combination of the QLCS peaking in intensity over this area, along with it containing the embedded supercell. The most notable corridor of destructive winds took aim on southeastern Clay, southwestern Fillmore and northern Thayer counties. To mention just a few storm reports from this zone: at least 250 irrigation pivots toppled; several grain bins and a few outbuildings destroyed; unofficial mesonet-measured wind gusts as high as 91 MPH near Davenport and 78 MPH near Shickley. Outside of this worst-hit area (and farther north/west): a sampling of thunderstorm wind issues included: estimated 75 MPH gusts that derailed approximately 15 train cars near Shelton, estimated winds of 65-70 MPH in the Minden and Hastings areas (downed trees in Minden and a small-but-sturdy storage shed blown from behind a home into a front yard in south Hastings); measured gusts of 64 MPH as far north as Ord and 61 MPH as far west as Bertrand. Although taking a back seat to damaging winds due to being more localized, several large hail reports came in from various counties, including some very large stones to at least tennis ball size. The majority of the largest hail occurred with the first supercell of the day in Furnas County, including up to baseball size south of Holbrook and tennis ball size in Beaver City/Hollinger. However, the outright-biggest stone of the event measured 4 inches in diameter, plunging earthward several miles southwest of Minden. On the less extreme side of things, ping pong ball to golf ball size hail fell in various locations including Kearney, Minden and Alma.

Taking a closer look at event evolution/timing, the first supercell initiated over northern Furnas County around 3:30 p.m. CDT, forming on a classic surface triple point...slightly north-northwest of strong low pressure (992 millibars) centered over north central Kansas. For a short time this storm was the only show locally, drifting slowly southeastward and dropping large hail and brief tornadoes. However, by 4:30 p.m. CDT, a north-south oriented linear system was already into Dawson/Gosper counties, driven eastward by strong convergence along an accelerating cold front. Between 5-6 p.m. CDT a few supercells/discrete multicells briefly developed over Kearney/Buffalo counties (including the one that produced the very large hail/brief tornado in Kearney County), but these storms were soon ingested by the surging QLCS. Between 6-7 p.m. CDT this complex surged across the Highway 281 corridor while a new cluster of severe convection flared up just ahead its southern edge mainly over Webster/Clay/Nuckolls counties. Finally, between 7-8 p.m. CDT, the southern portion of the QLCS (with an embedded supercell) took center stage, wreaking havoc upon the Clay/Fillmore/Thayer counties area with damaging winds before exiting the local domain into southeast Nebraska. During this same time frame, the northern portion of the QLCS (near/north of Interstate 80) prevailed weaker in nature and yielded few storm reports, but did drop quarter size hail near Shelby before exiting the coverage area. Finishing with a closer look at the meteorological situation, overall this was a prime springtime severe thunderstorm 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 primary low pressure center drifted slowly eastward across northern Kansas, with a fairly well-defined warm front taking shape along the NE/KS border ahead of it and a sharp cold front/dryline combination surging in behind it. Despite a somewhat marginal thermodynamic environment featuring surface temperatures only in the 70s (F) and dewpoints only upper 50s-low 60s, steep mid-level lapse rates prompted healthy instability with mixed-layer CAPE peaking as high as 1500-3000 J/kg mainly along/south of the I-80 corridor. Deep-layer shear was modestly-strong (as high as 40-50 knots) and storms entered an increasingly-volatile low-level shear environment as they worked east of Highway 281, with southern portions of the QLCS encountering significant 0-1 kilometer storm relative helicity (SRH) of 200-300 m2/s2 (corresponding to the area of greatest wind damage). From a forecast perspective this was a well-anticipated event, as SPC's Day 3 Outlook (issued on the 27th) already introduced an Enhanced Risk of severe weather (level 3 of 5) for far southeast portions of South Central Nebraska. Then, on the morning of the 29th, roughly the southeast quadrant of the area was upgraded to Moderate Risk (level 4 of 5).

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 Hastings, NE wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Apr 29, 1:00 PM CST, 1 hour 43 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Apr 29, 1:00 PM CST, 1 hour 43 minutes before
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...Heinlein
Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 29, 7:21 AM CST, 7 hours 22 minutes before
Hazardous 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

The radar

The Grand Island radar (KUEX), 134 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:43 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

33 thunderstorm wind, 20 hail, 5 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Furnas

When
April 29, 2:43 PM CST
Where
Furnas County, 5 mi S of Holbrook
Measured
2.75 in hail
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
40.228, -100.020

Report from Facebook stated the largest stone was measured at 2.7 inches in diameter.

