As a low pressure system exited the High Plains, high winds developed on the back side of the low with winds out of the northwest. Sporadic gusts up to 64 mph were reported across several counties in Northwest Kansas, with the peak gusts occurring in Sherman and Wallace counties.
Every event with a place to put it; 9 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 GLD wrote it up.
As a low pressure system exited the High Plains, high winds developed on the back side of the low with winds out of the northwest. Sporadic gusts up to 64 mph were reported across several counties in Northwest Kansas, with the peak gusts occurring in Sherman and Wallace counties. These strong winds also created a dust storm that impacted the area with patchy to, at times, isolated visibility reductions of one-quarter mile and less in Sherman, Thomas, Wallace, and Greeley counties.
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 Apr 16, 10:11 AM MST, 7 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Goodland KS
1111 AM MDT Tue Apr 16 2024
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Strong northwesterly winds are expected over much of the area
today, where sustained winds at 30-45 mph and gusts up to 70
mph are anticipated. Wind of this magnitude will create
dangerous travel conditions, especially for high profile
vehicles. Reductions in visibility associated with blowing
dust (where present) will locally exacerbate dangerous travel
conditions.
&&
.SHORT TERM /THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
Issued at 253 AM MDT Tue Apr 16 2024
Across the region this morning, skies are a partly to mostly cloudy
mix with some isolated showers over portions of the area.
Temperatures as of 200 AM MDT are ranging in the 50s, with winds
mainly west-northwest with gusts up to 20 mph at times.
Going into today, the main wx concerns are continuing to focus on
the high wind threat that will evolve through the day as a strong
northwesterly wind sets up over the region on the back side of the
current surface low over the area. Current surface/upper air
analysis is showing an elongated low stretching north to south over
the central Plains. A cold front continues to push eastward away
from the cwa, with a weak boundary over the west, that is currently
stalling the arrival of the stronger NW flow.
Short term guidance/CAMs continues to show some wrap-around moisture
to work into the region during the day from the west, but
eventually expands eastward as the low complex moves away from
the area late today. Based on the low track, the northern
portions of the cwa are favored for light rain chances, and even
an isolated storm with some limited instability.
The more pressing concerns will be the arrival of the strong NW flow
beginning in the morning hours from 12z onward, spreading east
through 18z. Surface obs do show gusts already in the 30-40 mph
range around the Nebraska panhandle. Decent mixing up to 800mb and a
tight surface gradient due to a strong ridge building in behind this
system will bring gusts into the 60-70 mph, especially in NE
Colorado and adjacent KS counties. Current guidance does favor some
of these winds to expand further east than the current High Wind
Warning covers, so have expanded the Warning for the entire area,
with the same timeframe.
With the arrival of these strong winds, the threat for blowing dust
remains. The caveat to this will be the expanse/coverage of expected
showers through the day. With WPC QPF favoring the northern tier
zones, will continue the previous forecast trend of best blowing
dust chances along/south of the Interstate. If the wrap-around
moisture doesn't materialize fully, blowing dust issues will be
pushed further northward, at least to the Highway 36 area and south.
For tonight into Wednesday, surface ridge expected east of the cwa,
with a low developing over eastern Colorado. This will result in a
southerly gradient, and thus warmer temps. Concerns for the SW
region of the cwa to begin drying out and approaching adverse fire
wx conditions. As of now, booth wind and RH criteria will not be
met, but will have to be monitored.
For temps, looking for daytime highs today to range from the lower
60s in the northwest to the lower and mid 70s in the east and far
south. Going into Wednesday, warmer with lower to mid 70s north to
around 80F south of the Interstate, especially those areas
along/south of Highway 40. Overnight lows tonight will range widely
with lower to mid 30s along/west of Highway 25. East of there, upper
30s to lower 40s are expected.
&&
.LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY/...
