A closed upper low/trough was over the Central Plains which brought an increase in atmospheric lift. Moisture and instability increased across the area during the afternoon of the previous day.
Every event with a place to put it; 1 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 closed upper low/trough was over the Central Plains which brought an increase in atmospheric lift. Moisture and instability increased across the area during the afternoon of the previous day. Wind shear and helicity increased after sunset. As the low moved northeast over Kansas and Nebraska, a cold front with gusty northwest winds moved into the area during the day on April 16th. These conditions were conducive to the development of severe weather. Strong to severe storms in the form of a QLCS moved northeastward across north central Kansas during the early morning hours of April 16th. The storms produced wind gusts up to 64 mph which resulted in wind damage, an EF-0 tornado (in Smith County), and a non-thunderstorm wind gust of 68 mph. The severe reports began just before 1 AM and ended just after 3 AM CDT.
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 15, 11:36 PM CST, 23 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Hastings NE 1236 AM CDT Tue Apr 16 2024 .KEY MESSAGES... - Thunderstorms develop and move through the area tonight. A few storms are possible as early as 6pm, but the main timeframe is expected to be 10pm to 4am. - Tornadoes, very large hail, and damaging winds are all possible. And this threat continues well into the overnight. - Additional rain and thunderstorms are expected Tuesday, especially across Nebraska, but the main severe risk will shift east of us. - Turning cooler through the week and into the weekend, with off and on precipitation chances. && .UPDATE... Issued at 909 PM CDT Mon Apr 15 2024 - Various notes regarding the overnight severe weather threat: 1) A legitimate severe storm threat with all hazards possible (large hail, damaging winds, a few tornadoes) most definitely STILL EXISTS for the vast majority of our coverage area (CWA) overnight, and recently issued Tornado Watch 113 is currently valid until 3 AM for all of our KS counties along with our NE counties along/south of I-80 and along/west of Highway 281. Further overnight expansion of this Watch (or perhaps a new Watch) is quite possible. 2) Potential development several hours ago (that prompted the since cancelled/replaced Severe T-storm Watch for 4 of our west-northwestern most counties) ended up tracking well- northwest of our CWA, with capping keeping any other convection at bay locally. 3) This always was expected to be a MAINLY OVERNIGHT (aka late) "main show" for our CWA, which is actually a bit unusual for so early in the convective season. Above all else, folks need to remain unusually vigilant and have a way to receive Warnings at a time of night that may be more common in June than April. 4) Going into some basics of the meteorology/expectations: - The recently-developed showers/weak thunderstorms in our southeast counties are not of significant concern for a severe threat (they are elevated), but will be watched closely. - As the large-scale Pacific cold front intercepts the well- defined dryline in western KS/NE and large-scale ascent increases ahead of the vigorous closed upper low shifting across central CO, rapid/intense storm development is likely mainly 10 PM-Midnight within or just south of our far western and southwestern CWA (particularly near/west of Hwy 183). - Initial storms could quickly become supercells, and at least briefly maintain some isolation (this would be the peak time of large hail threat). However, especially by around/after 1 AM, storm mode will likely become quite "messy", with clusters or line segments racing north-northeast across the majority of our CWA (but with the most intense activity probably favoring the southern and eastern halves of it). - As things trend "messier" in storm mode, the large hail threat would likely decrease, but as long as storms remain surface- based, a damaging wind and QLCS tornado threat (meaning tornadoes embedded within kinks in the line or along any breaks in a line) would remain a threat, especially given strong low level (0-1km) shear ramping up to 30-40KT. - Latest hi-res models (including HRRR) suggest our severe storm threat should vacate our eastern CWA by the 5-7 AM time frame (again unusually late at night/early in the morning for our area!). - Briefly touching on TUESDAY DAYTIME (after 7 AM): Although the MAIN severe weather threat should clearly be to our east, there will likely be enough residual instability under the heart of the closed upper low as it tracks directly overhead to prompt a few strong to MAYBE marginally-severe storms with mainly a hail threat (up to around 1" size), especially early- mid afternoon. This, however, is not a "sure thing" as we are overall-far more concerned with the upcoming overnight. && .DISCUSSION... Issued at 330 PM CDT Mon Apr 15 2024 Returning moisture and diurnal heating