A long duration severe weather event began across southeast Wyoming during the early afternoon of June 8th and continued into the late evening hours across western Nebraska. Many strong wind gusts over 60 MPH were reported, along with large hail, flash flooding, and a tornado.
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 CYS wrote it up.
A long duration severe weather event began across southeast Wyoming during the early afternoon of June 8th and continued into the late evening hours across western Nebraska. Many strong wind gusts over 60 MPH were reported, along with large hail, flash flooding, and a tornado.
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 Jun 8, 12:40 PM MST, 4 hours earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
140 PM MDT Mon Jun 8 2026
.KEY MESSAGES...
- A Slight Risk (2 of 5) of severe thunderstorms is possible
Monday for eastern Wyoming and the Nebraska Panhandle, with
all severe hazards possible.
- Expect a quick cool down on Monday before a quick warmup on
Tuesday, and then temperatures moderate through the end of
the week though still around 5 to 10 degrees above normal.
- Red Flag Warning in effect for the eastern high plains of
southeast Wyoming and all of western Nebraska Tuesday through
late Wednesday, with critical fire weather conditions likely
extending through late in the week.
&&
.SHORT TERM /THROUGH TUESDAY NIGHT/...
Issued at 1234 PM MDT Mon Jun 8 2026
Severe weather will once again be possible this afternoon for areas
east of the Laramie Range. Model soundings show a favorable
environment for all modes of severe weather with large hail, severe
wind gusts and an isolated tornado all possible this afternoon
and evening. Flash flooding also cannot be ruled out with high
PWs over the Nebraska panhandle. Radar already shows a few
storms over Albany County going up where a cumulus field
developed. The uncapped environment here quickly led to the
development of a few stronger updrafts with some small hail. As
these storms progress eastward, they will enter a less favorable
environment with less SBCAPE and shear, so they will likely
weaken an fall apart. Mesoscale analysis as well as model
soundings show a more favorable environment east of the Laramie
Range around mid to late afternoon. Soundings from the GFS still
indicate a strong capping inversion around 18Z that will first
need to erode away. Hi-Res guidance like the HRRR also seems to
be catching on to this, showing convection developing a little
later in the day with each new run.
Once the cap erodes and convection can actually get going, the
environment shows both good instability and shear. Model soundings
show MUCAPE values up to 2000 J/kg of CAPE with about 45 kts of
effective shear. These parameters along with steep mid-level lapse
rates will support a large hail threat for areas east of the Laramie
Range. Severe wind gusts will be a secondary threat in some of the
stronger storms with DCAPE approaching 900 J/kg. Cannot rule out an
isolated tornado or two as MLCAPE reaches about 1500 J/kg by this
evening with the favorable shear. As previously mentioned, flash
flooding could be possible with PWs around an inch in the Nebraska
panhandle. Luckily, cloud layer winds are fairly fast so storms
shouldn't sit in any one area for too long. While convection is
already occurring and will continue for the next several hours,
Hi-Res guidance has delayed the timing of severe storms, making
the most likely window between about 6 PM and 10 PM this
evening. Once storms move out later this evening, it will be a
calm overnight.
Even though a strong trough will push into Wyoming on Tuesday, the
weather will be a bit quieter compared to Monday. Ahead of the
trough, southwest flow will dominate the low and mid-levels.
Southwest flow will advect hot and dry desert air into the CWA. 700
mb temperatures will climb to about +14C which is roughly the 90th
percentile of NAEFS climatology. This will lead to quite a hot day,
mainly for areas east of the Laramie Range. High temperatures here
will reach the upper 80s and 90s. These hot temperatures will help
dry out the eastern portions of the CWA, with relative humidity
dropping as low as the single digits. With the incoming trough, a
250 mb jet will move into the CWA creating windy conditions. This
combination of dry and windy conditions will lead to fire weather
conditions. As a result, the Fire Weather Watch in effect was
upgraded to a Red Flag Warning. The trough could also trigger
some shower and storm development across the CWA. Given the very
dry low and mid-levels, gusty showers with severe wind gusts
are possible. Dry lightning will also be possible, given a few
hundred joules of elevated CAPE.
