Tornado and Dust Storm in Nebraska, May 30, 2026

Name: Tornado and Dust Storm in Nebraska, May 30, 2026
Start: 2026-05-30T15:47
End: 2026-05-30T19:29
Location: Nebraska

May 30, 2026 · NWS LBF · 20 events in 9 counties and zones

Where it happened

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.

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: 5
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 20

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 LBF wrote it up.

Strong to severe thunderstorms initiated over far southwestern Nebraska and the Nebraska Panhandle during the late afternoon hours of May 30th. As this activity progressed slowly east into the evening hours, numerous large hail and damaging wind gusts were reported. A couple of tornadoes were also reported. Hail up to 3.5 inches in diameter and thunderstorm wind gusts up to 72 MPH were reported.

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 North Platte, NE wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 30, 1:08 PM MST, 2 hours 39 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

Moderate to high confidence in severe thunderstorms late this afternoon through the evening with large hail and damaging winds being the main threats, and tornadoes being a secondary threat.
Low confidence in continued near-daily afternoon/evening thunderstorms through mid-week.
High confidence in mild temperatures through the end of next week.

Area forecast discussion, May 30, 1:08 PM MST, 2 hours 39 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service North Platte NE
308 PM CDT Sat May 30 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Moderate to high confidence in severe thunderstorms late this
afternoon through the evening with large hail and damaging winds
being the main threats, and tornadoes being a secondary threat.

- Low confidence in continued near-daily afternoon/evening
thunderstorms through mid-week.

- High confidence in mild temperatures through the end of next week.

&&

.SHORT TERM /THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT/...
Issued at 256 PM CDT Sat May 30 2026

The greatest potential for severe storms in the next week will occur
late this afternoon and evening as a mid level trough pushes across
Nebraska. In addition to this, current observations show a
developing surface low across the Colorado/Kansas border with a well
defined dry line line draped to the south. As this low pushes
northeastward, the dry line will also move into southwest and
southern Nebraska bringing with it a steep gradient of dewpoints and
moisture across the front. With increased moisture across portions
of our forecast area combined with ample instability (CAPE values
potentially above 3000 J/kg, lapse rates near 7 to 9 C/km, and 0-6
km shear up to 50 knots), a favorable environment will exist for
severe thunderstorm development by late this afternoon and into the
evening. Storms will develop into supercells initially before
becoming more linear in nature as they progress northeastward into
central Nebraska. The main threats remain relatively unchanged from
previous forecasts with large hail (at least 2 inches in diameter)
and strong winds (at least 65 mph) being the primary threats along
with the potential for a few tornadoes. Storms are expected to
remain severe throughout much of the evening, gradually weakening
after Midnight CT when instability begins to wane. Despite the
severe potential lessening after Midnight, some lingering
thunderstorms, some on the stronger side even, will be possible
across north central Nebraska through sunrise Sunday morning when
storms completely move off to the east and slowly dissipate.

&&

.LONG TERM /MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...
Issued at 256 PM CDT Sat May 30 2026

Another round of convection is possible on Sunday as the severe
threat shifts slightly to the east. A shortwave will push
through northern and eastern Nebraska on Sunday afternoon
combining with a dryline across central Nebraska providing a
favorable environment for convective initiation. Development
will be primarily focused along and to the east of this dryline
(mainly east of US-183) where the best moisture will be present.
Even then, the latest model soundings suggest a lot of mid-
level dry air around through the afternoon and early evening.
This may inhibit any thunderstorm development in our area with
the main action focused more across northeast Nebraska.
Regardless, not expecting widespread severe, but a small window
of some isolated strong to briefly severe storms could be
possible before pushing to the east out of our area.

Beyond Sunday, the active weather pattern will continue as a series
of shortwaves continue to track through Nebraska creating near-daily
rain and thunderstorm chances through mid-week. At this time the
severe risk remains uncertain, but with mild temperatures in the 80s
though much of the week and some modest instability across the
region, confidence in a stronger or briefly severe storm is high
especially in the afternoon and evening. Stay tuned as we will
continue to monitor the environment headed into next week for the
severe potential.