Hail, Furnas

When
April 29, 2:48 PM CST to 3:05 PM CST
Where
Furnas County, 3.45 mi S of Arapahoe
Measured
2 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.250, -99.900

Largest hail stones at the local golf course ranged in size from ping pong balls to two inches in diameter.

Hail, Furnas

When
April 29, 3:05 PM CST to 3:30 PM CST
Where
Furnas County, 3.15 mi WSW of Beaver City to 0.81 mi SSW of Hollinger
Measured
2.5 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.140, -99.888

Hail ranging anywhere in size from peas to tennis balls was reported along and near this path, including in the towns of Beaver City and Hollinger.

Hail, Dawson

When
April 29, 3:47 PM CST
Where
Dawson County, Darr
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
40.820, -99.880

Tornado, Harlan

When
April 29, 3:52 PM CST to 3:57 PM CST
Where
Harlan County, 6.42 mi SSW of Stamford to 6.93 mi S of Stamford
Rating
EFU
Path length
1.26 mi
Path width
20 yd
Reported by
Storm Chaser
Coordinates
40.040, -99.610

This tornado briefly touched down several miles south of Stamford. Location and time was approximated from reports and radar. No damage was reported.

Hail, Harlan

When
April 29, 3:54 PM CST to 4:12 PM CST
Where
Harlan County, 2 mi W of Stamford to 5.51 mi SSE of Stamford
Measured
2 in hail
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.130, -99.618

Thunderstorm Wind, Phelps

When
April 29, 4:03 PM CST
Where
Phelps County, 0.53 mi W of Bertrand
Measured
53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
40.530, -99.640

A wind gust of 61 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located in Bertrand.

Hail, Kearney

When
April 29, 4:10 PM CST to 4:15 PM CST
Where
Kearney County, 0.53 mi W of Axtell to 1.99 mi E of Axtell
Measured
2.5 in hail
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
40.480, -99.130

Hail ranging in size from half dollars to tennis balls was reported along and near this path, including golf ball size hail from the NTV television studio located just east of Axtell.

Hail, Buffalo

When
April 29, 4:10 PM CST to 4:15 PM CST
Where
Buffalo County, Kearney
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
40.700, -99.080

Hail ranging in size from nickels to golf balls was reported in Kearney.

Tornado, Harlan

When
April 29, 4:12 PM CST
Where
Harlan County, 3.79 mi WSW of Orleans
Rating
EFU
Path length
0.01 mi
Path width
20 yd
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.100, -99.510

This tornado briefly touched down a few miles southwest of Orleans. Location and time was approximated from social media photos and radar. No damage was reported.

Hail, Kearney

When
April 29, 4:30 PM CST
Where
Kearney County, 5.03 mi ESE of Axtell
Measured
4 in hail
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
40.440, -99.040

Facebook photo of hail next to a ruler revealed a giant stone approximately four inches in diameter.

Thunderstorm Wind, Buffalo

When
April 29, 4:37 PM CST
Where
Buffalo County, 1.72 mi ESE of (Ear)kearney Arpt
Measured
57 kt (66 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
40.720, -98.970

A wind gust of 66 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located six miles east-northeast of Kearney.

Hail, Harlan

When
April 29, 4:39 PM CST to 4:50 PM CST
Where
Harlan County, 0.53 mi W of Alma to 1.81 mi SSE of Republican City
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
40.100, -99.360

Ping pong ball to golf ball size hail was reported.

Tornado, Kearney

When
April 29, 4:39 PM CST to 4:41 PM CST
Where
Kearney County, 6.29 mi SE of Axtell to 6.97 mi SSW of Minden
Rating
EFU
Path length
1.26 mi
Path width
20 yd
Reported by
Storm Chaser
Coordinates
40.420, -99.030

This tornado briefly touched down between Minden and Hildreth. Location and time was approximated from reports and radar. No damage was reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Valley

When
April 29, 4:40 PM CST
Where
Valley County, 0.52 mi E of (Odx)sharp Fld Ord
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
41.620, -98.940

A wind gust of 64 MPH was measured by a Nebraska Mesonet station located two miles north of Ord.

Thunderstorm Wind, Kearney

When
April 29, 4:45 PM CST to 4:57 PM CST
Where
Kearney County, 3.45 mi WSW of Minden to 3 mi ENE of Heartwell
Measured
65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
40.478, -99.009

Wind gusts were estimated to be between near 75 MPH in the Minden area, as ping pong ball size fell. Just southwest of Minden, about one to three miles, 12 pivots were overturned. Tree damage was reported in Minden, including a large evergreen tree that was uprooted. A wind gust of 70 MPH was also measured by a mesonet station located three miles east-northeast of Heartwell.

