Hail in Pawnee County, Nebraska

Public report of hail estimated up to dime size (0.75 inch) in diameter.

On May 18, 2025 and into the morning hours of May 19, 2025, a negatively tilted mid- to upper-level trough advancing into the central Plains helped spawn a surface low over eastern Colorado. A warm front associated with this system became nearly stationary just south of the Nebraska-Kansas border. North of the front, elevated instability, increasing low-level moisture, and 35+ kt deep-layer shear'along with a strengthening low-level jet'supported the development of strong to severe elevated thunderstorms during the evening and overnight hours.

Most hail reports remained sub-severe, including 0.88-inch hail in Jefferson County and 0.75-inch hail in Pawnee County. However, pockets of strong to severe wind gusts were observed behind the main convective activity. These were likely enhanced by downward momentum transfer from the intensifying low-level jet, aided by evaporating anvil-level precipitation and steep lapse rates. Several reports of thunderstorm wind damage were received overnight. In Colfax County, public reports noted tree damage and structural impacts to porches and roofs. In Lancaster County, Emergency Management reported tree limbs down.