&&
.LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/...
Issued at 1234 PM MDT Mon Jun 8 2026
The long term forecast appears dry with a switch in the flow regime
from southerly flow to a more westerly. This is due to a persistent
upper level trough pattern to our north into Canada. A cold front
Wednesday will effectively cut us off from the more moist air that
has been advecting in from the Gulf. During this period we are
watching for conditions favorable for fire weather and high winds.
The high wind conditions spill over from Tuesday as flow at the 700
mb level stays elevated. The GFS is projecting winds at this level
at around 50 knots. As daytime mixing commences the risk of these
winds being mixed to the surface increases. Additionally enhancement
by mountain wave breaking is likely to occur. Taking a horizontal
cross section across our west to east ranges depict downsloping
winds approaching 55 knots during the late morning to early
afternoon hours collocated in areas of negative omega. Higher gusts
are certainly possible given the low resolution of global models.
This is not a great combination with the expected low relative
humidities values. Across most of the area values are expected to
plummet below 15 percent and temperatures in the 70s to high 80s.
This is following previous poor nighttime recoveries of about 40-50
percent.
Going into Thursday and beyond, winds start to calm down after the
departure of the mid level shortwave and ridging builds in. As
mentioned our source of moisture has been cut off by the prevailing
synoptic pattern, so humidity values remain very low. Winds are
likely to remain high enough to warrant continued fire weather
products through just about the entirety of the long term. Saturday
and Sunday may see enough moisture and a source of lift from a
clipper type system to support a few storms. Both GFS and Euro are
on board with this solution with the usual caveat being that at
this range solutions will change. If you are looking for any bit of
good news past the long term, the latest CPC outlook has our area in
below average temperatures and increased precipitation chances.
&&
.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z TUESDAY/...
Issued at 1131 AM MDT Mon Jun 8 2026
Scattered severe thunderstorms will be possible at terminals mainly
east of the Laramie Range this afternoon and evening. Main concerns
in storms will be severe winds with gusts over 50 kts and large
hail. Moderate to heavy rain will also be possible, which could
reduce visibility down to MVFR criteria at times. Storms will move
out of the area before midnight. Cannot rule out some patchy low
stratus and fog Tuesday morning from the moisture left behind from
storms, however probabilities of this occurring are currently
low.
&&
.CYS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WY...Red Flag Warning from noon Tuesday to 9 PM MDT Wednesday for
WYZ430>433.
NE...Red Flag Warning from noon Tuesday to 9 PM MDT Wednesday for
NEZ434>437.
&&
SHORT TERM...SF
LONG TERM...RV
AVIATION...SFSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
433 PM MDT Mon Jun 8 2026
NEZ019-WYZ108-082300-
Scotts Bluff NE-Goshen County WY-
433 PM MDT Mon Jun 8 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT WEST CENTRAL SCOTTS BLUFF AND
SOUTHEASTERN GOSHEN COUNTIES THROUGH 500 PM MDT...
At 433 PM MDT, the public reported a strong thunderstorm producing a
landspout near Hawk Springs, or 16 miles south of Torrington, moving
northeast at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Landspouts and wind gusts up to 40 mph.
SOURCE...Public.
IMPACT...Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. Gusty winds
could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured
objects.
Locations impacted include...
Lyman, Yoder, Huntley, Hawk Springs Reservoir, Hawk Springs State
Recreation Area, Hawk Springs, Wycross, and Hawk Springs Campground.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM MDT for
the Panhandle of Nebraska...and southeastern Wyoming.
&&
LAT...LON 4164 10421 4169 10437 4198 10427 4191 10397
TIME...MOT...LOC 2233Z 215DEG 21KT 4183 10419
LANDSPOUT...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
VasquezPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
434 PM MDT Mon Jun 8 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0423 PM Landspout 6 S Lyman 41.83N 104.04W
06/08/2026 Scotts Bluff NE Public
Received a photo of a landspout via social
media.
