A widespread and prolonged strong wind event occurred across the southern Nebraska Panhandle from 6 to 7 April.
Every event with a place to put it; 4 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 CYS wrote it up.
A widespread and prolonged strong wind event occurred across the southern Nebraska Panhandle from 6 to 7 April.
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 Cheyenne, WY wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Apr 6, 9:59 AM MST, 1 hour 24 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
1059 AM MDT Sat Apr 6 2024
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Complex early spring storm will impact the area starting this
afternoon. Still quite a bit of uncertainty with this storm
for areas between Interstate 25 and the Nebraska/Wyoming
border.
- Thunderstorms possible Saturday afternoon and evening across
far eastern Wyoming and mainly the western Nebraska Panhandle.
Although severe storms are not expected at this time, some of
these storms may become strong and contain small hail and very
gusty winds.
- Very strong winds expected across southeast Wyoming and the
central and southern Nebraska Panhandle. Gusts up to 85+ MPH
are possible.
- Increasing confidence of a significant winter storm with
periods of blizzard conditions late Saturday night through
early Monday morning for the Pine Ridge, including US Highway
20.
&&
.SHORT TERM /THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT/...
Issued at 500 AM MDT Sat Apr 6 2024
Well-advertised complex Spring storm system will impact the
area starting this morning and will continue through Sunday
night and into early Monday morning. Latest high resolution
guidance has added some additional uncertainty with this storm,
so will discuss this first as major changes to the forecast may
be necessary if high res model trends continue.
Current IR Satellite and surface analysis show the strong cold
front just starting to push into eastern Wyoming as Laramie and
Vedauwoo have dropped several degrees and winds have shifted
into the north and northwest. Front should be through Cheyenne
here shortly (330 am currently) with winds shifting into the
north. Expect this front to push into eastern Colorado and
western Nebraska this morning and then stall, as rapid
cyclogenesis is forecast across northeast Colorado/far SW
Nebraska by noon today. Current deterministic models have
continued to show this low pressure center bottoming out at
980-985mb as it lifts northeast and stalls across north central
Nebraska. However, current runs of the HRRR show this surface
low stalling near the southern Nebraska Panhandle and then
pushing southeast towards extreme NE Colorado and NW Kansas
instead of moving eastward over central Nebraska. This key
difference in evolution is making the forecast for the I-25
corridor eastward into the southern/central Nebraska Panhandle
more uncertain. Current forecast shows very strong winds, but
little if any precipitation. If the current 06z HRRR verifies,
the heavy snow bands will shift southwest into the southern
Laramie Range, Goshen County, Laramie County, and most of the
southern Nebraska counties. Additional updates may be necessary
if the bulk of the synoptic models trend closer to the HRRR
today. Stay tuned.
During this afternoon, once cyclogenesis begins and the system
becomes mature over western Nebraska, models indicate a good
potential for scattered thunderstorms. The last several runs of
the HRRR show a band of strong thunderstorms lifting north ahead
of the (eventual) occluded front. Pretty impressive line of
convection depicted on the other CAMS this afternoon and this
evening. Last night's low level jet has brought increasing
dewpoints into the upper 30s to low 40s this afternoon, so a few
strong thunderstorms are possible with strong dynamic forcing
present. However, SBCAPE are only on the order of 200 to 600
j/kg so severe weather is not expect at this time. Added small
hail and gusty winds with these thunderstorms into this evening
for now and will have to monitor the potential for severe
thunderstorms these areas.
As for strong and potential damaging winds, models have
continued to trend higher on wind speeds as the surface low
quickly strengthens and stalls. Even the ECMWF and Canadian
models are showing a broad area of 60 to 75 knot 700mb winds
over southeast Wyoming and the southern Nebraska Panhandle
beginning this evening and lingering into Sunday morning. The
GFS continues to be very aggressive, showing a Sting Jet-like
feature between Chugwater and Fort Collins quickly developing
this evening. 06z GFS now has 700mb winds over 90 knots in this
area as cyclogenesis occurs to the east! MOS guidance and
ensemble spreads have continued to increase winds for Cheyenne,
I-80 Summit, and as far east as Kimball and Sidney. Not sure if
I've ever seen 50 knots sustained on MOS guidance in this area,
nevermind 9+ straight hours of it. Starting to become concerned
about damaging winds over southeast Wyoming and portions of
southern Nebraska with gusts over 85+ MPH looking more likely.
