In the late afternoon of the 30th, storms began to fire across eastern Colorado and moved northeast through southwestern Nebraska. Later in the night, another round of storms moved east through the area.
Every event with a place to put it. 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.
In the late afternoon of the 30th, storms began to fire across eastern Colorado and moved northeast through southwestern Nebraska. Later in the night, another round of storms moved east through the area. These rounds of storm produced heavy, prolonged rain, causing minor urban flooding to occur.
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 May 31, 1:54 AM MST, 1 hour 51 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Goodland KS 254 AM MDT Fri May 31 2024 .KEY MESSAGES... - Strong to severe storms remain forecast for both today and Saturday. Storms will generally form in Eastern Colorado during the afternoon and evening hours and move east. Flooding remains a concern with heavy rainfall the last few days and more heavy rain possible. - Much warmer with 20%-40% chances for thunderstorms Sunday through Tuesday. Sunday could see severe storms. Highs in the 80s and 90s. - Generally drier Wednesday and Thursday with highs in the 80s. && .SHORT TERM /THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT/... Issued at 248 AM MDT Fri May 31 2024 The short term pattern is forecast to remain much of the same with mostly zonal flow aloft over the area. Henceforth, daily chances for storms and near average temperatures are forecast for today and tomorrow. As of 2am, there were two lines present across the area around Highway 83 and in Eastern Colorado. A third line may develop as the two outflow boundaries are nearing each other. This may cause storms to persist through the early morning hours and maybe even a little past sunrise for Eastern portions of the area. The forecast will hinge on what happens with these storms as the additional moisture in the air column (along with near surface flow advecting moisture in from the east) could keep the area cloud covered and keep temperatures in the 70's. Otherwise, areas that see sun for most of the day could warm to around 80. The other thing to watch with these early storms is for outflow boundaries to kick out which could spark storms through the day, especially with the low level moisture present. So currently have a 20% chance for storms through the day in NW Kansas and SW Nebraska as any boundary could spark a storm. Storms would be unlikely to be severe during the morning and early afternoon, but the chance isn't zero. The higher chance for storms is this evening as storms are forecast to develop in the higher terrain of Eastern Colorado and move east into the area. The setup is pretty similar to last evening, however surface winds may be a bit more from the south and contribute to higher effective shear for the area. This would increase the threat for large hail up to two inches at least initially until storms move off to the east and potentially cluster. Even with the larger hail possible, most hail would likely be below 1.5 inches with lots of it and heavy rain possible. A few wind gusts to 65 mph are also possible, but chances look similar to last evening which is low. Storms are forecast to slowly move southeast and exit the area within a few hours of midnight. Tomorrow, some of the forecast will depend on how long storms linger tonight. If storms don't linger and there aren't boundaries moving through the area, Saturday should see partly cloudy skies through the day. Highs would warm into the low to mid 80's. The afternoon and evening hours would then bring another chance for storms with a similar scenario of storms forming over Eastern Colorado and moving east. There could be a few additional isolated to scattered storms ahead of the main line as instability is forecast to be greater with the warmer temperatures and moisture availability remaining roughly the same. With instability forecast to be higher and effective shear also forecast to be higher, storms could produce larger hail (potentially greater than 2") and survive enough to move across the entire area. Wind gusts to 70 mph and a tornado or two could be possible (though tornado parameters continue to look weak in the forecast). As with the previous days, heavy rain and flooding will be a concern for most of the area given recent heavy rains. && .LONG TERM /SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/... Issued at 248 AM MDT Fri May 31 2024 For Sunday through Tuesday, the upper flow continues to be forecast to be mostly zonal, though some slight ridging followed by a low amplitude trough is forecast for Sunday. The slight ridging Sunday and the development of a low pressure center north of the area is forecast to switch our lower level flow to out of the southwest. This would help bring in some warmer and drier air into the area. That being said, the drier air looks to be confined to Eastern Colorado (if it moves in at all) with surface dewpoints remaining in the 50's and 60's for the rest of the area. With high temperatures forecast to reach the low 90's and maybe even the mid 90's, Eastern Colorado could see RH drop into the mid teens. Critical fire weather conditions for that area would be a concern, but the recent rains will likely limit any potential for rapid fire growth. Storms would then develop where the moisture remains and track east across the area along with the upper trough. Severe weather would be likely with these storms. Monday and Tuesday are forecast to be a tad cooler, though still near 90 with storm chances both days. However, moisture availability may begin to lower with will lower storm and severe chances, though Tuesday may be aided by