ahead of an upper low has pushed MLCAPE values as high as 3000J/kg in southwestern portions of the area. Latest satellite shows cumulus development stretching from near North Platte down to near Beloit. This cumulus doesn't seem to be developing quickly, and there is still some uncertainty on when this will develop. The HRRR keeps our entire area convection-free until almost midnight, but the NAMnest shows convective development within the next 1-2 hours. Regardless, the expectation is that this first round of thunderstorms (wherever they develop) will be primarily a hail threat with steep midlevel lapse rates and relatively limited low-level shear. Around sunset, increasing low level shear and helicity will lead to increasing tornado threat, and better forcing arriving from the west should allow for additional thunderstorms to develop overhead or just to our southwest late this evening (after 10pm). This activity will then move through the area into the late overnight, with continued threats for damaging hail, wind and tornadoes. The tornado threat will likely be greatest along the southern extent of the cluster/line. Storms push to our east Tuesday morning, but additional showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop as the upper low moves through the area. Instability will be much more limited on Tuesday, so severe weather is unlikely. Winds will turn to the northwest behind the low Tuesday evening into the overnight, and gusts of 40-50 MPH are expected. Another shortwave will bring us another chance for precipitation Wednesday night into Thursday morning (along with a shot of cooler air). This should be primarily rain (and some weak thunderstorms), but a mix of rain/snow is possible Thursday morning as surface temperatures fall into the 30s. A upper low over Manitoba will keep us in a cooler pattern into next weekend, with spotty precipitation chances each day. Subfreezing temperatures appear likely Saturday night. && .AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z WEDNESDAY/... Issued at 1232 AM CDT Tue Apr 16 2024 MVFR conditions are expected this evening and through the day tomorrow. A storm system moving through the region will bring chances for thunderstorms, a few of which could be strong to severe before sunrise. Expect the possibility for some reductions to visibility, gusty winds, and sudden windshifts due to outflow in the vicinity of thunderstorms. Heading into the late morning/early afternoon, there remains a chance for some showers, with possibly an isolated rumble of thunder in the vicinity of the terminals. Winds will transition to the southwest in the late morning/early afternoon, shifting to the west by 23Z. Winds of 15-25kts with gusts as high as 40kts will be possible during this time. Showers/storms clear out tomorrow afternoon/evening, with winds becoming northwesterly. && .GID WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... NE...None. KS...None. && UPDATE...Pfannkuch DISCUSSION...Mangels AVIATION...Wekesser
Hazardous Weather Outlook...UPDATED National Weather Service Hastings NE 956 PM CDT Mon Apr 15 2024 KSZ005>007-017>019-NEZ039>041-046>049-060>064-072>077-082>087- 170300- 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- 956 PM CDT Mon Apr 15 2024 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for south central Nebraska and portions of north central Kansas. .DAY ONE...Overnight. Late this evening, thunderstorms are likely to develop initially in southern and western portions of the area, including north central Kansas, and then gradually track north and east across much of the remainder of the area into early Tuesday morning. Some of these storms will likely be severe, capable of producing large hail to at least golf ball size, damaging wind gusts of at least 60 MPH, and even a few tornadoes, with a strong tornado not completely out of the question. A tornado threat could exist not only with any more isolated storms, but perhaps also along any kinks embedded within a line of storms. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Chances for thunderstorms continue during the day Tuesday and even into Tuesday evening. A few of these storms could be strong to marginally severe, mainly capable of producing hail up to around quarter size, but the primary and more concerning threat for severe storms will focus east of our area altogether. Also Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday night, strong west-northwest winds will gradually overspread the entire area, with gusts of at least 40 to 50 MPH likely, and gusts perhaps to at least 55 MPH possible especially in far western counties such as Dawson, Gosper and Furnas. Wednesday night into early Thursday morning, there is a low chance for weak thunderstorms in parts of the area. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report any instances of severe weather and possible thunderstorm-related damage through the overnight hours. && More information may be obtained at the following web page: https://www.weather.gov/hastings Pfannkuch