These appear to be exceptionally strong winds, even for our
area. Kept average gusts of 75 to 85 mph in the forecast
(including wind prone areas), but these might be too low if
current model trends verify later today and into tonight. With
this set up, a few isolated gusts of 90+ can not be ruled out.
And if this wasn't enough, the potential for very heavy
snowfall, blowing snow, and the uncertainties associated with
the western fringe of the precipitation shield/TROWAL still
exist as we head into tonight through most of Sunday. Snow
levels are also a major concern as the forecast snow levels will
be very close to the lower valleys of Scottsbluff, Chadron,
Alliance, Torrington, etc. Impressive TROWAL/wrap around precip
shield is still forecast to develop across east central Wyoming
and western Nebraska with the best frontogenesis and surface
coverage between Douglas and Harrison along the highway 18/20
corridor, and another area near Glendo extending southeast into
Banner County and the northern Cheyenne Ridge. Forecast snowfall
rates will probably exceed 1.0 to 1.5 inches per hour in these
areas above 4500 feet. Upgraded Converse County and the northern
Laramie Range to a Winter Storm Warning with periods of
blizzard conditions tonight through Sunday. Can't rule out 3+
hours of blizzard conditions in these areas including Niobrara
and northern Sioux County, but confidence is limited due to the
time of the year and the wet nature of the snow. Portions of the
Highway 18 and 20 corridor from Douglas through Lusk could have
18+ inches of snow once all is said and done Sunday afternoon.
As for the lower elevations...mainly those below 4000 feet...a
mix of snow and rain are expected with periods of heavy snow as
the main axis of the TROWAL moves over western Nebraska. This
may take some time, especially if the surface low is very slow
to move east as suggested by the HRRR. Decided to issue a Winter
Weather Advisory for these areas since there is considerable
uncertainty with snowfall accumulations; just not comfortable
with no winter headlines for places like Scottsbluff, where GEFS
ensemble plumes show a range of T to 12 inches of total snow
with an ensemble mean of 5 to 8 inches. Even if places between
3500 to 4000 feet end up with only a an inch or two of snow, you
won't have to drive far to see higher amounts in the Wildcat
Hills or the higher ridges north or south of the North Platte
River Valley. Once again, there remains considerably uncertainty
on how far south and west the area of heavy precipitation will
develop. Therefore, based on current high res guidance and even
the latest 06z GFS, gently increased accumulations across the
I-80 corridor from near Cheyenne, Kimball, and Sidney...but kept
them just below Winter Weather Advisory criteria for now. Will
need to monitor this area (Platte, Goshen, Laramie, Kimball, and
Cheyenne Counties) closely over the next 12 hours.
All models show the snowfall tapering off, or coming to an end,
from south to north Sunday night. Periods of light to moderate
snow will likely linger across east central Wyoming and the
northern Nebraska Panhandle with additional snow accumulations
likely above 4000 feet.
&&
.LONG TERM /MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...
Issued at 230 AM MDT Sat Apr 6 2024
While the low pressure system discussed in the short term remains
nearly stationary over the Northern Plains due to an Omega Block, a
secondary low develops west of the Rockies and drops south near the
Four Corners Region. This pattern will keep gusty northwest flow
over southeast Wyoming and western Nebraska with cooler temperatures
and more moist conditions. Late Monday into Tuesday, the Omega Block
finally begins to break down as a shortwave trough embedded in the
eastern edge of a ridge moves south along the Northern Plains. Due
to the shortwave, there is a brief period of increased chances for
showers and thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon. During this
timeframe, temperatures will be relatively steady near-normal with
high in the 50s to low 60s and lows in the upper 20s to low 30s.
