June 17, 2009: Grand Island EF0 Tornado

After getting several additional reports during the afternoon of June 18^th of a possible tornado in southern Grand Island, NWS Hastings staff conducted a damage survey into the area. It was found that a weak (EF0) tornado did occur. Reports would indicate that the tornado started near US Highway 281 just west of the Stuhr Museum and moved to the northeast. This was based on eye witness reports as there was no damage found in this area.

The first damage noted was to some trees along Garland Street just north of US Highway 34. Additional tree damage and some minor damage to a house were found near the intersection of Garland and Blaine Streets. Tree damage was also seen along and just south of Stagecoach Road. The tornado likely lifted shortly after this near the Riverside Country Club.

This tornado likely had winds around or less than 60 mph or rated as an EF0 on the Enhanced Fajita Scale. Based on reports, it occurred around 8:38 pm and was likely on the ground for just a few minutes as it moved along its 1.5 mile path.