Hail, Kearney

When
April 29, 4:49 PM CST
Where
Kearney County, Minden
Measured
1.5 in hail
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
40.500, -98.950

Hail to up the size of ping pong balls was reported, accompanied by wind gust measured as high as 70 MPH.

Thunderstorm Wind, Buffalo

When
April 29, 4:50 PM CST
Where
Buffalo County, 1.64 mi WSW of Shelton
Measured
65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Newspaper
Coordinates
40.773, -98.760

Wind gusts estimated to be at least 75 MPH resulted in the derailment of approximately 15 rail cars on the westbound train line located just to the southwest of Shelton. Train traffic on both lines had to be stopped.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hall

When
April 29, 4:59 PM CST
Where
Hall County, 3.43 mi WSW of Wood River
Measured
63 kt (72 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
40.800, -98.660

A wind gust of 72 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located four miles west-southwest of Wood River.

Hail, Webster

When
April 29, 5:00 PM CST
Where
Webster County, 2.76 mi N of Cowles
Measured
1.75 in hail
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
40.220, -98.450

Hail, Howard

When
April 29, 5:01 PM CST
Where
Howard County, Boelus
Measured
0.88 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
41.080, -98.720

Hail, Clay

When
April 29, 5:07 PM CST
Where
Clay County, 2 mi NE of Deweese
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
40.370, -98.103

Hail, Clay

When
April 29, 5:11 PM CST
Where
Clay County, 4 mi E of Deweese
Measured
0.88 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.350, -98.054

Thunderstorm Wind, Hall

When
April 29, 5:12 PM CST
Where
Hall County, Wood River
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
40.820, -98.600

Wind gusts were estimated to be near 60 MPH.

Hail, Thayer

When
April 29, 5:15 PM CST
Where
Thayer County, 3 mi W of Deshler
Measured
1.25 in hail
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
40.150, -97.777

Hail, Thayer

When
April 29, 5:26 PM CST
Where
Thayer County, 3 mi S of Davenport
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
40.277, -97.800

Thunderstorm Wind, Adams

When
April 29, 5:28 PM CST
Where
Adams County, 4.28 mi NNE of Ayr
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
40.480, -98.400

A wind gust of 64 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located three miles northeast of Ayr.

Thunderstorm Wind, Adams

When
April 29, 5:30 PM CST
Where
Adams County, 1.25 mi S of Hastings
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
NWS Employee
Coordinates
40.562, -98.384

Wind gusts estimated to be near 65 MPH blew a small-but-sturdy storage shed from behind a home into the front yard (it had been sitting on concrete blocks).

Thunderstorm Wind, Adams

When
April 29, 5:33 PM CST
Where
Adams County, 4.68 mi SE of Hastings
Measured
54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
40.530, -98.320

A wind gust of 62 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located four miles west-northwest of Glenvil.

Thunderstorm Wind, Clay

When
April 29, 5:35 PM CST to 5:45 PM CST
Where
Clay County, Glenville
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
40.500, -98.250

Wind gusts were estimated to be between 60 and 70 MPH in Glenvil.

Thunderstorm Wind, Adams

When
April 29, 5:35 PM CST
Where
Adams County, 2.31 mi NNE of Pauline
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.453, -98.341

A small grain bin was blown between the house and a workshop. Damage was reported to a hydrant and fencing.

Thunderstorm Wind, Webster

When
April 29, 5:35 PM CST
Where
Webster County, 1.05 mi W of Bladen
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
40.320, -98.600

A wind gust of 60 MPH was measured in Bladen.

Hail, Hall

When
April 29, 5:38 PM CST
Where
Hall County, 0.52 mi E of Doniphan
Measured
0.75 in hail
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.770, -98.360

Thunderstorm Wind, Hamilton

When
April 29, 5:41 PM CST
Where
Hamilton County, 5.53 mi SW of Giltner
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
40.720, -98.220

Wind gusts were estimated to be near 65 MPH by fire department spotters located four miles northeast of Trumbull.

Thunderstorm Wind, Clay

When
April 29, 5:46 PM CST
Where
Clay County, 5.55 mi S of Glenville
Measured
59 kt (68 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
40.420, -98.260

A wind gust of 68 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located four miles east of Pauline.

Thunderstorm Wind, Nuckolls

When
April 29, 5:49 PM CST
Where
Nuckolls County, 4.05 mi NNW of Bostwick
Measured
55 kt (63 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
40.100, -98.220

A wind gust of 63 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located four miles north-northwest of Bostwick.