&&
NBSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
439 PM MDT Mon Jun 8 2026
WYZ106>108-082315-
East Platte County WY-
Central Laramie Range and Southwest Platte County WY-
Goshen County WY-
439 PM MDT Mon Jun 8 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT WEST CENTRAL GOSHEN AND
SOUTHEASTERN PLATTE COUNTIES THROUGH 515 PM MDT...
At 439 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Slater, or 15 miles southeast of Wheatland, moving northeast at 25
mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel 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...
Chugwater, Slater, Chugcreek, Y-O Ranch, and Antelope Gap.
This includes Interstate 25 in Wyoming between mile markers 53 and
69.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM MDT for
southeastern Wyoming.
&&
LAT...LON 4171 10475 4176 10495 4207 10491 4195 10447
TIME...MOT...LOC 2239Z 214DEG 21KT 4185 10483
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
VasquezSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
455 PM MDT Mon Jun 8 2026
WYZ106-107-116>118-082330-
East Platte County WY-South Laramie Range WY-
Central Laramie Range and Southwest Platte County WY-
Central Laramie County WY-South Laramie Range Foothills WY-
455 PM MDT Mon Jun 8 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT EASTERN ALBANY...NORTHWESTERN
LARAMIE AND SOUTHWESTERN PLATTE COUNTIES THROUGH 530 PM MDT...
At 455 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 11
miles north of Horse Creek, or 26 miles northeast of Laramie, moving
northeast at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 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.
This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of eastern Albany,
northwestern Laramie and southwestern Platte Counties.
This includes Interstate 25 in Wyoming near mile marker 39.
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 Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM MDT for
southeastern Wyoming.
&&
LAT...LON 4167 10530 4178 10495 4153 10489 4152 10529
TIME...MOT...LOC 2255Z 247DEG 18KT 4158 10522
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
VasquezSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
525 PM MDT Mon Jun 8 2026
WYZ107-108-090000-
East Platte County WY-Goshen County WY-
525 PM MDT Mon Jun 8 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT WEST CENTRAL GOSHEN AND
SOUTHEASTERN PLATTE COUNTIES THROUGH 600 PM MDT...
At 525 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8
miles west of Veteran, or 21 miles southwest of Torrington, moving
northeast at 15 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...
Yoder and Veteran.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM MDT for
southeastern Wyoming.
&&
LAT...LON 4185 10459 4195 10467 4214 10446 4192 10423
TIME...MOT...LOC 2325Z 229DEG 15KT 4192 10454
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
MoseSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
536 PM MDT Mon Jun 8 2026
WYZ106-107-117-118-090000-
East Platte County WY-
Central Laramie Range and Southwest Platte County WY-
Central Laramie County WY-South Laramie Range Foothills WY-
536 PM MDT Mon Jun 8 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTH CENTRAL LARAMIE AND
SOUTHEASTERN PLATTE COUNTIES THROUGH 600 PM MDT...
At 536 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8
miles southwest of Chugwater, or 24 miles south of Wheatland, moving
east at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel 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...
Chugwater and Slater.
This includes Interstate 25 in Wyoming between mile markers 41 and
61.
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 Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM MDT for
southeastern Wyoming.
&&
LAT...LON 4157 10512 4178 10500 4186 10472 4156 10480
TIME...MOT...LOC 2336Z 256DEG 12KT 4170 10496
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
VasquezThe Cheyenne radar (KCYS), 87 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 23:40 UTC.
5 hail. Local standard time, as filed.
Emergency Management received reports from public of quarter-sized hail within large quantities of small hail covering the roadway.
Emergency Management reported ping pong ball sized hail.
Emergency Management reported 1.00 to 1.25 inch diameter hail near La Grange.
Reported by an NWS employee.
Image provided south of Hawk Springs.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Wyoming in 2026Every state in 2026This day in weather historyWarnings in Wyoming, June 2026
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: 1338607, 1338610, 1338612, 1338613, 1338617.