Thursday into Friday as upper-level ridging moves back in,
temperatures begin to warm back up to near 10 degrees above-normal
with dry conditions. With winds forecast to be normal, diurnal gusty
winds and low afternoon relative humidity values, elevated to near-
critical fire weather conditions are possible Friday across far
southeast Wyoming.
&&
.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SUNDAY/...
Issued at 1046 AM MDT Sat Apr 6 2024
A strong upper level trough and its associated surface low will
slowly move into western Nebraska this afternoon, then to
northeast Nebraska Sunday morning.
Wyoming TAFS...At Rawlins and Laramie, ceilings will range from
4500 to 8000 feet, with occasional light snow reducing
visibilities to 3 miles and ceilings near 2500 feet at Laramie
until 22Z. Winds will gust to 55 knots.
At Cheyenne, ceilings will vary from 4500 to 10000 feet, with
occasional light snow reducing visibilities to 3 miles and
ceilings to 2500 feet until 21Z. Winds will gust to 65 knots.
Nebraska TAFS...At Chadron and Alliance, ceilings will range
from 3000 to 8000 feet this afternoon, with occasional showers
reducing visibilities to 4 miles from 20Z to 00Z. Later this
evening and overnight tonight into Sunday morning, ceilings will
be under 1000 feet, with 3 to 4 mile visibilities in rain, snow
and fog. Winds will gust to 40 knots.
At Scottsbluff and Sidney, ceilings will be near 4000 feet this
afternoon, with occasional light rain from 20Z to 00Z, reducing
visibilities to 3 miles and ceilings to 2500 feet. Overnight,
ceilings will lower to 900 to 2400 feet, with visibilities from
2 to 4 miles in rain, snow and fog. Ceilings will improve to
4000 to 5000 feet Sunday morning. Winds will gust to 58 knots.
Low level wind shear is expected from 01Z to 12Z.
&&
.CYS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WY...High Wind Warning until 3 PM MDT Sunday for WYZ107-108-115-118-
119.
Winter Storm Warning from 3 PM this afternoon to 6 AM MDT
Monday for WYZ101-102.
Winter Storm Warning until 6 AM MDT Monday for WYZ103.
High Wind Warning until 3 PM MDT Sunday for WYZ106-110-116-117.
Winter Weather Advisory until noon MDT today for WYZ112-114.
NE...Winter Weather Advisory from 6 PM this evening to 6 AM MDT
Monday for NEZ002-003-019-020.
High Wind Warning until 3 PM MDT Sunday for NEZ019>021-054-055.
Winter Storm Warning from 3 PM this afternoon to 6 AM MDT
Monday for NEZ095.
Winter Storm Warning from 6 PM this evening to 6 AM MDT Monday
for NEZ096.
&&
SHORT TERM...TJT
LONG TERM...LEG
AVIATION...RUBINHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Cheyenne WY 519 AM MDT Sat Apr 6 2024 NEZ003-019>021-054-055-WYZ106>108-116>119-071130- Box Butte County-Scotts Bluff County-Banner County-Morrill County- Kimball County-Cheyenne County- Central Laramie Range and Southwest Platte County- East Platte County-Goshen County-South Laramie Range- South Laramie Range Foothills-Central Laramie County- East Laramie County- 519 AM MDT Sat Apr 6 2024 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of panhandle Nebraska and southeast Wyoming. .DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT Complex early spring storm will impact the area starting this afternoon. Still quite a bit of uncertainty with snow accumulations and potential travel impacts for areas between Interstate 25 and the Nebraska/Wyoming border. Please stay tuned to the latest forecasts. Very strong winds expected across southeast Wyoming and portions of the western Nebraska Panhandle. Gusts between 70 to 85+ MPH are possible. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY Periods of snowfall will continue on Sunday with strong winds gradually decreasing through the afternoon. .Spotter information statement... Spotters are urged to report strong wind gusts and snow accumulation to the National Weather Service. NEZ002-095-096-WYZ101>103-105-071130- Dawes County-Northern Sioux County-Southern Sioux County- Converse County Lower Elevations-Niobrara County- North Laramie Range-Shirley Basin- 519 AM MDT Sat Apr 6 2024 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of panhandle Nebraska...east central Wyoming...south central Wyoming and southeast Wyoming. .DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT Increasing confidence of a significant winter storm with periods of blizzard conditions late Saturday through early Monday morning for east central Wyoming and the northern Nebraska Panhandle. Winter Storm Warnings are in effect. