A compact upper low pressure system tracked across eastern Nebraska and western Iowa early in the afternoon on 3/31/07.  Just ahead of this system, from extreme eastern Nebraska into western Iowa, partial sunshine allowed temperatures to climb to around 70 degrees with dewpoints in the 50s, while a bit farther to the west in the Columbus and Norfolk areas, readings were in the 40s.  The contrast in temperatures and dynamics from the upper low helped kick off severe thunderstorms across the area, including at least one short-lived tornado west of Herman, Nebraska.

Hail in CASS, NEBRASKA
From 31-MAR-07 12:50:00 to 31-MAR-07 12:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: PLATTSMOUTH
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Hail up to 1 inch in diameter was reported by the fire department near Plattsmouth.

Hail in WASHINGTON, NEBRASKA
From 31-MAR-07 13:30:00 to 31-MAR-07 13:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: SPIKER
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in THURSTON, NEBRASKA
From 31-MAR-07 13:35:00 to 31-MAR-07 13:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: WINNEBAGO
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in THURSTON, NEBRASKA
From 31-MAR-07 14:20:00 to 31-MAR-07 14:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: WINNEBAGO
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Lightning in DOUGLAS, NEBRASKA
From 31-MAR-07 13:00:00 to 31-MAR-07 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: OMAHA
Property damage: 40.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Lightning from thunderstorms that moved across the city caused at least 4 fires in the metro area. Damage to 2 of the homes was estimated at $25,000 and $15,000.

Hail in JOHNSON, NEBRASKA
From 31-MAR-07 11:05:00 to 31-MAR-07 11:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: TECUMSEH ARPT
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in OTOE, NEBRASKA
From 31-MAR-07 11:10:00 to 31-MAR-07 11:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: PALMYRA
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in LANCASTER, NEBRASKA
From 31-MAR-07 11:15:00 to 31-MAR-07 11:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: BENNET
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in LANCASTER, NEBRASKA
From 31-MAR-07 11:16:00 to 31-MAR-07 11:16:00 (CST-6)
Location: BENNET
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail in NEMAHA, NEBRASKA
From 31-MAR-07 11:52:00 to 31-MAR-07 11:52:00 (CST-6)
Location: BROCK
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in SAUNDERS, NEBRASKA
From 31-MAR-07 12:00:00 to 31-MAR-07 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: WAHOO
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in OTOE, NEBRASKA
From 31-MAR-07 12:18:00 to 31-MAR-07 12:18:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEBRASKA CITY ARPT
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in CASS, NEBRASKA
From 31-MAR-07 12:20:00 to 31-MAR-07 12:33:00 (CST-6)
Location: LOUISVILLE
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Hail up to golfball size fell around the Louisville area.  The hail covered the ground white in the area.

Hail in CASS, NEBRASKA
From 31-MAR-07 12:35:00 to 31-MAR-07 12:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: COLE ARPT
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail in DOUGLAS, NEBRASKA
From 31-MAR-07 12:52:00 to 31-MAR-07 12:52:00 (CST-6)
Location: OMAHA MILLARD ARPT
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Reported near 220th and Harrison street in far soutwest Douglas county.

Hail in SARPY, NEBRASKA
From 31-MAR-07 12:56:00 to 31-MAR-07 13:07:00 (CST-6)
Location: BELLEVUE
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Hail up to nickel size was reported in and around the Bellevue area.  The hail was reported by off-duty weather observers from Offutt and also amateur radio operators. One report was at 36th and Capehart.

Tornado in WASHINGTON, NEBRASKA
From 31-MAR-07 13:35:00 to 31-MAR-07 13:36:00 (CST-6)
Location: HERMAN
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A tornado touched down 3 miles west of Herman around 235 pm CDT and tracked about 1 mile before lifting according to a NWS storm survey.  The tornado's path was around 1/4 mile wide as it damaged some sheds and almost destroyed a horse barn.  The tornado also snapped a few trees in the area and did some fence damage.