Overview
- Multiple discrete supercells over the High Plains on Saturday produced very large hail and then merged into a cold‑pool mesoscale convective system that shifted the primary threat from hail to extreme winds.
- The merged MCS produced multiple measured gusts near 90–100 mph with appreciable damage reported in the Colby, Kansas vicinity, according to Storm Prediction Center mesoscale discussions.
- The wind‑dominant system continued to track southeast overnight into Oklahoma, the Texas/Oklahoma Panhandles, Missouri and Arkansas with repeated severe gust reports in the 60–100 mph range and occasional large hail.
- The Weather Prediction Center placed parts of southeastern Nebraska, northeastern Kansas and northwestern Missouri under a Moderate Risk for excessive rainfall because training storms could produce flash flooding.
- The SPC coordinated numerous mesoscale discussions and issued watches downstream as the system moved east, and major media noted more than 100 million people were exposed to severe‑weather risk during the event.