another upper trough and surface low. Wednesday and Thursday are currently forecast to see ridging develop over the area. There is some uncertainty with where the ridge axis would be and if an upper low forecast to be over the Great Lakes can deepen and dig west. As long as the ridge begins to influence the area, warmer temperatures, drier air, and lower storm chances would become more likely. && .AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z SATURDAY/... Issued at 1057 PM MDT Thu May 30 2024 Two clusters of thunderstorms currently in vicinity of both terminal locations and expect thunderstorms to linger around KGLD until 08Z and around MCK till 10Z. Forcing for these thunderstorms is somewhat ill defined which is causing below normal confidence in timing and impacts. Once thunderstorms end, very moist airmass with easterly flow will be in place will provide favorable set up for low stratus development or a few areas of fog. While confidence is low in specifics, reasonable threat exists that IFR conditions (whether fog or stratus) will prevail through the morning hours. && .HYDROLOGY... Issued at 513 AM MDT Thu May 30 2024 The flooding chance for parts of the area have increased today with much of the area from Kit Carson [CO] county to Logan [KS] county and south seeing a total of 2 to 5 inches across the past two evenings. The main help in these areas is that they were relatively dry before the storms moved through which has seemed to help mitigate any potential flooding so far. For today, we are watching for a couple of clusters to develop in the area. Unfortunately, they are favoring the areas that have seen the rainfall the past few days. These storms could cluster and/or move slowly which would likely lead to another few inches of rainfall. With soil saturation estimated to near 50% or more, flooding will become more likely, especially in an instance where another quick 3+ inches falls. Going into the weekend, the flooding threat continues though Friday has a bit lower of a chance right now with the forecast suggesting faster storms and lesser coverage. Saturday and Sunday however have the chance to add more heavy rain to areas that have already seen decent rain. Will need to see how much the area gets today. && .GLD WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... KS...None. CO...None. NE...None. && SHORT TERM...KAK LONG TERM...KAK AVIATION...JRM HYDROLOGY...KAK
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Goodland KS 310 AM MDT Fri May 31 2024 COZ090>092-KSZ001>004-013>016-027>029-041-042-NEZ079>081-010915- Yuma-Kit Carson-Cheyenne-Rawlins-Decatur-Norton-Sherman-Thomas- Sheridan-Graham-Wallace-Logan-Gove-Greeley-Wichita-Dundy-Hitchcock- Red Willow- 310 AM MDT Fri May 31 2024 /410 AM CDT Fri May 31 2024/ This hazardous weather outlook is for extreme southwest Nebraska... northwest Kansas and east central Colorado. .DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT... Flooding will remain possible through the early morning hours as showers and storms continue across most of the area. Severe storms are possible late this afternoon and through the evening as a line of storms develops in Eastern Colorado and moves east across the area. Large hail up to two inches, wind gusts up to 65 mph, and heavy rain leading to flooding are the main threats. There is also a very low chance for a tornado. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY... Severe storms are possible during the afternoon and evening hours both Saturday and Sunday. Large hail, damaging wind gusts, and flooding are the main threats. A tornado or two is possible. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is needed through the weekend. Any reports of severe weather and flooding are appreciated!
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Goodland KS 1145 PM MDT Thu May 30 2024 NEZ079-080-310600- Hitchcock NE-Dundy NE- 1145 PM MDT Thu May 30 2024 ...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN HITCHCOCK AND NORTHEASTERN DUNDY COUNTIES THROUGH MIDNIGHT MDT/100 AM CDT/... At 1145 PM MDT/1245 AM CDT/, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 9 miles south of Wauneta, or 18 miles northwest of Trenton, moving north at 5 mph. HAZARD...Nickel size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Minor hail damage to outdoor objects is possible. This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of northwestern Hitchcock and northeastern Dundy Counties. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service office in Goodland. && LAT...LON 4019 10124 4022 10147 4035 10148 4035 10116 TIME...MOT...LOC 0545Z 188DEG 6KT 4028 10134 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH Trigg
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Goodland KS
1231 AM MDT Fri May 31 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1221 AM Flood 1 SW Colby 39.38N 101.05W
05/31/2024 Thomas KS Trained Spotter
Trained spotter reports water beginning to
overrun the curbs and pool a bit in the side
lanes at the intersection of College and
Range. Also noticed a field next to a store
was covered with a few inches of water.
Radar estimated that rain started to fall
around 540Z.
&&
KAKSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Goodland KS
1259 AM MDT Fri May 31 2024
COZ091-310730-
Kit Carson County CO-
1259 AM MDT Fri May 31 2024
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT KIT CARSON COUNTY THROUGH 130 AM
MDT...
At 1258 AM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms along a line extending from 10 miles southeast of
Thurman to 9 miles south of Seibert. Movement was east at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch 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...
Seibert and Vona around 105 AM MDT.