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect Sunday and Sunday night for blowing snow and periods of blizzard conditions. Travel is discouraged. .Spotter information statement... Spotters are urged to report snow accumulation to the National Weather Service. WYZ104-109>115-071130- Ferris/Seminoe/Shirley Mountains-Central Carbon County- North Snowy Range Foothills-Southwest Carbon County- Sierra Madre Range-Upper North Platte River Basin-Snowy Range- Laramie Valley- 519 AM MDT Sat Apr 6 2024 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of south central Wyoming and southeast Wyoming. .DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT Periods of snow will continue today and into tonight with increasing winds. Gusts of 50 to 65 MPH are expected. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY Periods of snowfall will continue on Sunday with strong winds gradually decreasing through the afternoon. .Spotter information statement... Spotters are urged to report strong wind gusts and snow accumulation to the National Weather Service.
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
907 AM MDT Sat Apr 6 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0858 AM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 1 SSE Bordeaux 41.93N 104.94W
04/06/2024 M59 MPH Platte WY Mesonet
Mesonet station KBRX 1.4 S Bordeaux (WYDOT).
&&
AWPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
944 AM MDT Sat Apr 6 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0935 AM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 1 NW Cheyenne 41.15N 104.80W
04/06/2024 M61 MPH Laramie WY ASOS
ASOS station KCYS Cheyenne Airport - Cys.
&&
AWPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
1041 AM MDT Sat Apr 6 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0934 AM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 11 SE Arlington 41.50N 106.05W
04/06/2024 M59 MPH Albany WY Mesonet
Mesonet station WY25 10.7 SE Arlington
(WYDOT).
&&
AWPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
1042 AM MDT Sat Apr 6 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1036 AM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 11 SE Arlington 41.50N 106.05W
04/06/2024 M68 MPH Albany WY Mesonet
Mesonet station WY25 10.7 SE Arlington
(WYDOT).
&&
AWPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
1058 AM MDT Sat Apr 6 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1052 AM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 13 NE Centennial 41.44N 105.96W
04/06/2024 M62 MPH Albany WY Mesonet
Mesonet station WY26 12.6 NE Centennial
(WYDOT).
&&
AWPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
1104 AM MDT Sat Apr 6 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1102 AM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 13 NE Centennial 41.44N 105.96W
04/06/2024 M66 MPH Albany WY Mesonet
Mesonet station WY26 12.6 NE Centennial
(WYDOT).
&&
AWThe national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
4 high wind. Local standard time, as filed.
CWOP Site FW8155, located 1 mile northwest of Lorenzo, Nebraska reported this peak wind gust. Observation from the ASOS at Sidney (KSNY) reported a 76 mph gust during the event. Blizzard conditions began to develop around 738 PM MST.
Kimball AWOS (KIBM), located 3 miles south of Kimball reported this peak wind gusts. Mesonet sites, Dix, Echo and Kilo also reported wind gusts in excess of 58 mph during this time. Blizzard conditions began to develop around 738 PM MST.
Mesonet site Charlie (K1CW), 5 miles northeast of Harrisburg, Nebraska reported these peak wind gusts. Blizzard conditions began to develop around 738 PM MST.
RAWS site Scottsbluff (SBFN1), located 2 miles west of Gering reported this peak wind gust. The Scottsbluff ASOS and a Mesonet site FW9572 also reported wind gusts in excess of 58 mph during this time. Blizzard conditions began to develop around 738 PM MST.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Nebraska in 2024Every state in 2024This day in weather historyWarnings in Nebraska, 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: 1161637, 1161636, 1161634, 1161633.