High Wind in Howard, Nebraska

Northwest winds with sustained speeds near 40 MPH and gusts near 50-60 MPH were common across the county during the afternoon hours.

The same trough which brought isolated severe thunderstorms and eventually an area of blowing dust to parts of the area on May 14th, was the culprit for strong synoptic scale winds across the area on May 16th. The upper trough became a strong low in North Dakota. On the south side of the low, a secondary cold front dove south enhancing the already favorable profile for strong gradient winds. Winds of 50 to 60 mph were common across a good part of south central Nebraska by midday, including a measured 58 mph wind gust at the Hastings Airport.