Hail, Hall

When
April 29, 5:50 PM CST
Where
Hall County, Grand Is
Measured
0.88 in hail
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
40.920, -98.350

Thunderstorm Wind, Clay

When
April 29, 5:50 PM CST to 6:00 PM CST
Where
Clay County, 2 mi WNW of Clay Center to 1 mi N of Clay Center
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
40.541, -98.085

Wind gusts estimated to be near 70 MPH resulted in grain bins being destroyed as well as a nearby outbuilding located two miles west-northwest of Clay Center. A wind gust of 66 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located one mile north of Clay Center.

Hail, Nuckolls

When
April 29, 5:55 PM CST
Where
Nuckolls County, Nelson
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
40.200, -98.070

Thunderstorm Wind, Clay

When
April 29, 5:55 PM CST
Where
Clay County, Harvard
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
40.620, -98.100

Wind gusts estimated to be near 65 MPH resulted in tree damaged and downed power lines in Harvard. The larger trees were approximately two feet in diameter.

Thunderstorm Wind, Clay

When
April 29, 6:00 PM CST
Where
Clay County, 4.15 mi S of Clay Center
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
40.470, -98.050

A wind gust of 58 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located four miles northeast of Fairfield.

Thunderstorm Wind, Nuckolls

When
April 29, 6:00 PM CST
Where
Nuckolls County, 7 mi WSW of Nelson to 1 mi N of Nelson
Measured
58 kt (67 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
40.161, -98.192

A wind gust of 67 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located one mile north of Nelson, and a wind gust of 64 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located seven miles west-southwest of Nelson.

Thunderstorm Wind, Clay

When
April 29, 6:05 PM CST to 6:15 PM CST
Where
Clay County, 2.65 mi WNW of Ong to 3.79 mi NE of Ong
Measured
83 kt (96 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
40.408, -97.919

A large swath of wind gusts estimated to be between 70 and 85 MPH, with localized gusts near 95 MPH, swept across far southeastern Clay County into southern Fillmore County. Along and near this path, widespread tree damage and power outages occurred, with emergency management reporting at least 250 pivots overturned. Numerous power poles were snapped, several grain bins were destroyed, and a few outbuildings were destroyed. The strongest of these gusts concentrated in an area from near the Clay-Fillmore County line west of Shickley to approximately three miles northeast of Shickley. This area had the majority of the power pole, grain bin, and outbuilding damage. Mesonets in this area measured the following gusts: 78 MPH four miles northeast of Shickley; 77 MPH four miles south of Geneva; 76 MPH three miles east of Shickley; 68 MPH three miles south-southeast of Geneva.

Tornado, Nuckolls

When
April 29, 6:05 PM CST to 6:07 PM CST
Where
Nuckolls County, 2.61 mi SE of Ruskin to 2.86 mi ESE of Ruskin
Rating
EF0
Path length
1.34 mi
Path width
35 yd
Continued into
Thayer, Ne (GID)
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
40.120, -97.840

This tornado touched down in Nuckolls County just southeast of Ruskin, traveling northeast into Thayer County and lifting just northwest of Deshler. Along with tree damage, several pivots were overturned along this path. A shelter at a cemetery near the county line suffered minor damage, and an outbuilding west of Deshler lost a good portion of its roof.

Tornado, Thayer

When
April 29, 6:07 PM CST to 6:12 PM CST
Where
Thayer County, 5.46 mi WSW of Deshler to 2.11 mi W of Deshler
Rating
EF0
Path length
3.43 mi
Path width
35 yd
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
40.133, -97.821

This tornado touched down in Nuckolls County just southeast of Ruskin, traveling northeast into Thayer County and lifting just northwest of Deshler. Along with tree damage, several pivots were overturned along this path. A shelter at a cemetery near the county line suffered minor damage, and an outbuilding west of Deshler lost a good portion of its roof.

Thunderstorm Wind, Nuckolls

When
April 29, 6:11 PM CST
Where
Nuckolls County, 2 mi NNW of Superior
Measured
51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
40.057, -98.085

A wind gust of 59 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located two miles north-northwest of Superior.