Issued at 148 AM MDT Tue Apr 16 2024
Generally upper-level zonal flow will dominate the Tri-State area
through Saturday. Diurnal shortwaves give locations along and north
of I-70 ~30%+ PoPs through Saturday. The persistent cloud cover and
light winds will keep temperatures a bit cooler than we've seen over
the past few days. Through Friday, maximum temperatures will remain
in the 50s with Saturday remaining in the 40s. Overnight
temperatures will cool into the upper 20s to mid 30s. These
temperatures combined with the PoPs are expected to lead to
rain/snow showers, mainly Friday. Flurries could be seen along and
northwest of a line from Norton, KS to Wallace, KS. Accumulation of
snow is not expected due to the light QPF and how warm soil
temperatures have recently gotten. Patchy black ice is possible
(<10% chance) Saturday morning, mainly in east/northeastern Colorado.
Sunday, a ridge will begin building in and temperatures will quickly
start warming again. 60s on Sunday then 70s on Monday and Tuesday
are expected. After Saturday night, temperatures are expected to
remain above freezing. There are some suggestions of more light
showers Monday evening and Tuesday, but confidence is not very
high.
&&
.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z WEDNESDAY/...
Issued at 1110 AM MDT Tue Apr 16 2024
Scattered rain showers and gust surface winds will continue to
impact both KGLD and KMCK through the remainder of the
afternoon. Some patchy blowing dust possible as well, but rain
may have helped negate some of that potential, so will not
mention in either TAF at this time. Winds will diminish and
skies clear early this evening.
&&
.GLD WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
KS...High Wind Warning until 7 PM MDT /8 PM CDT/ this evening for
KSZ001>004-013>016-027>029-041-042.
CO...High Wind Warning until 7 PM MDT this evening for COZ090>092.
NE...High Wind Warning until 7 PM MDT /8 PM CDT/ this evening for
NEZ079>081.
&&
SHORT TERM...JN
LONG TERM...CA
AVIATION...024Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Goodland KS 1038 AM MDT Tue Apr 16 2024 COZ090>092-KSZ001>004-013>016-027>029-041-042-NEZ079>081-171645- Yuma-Kit Carson-Cheyenne-Rawlins-Decatur-Norton-Sherman-Thomas- Sheridan-Graham-Wallace-Logan-Gove-Greeley-Wichita-Dundy-Hitchcock- Red Willow- 1038 AM MDT Tue Apr 16 2024 /1138 AM CDT Tue Apr 16 2024/ This hazardous weather outlook is for extreme southwest Nebraska... northwest Kansas and east central Colorado. .DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT... A High Wind Warning is in effect for the entire area through early this evening. Dangerous travel conditions associated with very strong northwesterly winds and reductions in visibility associated with some blowing dust are anticipated to be the primary impacts. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY... No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will not be required.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Goodland KS
626 AM MDT Tue Apr 16 2024
KSZ002-003-013-014-027-028-161300-
Rawlins KS-Wallace KS-Decatur KS-Thomas KS-Logan KS-Sherman KS-
626 AM MDT Tue Apr 16 2024
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT EASTERN WALLACE...THOMAS...
LOGAN...EASTERN RAWLINS...WESTERN DECATUR AND SOUTHEASTERN SHERMAN
COUNTIES THROUGH 700 AM MDT/800 AM CDT/...
At 625 AM MDT/725 AM CDT/, Doppler radar was tracking strong
thunderstorms along a line extending from 5 miles northwest of
Herndon to 8 miles north of Brewster to 11 miles south of Wallace.
Movement was southeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Strong thunderstorms will be near...
Herndon around 730 AM CDT.
Levant around 735 AM CDT.
Winona around 740 AM CDT.
Colby around 745 AM CDT.
This includes Interstate 70 in Kansas between mile markers 33 and 75.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3872 10165 3952 10139 4000 10094 4000 10028
3957 10055 3957 10072 3913 10072 3913 10081
3870 10082 3870 10157
TIME...MOT...LOC 1225Z 303DEG 24KT 3995 10087 3948 10132 3875 10156
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
AlexanderPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Goodland KS
949 AM MDT Tue Apr 16 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0934 AM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst Aroya 38.85N 103.13W
04/16/2024 M53 MPH Cheyenne CO Mesonet
Mesonet station UP695 Aroya (UPR).