Temperatures through the extended period remain warm and mild as
continued WAA pushes into the central Plains. Highs will remain in
the 80s with lows in the low to mid 50s through next week.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SUNDAY/...
Issued at 1247 PM CDT Sat May 30 2026

Showers and thunderstorms will develop and move into the region late
this afternoon and into the evening. These storms will have the
capability of producing large hail and damaging, erratic winds as
well as frequent lightning. Storms will slowly weaken as they move
east/northeast throughout the evening, but some stronger storms may
still impact northern and north central Nebraska. Showers come to an
end Sunday morning. While skies may remain overcast, ceilings will
rise back into VFR by late morning.

&&

.LBF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
None.

&&

SHORT TERM...Kulik
LONG TERM...Kulik
AVIATION...Kulik

Hazardous weather outlook, May 30, 12:56 PM MST, 2 hours 51 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service North Platte NE
256 PM CDT Sat May 30 2026

NEZ004>010-022>029-035>038-056>059-069>071-094-312000-
Sheridan-Eastern Cherry-Keya Paha-Boyd-Brown-Rock-Holt-Garden-Grant-
Hooker-Thomas-Blaine-Loup-Garfield-Wheeler-Arthur-McPherson-Logan-
Custer-Deuel-Keith-Perkins-Lincoln-Chase-Hayes-Frontier-
Western Cherry-
256 PM CDT Sat May 30 2026 /156 PM MDT Sat May 30 2026/

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of western and north
central Nebraska.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Severe thunderstorms are possible through this evening across
western and north central Nebraska. Large to very large hail and
damaging winds are the main threats, however, a tornado or two is
also possible.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

Near critical fire weather conditions are possible Sunday afternoon
across the western Sandhills and southwest Nebraska, where low
humidity and gusty west winds exist.

Daily chances for showers and thunderstorms are possible Monday
through Thursday night. However, the severe risk remains uncertain
at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 30, 3:21 PM MST, 26 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service North Platte NE
521 PM CDT Sat May 30 2026

NEZ059-070-071-302300-
Frontier NE-Hayes NE-Lincoln NE-
521 PM CDT Sat May 30 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN FRONTIER...
SOUTHWESTERN LINCOLN AND HAYES COUNTIES THROUGH 600 PM CDT...

At 521 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Palisade, or 10 miles south of Hayes Center, moving north at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 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.

Locations impacted include...
Hayes Center, Wellfleet, Dickens, Marengo, and Hayes Center State
Wildlife Management Area.

This includes Highway 83 between mile markers 49 and 58.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement
agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service
office in North Platte.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM CDT for southwestern
Nebraska.

&&

LAT...LON 4085 10112 4076 10059 4035 10082 4035 10114
TIME...MOT...LOC 2221Z 192DEG 22KT 4036 10098

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

NMJ

Special weather statement, May 30, 3:35 PM MST, 12 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service North Platte NE
435 PM MDT Sat May 30 2026

NEZ035-057-302315-
Arthur NE-Keith NE-
435 PM MDT Sat May 30 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN ARTHUR AND NORTH
CENTRAL KEITH COUNTIES THROUGH 515 PM MDT...

At 435 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 10
miles southwest of Arthur, moving north at 15 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 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.

Locations impacted include...
Arthur, Velma, Haythorn Lake, and McKeag.

This includes the following highways...
 Highway 61 between mile markers 109 and 128.
 Highway 92 between mile markers 165 and 166.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

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.

To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement
agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service
office in North Platte.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM MDT for southwestern
and west central Nebraska.

&&

LAT...LON 4137 10171 4138 10195 4164 10197 4163 10164
TIME...MOT...LOC 2235Z 183DEG 15KT 4146 10183

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

NMJ

The radar

The Goodland radar (KGLD), 133 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 22:44 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

11 hail, 7 thunderstorm wind, 1 dust storm, 1 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Chase

When: May 30, 3:47 PM MST
Where: Chase County, 3.44 mi ESE of Lamar
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 40.550, -101.910

Hail, Hayes

When: May 30, 5:04 PM CST
Where: Hayes County, 2.81 mi N of Hayes Center
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 40.560, -101.030

Dust Storm, Keith

When: May 30, 4:10 PM MST
Where: Keith forecast zone
Injuries: 5 direct, 0 indirect
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 41.199, -101.661 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Severe thunderstorm wind gusts up to around 70 MPH produced blowing dust along Interstate 80 in western Keith County. Reduced visibility due to the blowing dust, led to a 16 car pile up on Interstate 80 near mile marker 118. One fatality and 5 injuries were reported in the accident.