Thunderstorm Wind, Thayer

When
April 29, 6:13 PM CST
Where
Thayer County, 2.76 mi S of Davenport
Measured
79 kt (91 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
40.280, -97.800

A wind gust of 91 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located two miles south-southeast of Davenport.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fillmore

When
April 29, 6:15 PM CST to 6:40 PM CST
Where
Fillmore County, 5.49 mi W of Shickley to 5.4 mi W of Milligan
Measured
83 kt (96 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
40.423, -97.824

A large swath of wind gusts estimated to be between 70 and 85 MPH, with localized gusts near 95 MPH, swept across far southeastern Clay County into southern Fillmore County. Along and near this path, widespread tree damage and power outages occurred, with emergency management reporting at least 250 pivots overturned. Numerous power poles were snapped, several grain bins were destroyed, and a few outbuildings were destroyed. The strongest of these gusts was focused in an area from near the Clay/Fillmore County line west of Shickley to approximately three miles northeast of Shickley. This area had the majority of the power pole, grain bin, and outbuilding damage. Mesonets in this area measured the following gusts: 78 MPH, four miles northeast of Shickley; 77 MPH, four miles south of Geneva; 76 MPH, three miles east of Shickley; 68 MPH, three miles south-southeast of Geneva.

Thunderstorm Wind, Thayer

When
April 29, 6:15 PM CST to 6:40 PM CST
Where
Thayer County, 4.37 mi SW of Carleton to 2 mi WSW of Bruning
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
40.263, -97.738

Measured wind gusts along this path included the following: 65 MPH from four miles east-southeast of Davenport; 62 MPH from four miles south-southwest of Carleton; 61 MPH from two miles west-southwest of Bruning. Fire department spotters in Carleton estimated that wind gusts were at least 65 MPH and that power was out in town.

Thunderstorm Wind, Thayer

When
April 29, 6:20 PM CST
Where
Thayer County, 3.95 mi WNW of Hebron
Measured
65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
40.190, -97.650

Wind gusts estimated to be near 75 MPH resulted in the destruction of a grain bin, with its debris scattered. A high voltage transmission line was also downed in the area.

Thunderstorm Wind, Thayer

When
April 29, 6:25 PM CST to 6:45 PM CST
Where
Thayer County, 0.87 mi SW of Belvidere to 5 mi NNW of Alexandria
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
40.240, -97.560

Wind gusts of 58 MPH were measured by mesonets located four miles northeast of Belvidere and five miles north-northwest of Alexandria. Power lines were downed just south of Belvidere.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fillmore

When
April 29, 6:25 PM CST to 6:35 PM CST
Where
Fillmore County, 5.24 mi W of Geneva to 3 mi ENE of Geneva
Measured
53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
40.530, -97.680

Measured wind gusts along this path included the following: 61 MPH from three miles east-northeast of Geneva; 60 MPH from four west of Geneva; 58 MPH from five miles west of Geneva. Power outages were reported in Geneva.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fillmore

When
April 29, 6:29 PM CST
Where
Fillmore County, 1 mi NNW of Strang
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
40.433, -97.587

A wind gust of 60 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located one mile north-northwest of Strang.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fillmore

When
April 29, 6:30 PM CST
Where
Fillmore County, 3.35 mi NW of Shickley
Measured
53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
40.450, -97.770

A wind gust 61 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located three miles northwest of Shickley.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fillmore

When
April 29, 6:35 PM CST
Where
Fillmore County, 3 mi SSE of Strang
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
40.380, -97.558

A wind gust of 58 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located three miles south-southeast of Strang.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fillmore

When
April 29, 6:38 PM CST
Where
Fillmore County, 3 mi S of Ohiowa
Measured
57 kt (66 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
40.377, -97.450

A wind gust of 66 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located three miles south of Ohiowa.

Thunderstorm Wind, Fillmore

When
April 29, 6:41 PM CST
Where
Fillmore County, 5.04 mi NW of Exeter
Measured
51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
40.700, -97.520

A wind gust of 59 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located five miles southeast of McCool Junction.

Hail, Polk

When
April 29, 6:43 PM CST
Where
Polk County, 3 mi NE of Shelby
Measured
1 in hail
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
41.231, -97.389

What these are

Hail
Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Tornado
A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.
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.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Nebraska in 2022Every state in 2022This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Nebraska, 2022Warnings in Nebraska, April 2022

Sources

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: 1013499, 1013500, 1013502, 1013506, 1015432, 1013508, 1013510, 1013511, 1013515, 1015431, 1013514, 1013522, 1013523, 1015433, 1013525, 1013527, 1013526, 1013535, 1013536, 1013538, 1013540, 1013541, 1013542, 1013543, 1013544, 1013545, 1013546, 1013547, 1013553, 1013550, 1013555, 1013556, 1013557, 1013559, 1013561, 1013563, 1013564, 1013570, 1013565, 1013569, and more.