July 13, 2011: EF0 Tornadoes Reported Near Upland

July 13, 2011

Severe Weather Event

Brief, Weak Tornadoes, Some Large Hail and Isolated Heavy Rainfall

To the right is a National Weather Service Radar loop with overlayed storm reports, from 5:35 pm CDT July 10th to 11:45 pm CDT July 13th.

The NWS Hastings coverage area is located within the orange outlined area labeled "GID", with the Interstates in red.

(Click Radar Loop To Enlarge)

Severe Weather Summary:

The early to mid evening hours brought a round of scattered thunderstorms to portions of the Hastings coverage area, driven by a weak upper level disturbance crossing the Plains and a warm frontal boundary draped through the region. These thunderstorms initiated across portions of northwestern Kansas, before shifting northeast and expanding in coverage as they crossed the Hastings coverage area. There were a number of hail reports from nickel to golf ball size, as well as wind gusts of 60-65 mph, but the most notable event was a few brief tornado touchdowns southeast and southwest of Upland in Franklin County. Thankfully, these tornadoes were weak and no damage was reported.

As far as rainfall goes, it was quite spotty across the region, but a few places picked up some hefty amounts. In general, the highest totals affected parts of Franklin, Howard and Merrick Counties. Reports of 1 to over 3 inches were common in these areas. A few specific measured amounts included 3.43 inches in Franklin, and 2.99 inches in Dannebrog.

Here are a few "highlights" of the event, based on reports from storm spotters, local law enforcement, emergency management, and the public:

2 brief EF0 tornadoes were reported southeast and southwest of Upland in Franklin County. No damage was reported.

Wind gusts estimated at 65 MPH were reported near Stockton in Rook County, KS.

Nickel to quarter size hail was reported in the town of Franklin in Franklin County, along with extensive street flooding.

Quarter size hail was reported near Chapman in Merrick County.

Ping pong ball size hail was reported near Axtell in Kearney County.

Half dollar to golf ball size hail was reported near Wilsonville in Furnas County.

For an interactive listing of the PRELIMINARY storm reports, please click the linked image below.

July 13, 2011 Storm Reports.
Click image for detailed reports.