Thunderstorm Wind, Keith

When: May 30, 4:15 PM MST
Where: Keith County, 2.69 mi WSW of Ogallala
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) measured gust
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 41.120, -101.770

Wind gust measured at the Ogallala Airport.

Hail, Lincoln

When: May 30, 5:22 PM CST
Where: Lincoln County, 9.22 mi SSE of Wallace
Measured: 2.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 40.700, -101.130

Thunderstorm Wind, Keith

When: May 30, 4:27 PM MST
Where: Keith County, 4.16 mi W of Keystone
Measured: 63 kt (72 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 41.220, -101.660

Hail, Perkins

When: May 30, 4:42 PM MST
Where: Perkins County, 1.57 mi W of Elsie
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 40.850, -101.410

Hail, Lincoln

When: May 30, 5:47 PM CST
Where: Lincoln County, 1.38 mi S of Wallace
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 40.810, -101.170

Hail, Lincoln

When: May 30, 5:54 PM CST
Where: Lincoln County, 2.7 mi WNW of Dickens
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 40.830, -101.030

Thunderstorm Wind, Frontier

When: May 30, 6:08 PM CST
Where: Frontier County, 3.49 mi S of Stockville
Measured: 53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 40.480, -100.370

Hail, Lincoln

When: May 30, 6:26 PM CST
Where: Lincoln County, 5.63 mi N of Wellfleet
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 40.830, -100.750

Tornado, Lincoln

When: May 30, 6:28 PM CST
Where: Lincoln County, 9.12 mi N of Wellfleet
Rating: EFU
Path length: 0.01 mi
Path width: 10 yd
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 40.880, -100.760

Storm Spotter reported tornado via Twitter. Brief touchdown, no damage reported.

Hail, Lincoln

When: May 30, 6:35 PM CST
Where: Lincoln County, 4.95 mi NNW of Wellfleet
Measured: 2.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 40.820, -100.750

Hail, Lincoln

When: May 30, 6:55 PM CST
Where: Lincoln County, Maxwell
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.080, -100.530

Thunderstorm Wind, Grant

When: May 30, 5:56 PM MST
Where: Grant County, 6.03 mi SW of Whitman
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.980, -101.590

Thunderstorm wind gust of 70 MPH measured at this location by a personal weather station.

Hail, Lincoln

When: May 30, 6:56 PM CST
Where: Lincoln County, 4.15 mi N of Wellfleet
Measured: 3.5 in hail
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 40.810, -100.730

Hail, Lincoln

When: May 30, 6:58 PM CST
Where: Lincoln County, 0.69 mi S of Brady
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 41.020, -100.370

Thunderstorm Wind, Keith

When: May 30, 6:07 PM MST
Where: Keith County, 8.34 mi SW of Brule
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.020, -102.020

Wind gust up to 61 MPH estimated at this location.

Thunderstorm Wind, Garden

When: May 30, 6:15 PM MST
Where: Garden County, 5.11 mi ENE of Lewellen
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.360, -102.060

Thunderstorm Wind, Custer

When: May 30, 7:29 PM CST
Where: Custer County, 10.82 mi SW of Mason City
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 41.130, -99.460

Thunderstorm wind gust, estimated at 70 MPH, was reported at this location.

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Dust Storm: Blowing dust that reduced visibility to a quarter mile or less.
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.
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.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Nebraska in 2026 Every state in 2026 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Nebraska, 2026 Warnings in Nebraska, May 2026

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: 1332790, 1332791, 1335416, 1332807, 1332793, 1332808, 1332794, 1332795, 1332796, 1332809, 1332798, 1332800, 1332806, 1332803, 1332802, 1332805, 1332801, 1332810, 1332811, 1332813.