Thunderstorm Wind — Merrick, Nebraska

2023-07-17 · near Central City, Merrick, Nebraska

Event narrative

Tree damage was reported in the area, including downed limbs which damaged a home, and a power pole was also damaged.

Wider weather episode

An upper level trough was centered over the Great Lakes region and an upper level ridge was centered over Arizona and New Mexico. South central and central Nebraska were on the backside of the upper trough. The edge of a cooler airmass was moving across central Nebraska and an upper disturbance was moving near the area. This had provided enhanced lift in the atmosphere. The air was moist with dewpoints in the 60s. Most unstable CAPE values were generally 2,000+ J/kg across the area, and zero to six km wind shear values were 50+ knots.

Storms were developing across south central and central Nebraska during the early morning hours. One of these storms developed and strengthened to the west and moved eastward towards Merrick County. This storm produced an estimated 70 mph wind gust at 4:55 AM CDT which damaged trees, a home, and a power pole.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (41.1300, -98.0300)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1113918. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.