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Hastings NE
1215 AM CDT Tue Apr 16 2024
KSZ005-NEZ082-083-160545-
Phillips KS-Harlan NE-Furnas NE-
1215 AM CDT Tue Apr 16 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN PHILLIPS...
SOUTHEASTERN FURNAS AND SOUTHWESTERN HARLAN COUNTIES THROUGH 1245 AM
CDT...
At 1215 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Prairie View, or 15 miles east of Norton, moving north at 40 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Long Island around 1220 AM CDT.
Other locations in the path of this storm include Stamford.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
This storm 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 300 AM CDT for north central
Kansas...and south central Nebraska.
&&
LAT...LON 4023 9943 3976 9952 3976 9963 4000 9963
4000 9972 4021 9972
TIME...MOT...LOC 0515Z 184DEG 37KT 3984 9959
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
PfannkuchPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Hastings NE
1221 AM CDT Tue Apr 16 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1203 AM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 6 SSW Stockton 39.35N 99.30W
04/16/2024 M51 MPH Rooks KS Mesonet
&&Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Hastings NE
1230 AM CDT Tue Apr 16 2024
NEZ082-160600-
Furnas NE-
1230 AM CDT Tue Apr 16 2024
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT CENTRAL FURNAS COUNTY THROUGH 100
AM CDT...
At 1229 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Almena to 8 miles north of Norton.
Movement was north at 50 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Strong thunderstorms will be near...
Beaver City, Hendley, and Hollinger around 1240 AM 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 300 AM CDT for south central
Nebraska.
&&
LAT...LON 4034 10006 4034 9973 4000 9970 4000 10000
TIME...MOT...LOC 0529Z 160DEG 43KT 3996 9971 3996 9994
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
PfannkuchSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Hastings NE
1238 AM CDT Tue Apr 16 2024
KSZ017-160615-
Rooks KS-
1238 AM CDT Tue Apr 16 2024
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT ROOKS COUNTY THROUGH 115 AM
CDT...
At 1237 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Damar to 8 miles south of Zurich to 8
miles east of Cedar Bluff. Movement was northeast at 60 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 hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Plainville, Stockton, Palco, Woodston, Damar, Zurich, and Webster
State Park.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 300 AM CDT for north central
Kansas.
&&
LAT...LON 3957 9960 3952 9905 3913 9921 3913 9961
TIME...MOT...LOC 0537Z 204DEG 54KT 3935 9958 3911 9942 3878 9957
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
WeselyThe Grand Island radar (KUEX), 127 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 05:57 UTC.
2 thunderstorm wind, 1 tornado, 1 high wind. Local standard time, as filed.
A wind gust of 60 MPH was measured by a mesonet station located four miles north-northeast of Webster State Park.
A tornado moved across rural areas of northern Smith County north of Athol. This tornado damaged some trees near its starting point and turned over a small mobile building along its way north. The tornado passed near a local limestone quarry. The path was based on a combination of damage indicators in the field and radar Correlation Coefficient signatures.
Report via Facebook of minor outbuilding damage and a tipped RV trailer.
Wind gusts exceeding 60 MPH were reported in the Phillipsburg area, occurring under an area of stratiform rain well behind the main line of thunderstorms. A wind gust of 68 MPH was measured by the Phillipsburg Airport AWOS.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Kansas in 2024Every state in 2024This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Kansas, 2024Warnings in Kansas, April 2024
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: 1174848, 1174843, 1174857, 1174868.