This includes Interstate 70 in Colorado between mile markers 391 and
428.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3956 10315 3957 10262 3905 10229 3904 10316
TIME...MOT...LOC 0658Z 268DEG 24KT 3954 10304 3917 10281
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
AlexanderSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Goodland KS
123 AM MDT Fri May 31 2024
COZ090>092-310800-
Kit Carson County CO-Cheyenne County CO-Yuma County CO-
123 AM MDT Fri May 31 2024
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN CHEYENNE COUNTY IN
EAST CENTRAL COLORADO...SOUTHWESTERN YUMA COUNTY IN NORTHEASTERN
COLORADO AND WESTERN KIT CARSON COUNTIES IN EAST CENTRAL COLORADO
THROUGH 200 AM MDT...
At 123 AM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms along a line extending from 9 miles south of Cope to 15
miles east of Boyero. Movement was southeast at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch 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...
Seibert around 130 AM MDT.
This includes Interstate 70 in Colorado between mile markers 397 and
422.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3957 10301 3957 10280 3967 10280 3973 10243
3880 10267 3886 10305
TIME...MOT...LOC 0723Z 325DEG 18KT 3953 10291 3898 10299
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
AlexanderSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Goodland KS
241 AM CDT Fri May 31 2024
KSZ002>004-NEZ080-081-310815-
Norton KS-Rawlins KS-Decatur KS-Red Willow NE-Hitchcock NE-
241 AM CDT Fri May 31 2024
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN NORTON...EASTERN
RAWLINS...DECATUR...SOUTHERN RED WILLOW AND SOUTHEASTERN HITCHCOCK
COUNTIES THROUGH 315 AM CDT...
At 240 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms 10 miles north of Herndon, or 12 miles southeast of
Trenton, moving southeast at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 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.
This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of northwestern
Norton, eastern Rawlins, Decatur, southern Red Willow and
southeastern Hitchcock Counties, including the following locations...
Kanona, Traer, and Cedar Bluffs.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 4010 10019 4000 10019 4000 10015 3980 10016
3957 10050 3957 10091 4021 10107
TIME...MOT...LOC 0740Z 331DEG 13KT 4005 10084
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
AlexanderPreliminary Local Storm Report...Summary
National Weather Service Goodland KS
440 AM MDT Fri May 31 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0600 AM Rain 1 NW Oakley 39.13N 100.86W
05/30/2024 M0.88 Inch Logan KS Trained Spotter
Spotter reported 0.88 inches across the last
24 hours.
1016 AM Rain 13 NNW Sharon Springs 39.07N 101.85W
05/30/2024 M1.60 Inch Wallace KS Public
total from prior night.
0448 PM Rain 7 SSE Selkirk 38.37N 101.50W
05/30/2024 M2.50 Inch Wichita KS Public
delayed report.....picture of rain gauge
with 2.5 inches of rainfall from last nights
storms.... confirmed that it was all from
last night.
0449 PM Rain Oakley 39.13N 100.86W
05/30/2024 M1.10 Inch Logan KS Public
1-1.10 reported from yesterday.
0452 PM Rain 3 ENE Campus 39.15N 100.69W
05/30/2024 M1.20 Inch Sheridan KS Public
from yesterday.
0454 PM Rain 15 N Leoti 38.70N 101.31W
05/30/2024 M1.40 Inch Logan KS Public
from yesterday.
0617 PM Hail 3 E Vona 39.31N 102.69W
05/30/2024 E1.00 Inch Kit Carson CO Trained Spotter
mostly nickel size hail with a few quarter
sized stones.
0753 PM Hail 7 SW Idalia 39.63N 102.39W
05/30/2024 E0.70 Inch Yuma CO Trained Spotter
0800 PM Hail 3 WNW Idalia 39.72N 102.35W
05/30/2024 E1.00 Inch Yuma CO Public
Hail started out as dime size then increased
to quarter size.
0825 PM Hail 5 NE Idalia 39.76N 102.24W
05/30/2024 E1.50 Inch Yuma CO Trained Spotter
lasted roughly 15 minutes.
0935 PM Tstm Wnd Gst Saint Francis 39.77N 101.80W
05/30/2024 M54 MPH Cheyenne KS AWOS
AWOS station KSYF St. Francis City.
1040 PM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 10 S Saint Francis 39.63N 101.81W
05/30/2024 M61 MPH Cheyenne KS Mesonet
Kansas Mesonet KCNK1.... no lightning or
other similar wind gusts have noted in the
area.
1049 PM Hail 3 W Edson 39.34N 101.59W
05/30/2024 M0.50 Inch Sherman KS Public
Report from mPING: Half-inch (0.50 in.).
&&The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
1 flood. Local standard time, as filed.
EM passed along a report of a few spots on County Road 709 between roads 330 and 332 underwater due to the heavy rain received over the last 24 hours. Water depth unknown.
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, May 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: 1176573.