&&
JTLPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Goodland KS
950 AM MDT Tue Apr 16 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0933 AM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 2 ESE Quinter 39.06N 100.20W
04/16/2024 M53 MPH Gove KS Mesonet
Mesonet station UP846 2.0 E Quinter (UPR).
&&
JTLPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Goodland KS
1047 AM MDT Tue Apr 16 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1046 AM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 1 NNE Goodland 39.37N 101.70W
04/16/2024 M55 MPH Sherman KS ASOS
&&
JTLPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Goodland KS
1051 AM MDT Tue Apr 16 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1045 AM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 5 S Burlington 39.24N 102.28W
04/16/2024 M57 MPH Kit Carson CO ASOS
&&
JTLPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Goodland KS
1101 AM MDT Tue Apr 16 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1034 AM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 8 SSW Wallace 38.81N 101.65W
04/16/2024 M50 MPH Wallace KS Mesonet
&&
JTLThe national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
7 high wind, 2 dust storm. Local standard time, as filed.
Over a duration of four hours and forty-five minutes sporadic gusts of 58 to 64 mph occurred in Sherman County. The peak gust of 64 mph was reported at the Goodland Airport ASOS. Key impacts: hazardous travel, high winds.
Over a duration of approximately one hour and forty-five minutes sporadic gusts of 59 to 64 mph occurred across Wallace County. The peak gust of 64 mph was recorded via a mesonet station near Sharon Springs. Key impacts: hazardous travel and high winds.
Over a duration of approximately one hour and fifteen minutes sporadic gusts of 58 to 62 mph occurred across Wichita County. The peak gust of 62 mph was recorded via a mesonet station near the Greeley County line in the northwest corner of the county. Key impacts: hazardous travel and high winds.
In a period of approximately two hours localized blowing dust occurred from high winds moving across bare fields in Sherman County. Visibility was observed as low as one-quarter mile or less south of Goodland and in the northeast corner of the county. Key impacts: hazardous travel, blowing dust, high wind.
Over a duration of approximately thirty-five minutes sporadic gusts up to 58 mph occurred across Greeley County. The peak gust of 58 mph was recorded via a mesonet station six miles east of Tribune. While the high winds were occurring, blowing dust was observed north of Tribune with visibility going down to 100 feet at least once, but averaging around one mile. The lowest visibility was next to a feed yard where dust was blowing off the roads and parking area. No other dust or visibility reports have been found. Key impacts: hazardous travel, high winds, blowing dust, and visibility reductions.
Over a duration of an hour and fifteen minutes sporadic gusts of 58 to 60 mph were observed by the Atwood Airport AWOS station. Blowing dust was also observed in the county with visibility as low as 3 miles near Atwood. Key impacts: hazardous travel, high winds, blowing dust.
Over a roughly two hour duration blowing dust occurred due to high winds gusting up to 61 mph. Visibility was reported to be lowest with intermittent brown out conditions near Brewster between mile markers 39 and 39 on I-70. Key impacts: hazardous travel, brown out conditions, dust storm, high winds.
Over a duration of approximately two hours sporadic gusts of 58 to 61 mph occurred across Thomas County. The peak gust of 61 mph was recorded via a mesonet station in Rexford. Key impacts: hazardous travel, high winds.
An isolated 59 mph high wind gust occurred over the Hill City Airport and was recorded via the ASOS station there. No other high wind gusts of 58 mph or higher were observed or reported across the remainder of the county. Key Impacts: Hazardous travel, high winds.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Kansas in 2024Every state in 2024This day in weather historyWarnings 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: 1166403, 1170309, 1170329, 1166413, 1170328, 1166400, 1166402, 1166401, 1166293.