A series of intense supercell thunderstorms moved north across the area during the afternoon and early evening hours.  Long-track tornadoes, flash flooding, large hail and damaging winds were reported across much of northwest Kansas into extreme southern Nebraska.  Eleven tornadoes were verified by storm chasers and damage surveys.

Flash Flood in GOVE, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 15:59:00 to 22-MAY-08 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRINNELL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Water was reported running over a county road 4 miles south of Grinnell.    Other areas of eastern Gove county also experienced extremely heavy rainfall through early evening.

Flash Flood in NORTON, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 19:20:00 to 22-MAY-08 23:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: NORTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

Street flooding with water up to 1 foot deep was reported in the city of Norton via the National Spotter Network.  Radar also indicated extremely heavy rainfall occurring across much of central Norton county at this time. Local newspapers later stated that Norton county roads incurred an estimated $500,000 in damage as a result of the heavy rainfall and flooding in the area.

Flood in NORTON, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 23:20:00 to 23-MAY-08 17:18:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLAYTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

The river gauge 4 miles east of Clayton remained at or above flood stage for 21 hours due to heavy rainfall during the late afternoon and evening of May 22nd. Low land flooding occurred along Prairie Dog Creek leading to Sebelius Reservoir.  An unattended camper floated away when the waters rose.

Tornado in GOVE, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 17:08:00 to 22-MAY-08 17:23:00 (CST-6)
Location: GOVE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

A tornado moved across rural eastern Gove county during the late afternoon and produced EF1 damage at a home on Road O before dissipating. Severe roof damage occurred and several outbuildings were damaged or destroyed.

Tornado in GOVE, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 17:32:00 to 22-MAY-08 17:33:00 (CST-6)
Location: QUINTER
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

This brief tornado remained over open country with no known damage.

Tornado in DECATUR, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 17:31:00 to 22-MAY-08 18:19:00 (CST-6)
Location: DRESDEN
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 1.50M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

An intense supercell thunderstorm produced this long track tornado which traveled 34 miles from extreme southern Decatur county into Red Willow county Nebraska. Dozens of utility poles were snapped and numerous outbuildings were destroyed.

Hail in GOVE, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 15:00:00 to 22-MAY-08 15:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRINNELL
Magnitude: 2.75 
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

NSSL SHAVE project relayed 6-8 reports of large hail from 4 SW Grinnel north to Grinnell.  Some windows and screens were broken and cars were dented and had broken windshields.

Hail in SHERIDAN, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 21:20:00 to 22-MAY-08 21:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: ANGELUS
Magnitude: 3.50 
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

NSSL SHAVE project relayed a half dozen reports of large hail from 4 miles SSE Angelus to east of Angelus.  The largest hail was reported at 3.5 inches in diameter with numerous reports at 1.5 to 2.5 inches.

Tornado in GOVE, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 16:25:00 to 22-MAY-08 16:32:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRAINFIELD
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

This tornado developed 3 miles SW of Grainfield and moved north 11 miles into Sheridan county, dissipating 9 miles SW of Hoxie. This tornado remained over open fields.

Tornado in SHERIDAN, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 16:32:00 to 22-MAY-08 16:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: ANGELUS
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

This tornado moved into southern Sheridan county from Gove county, and remained over open fields until dissipation 9 miles SW of Hoxie.

Thunderstorm Wind in GOVE, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 16:30:00 to 22-MAY-08 16:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRAINFIELD
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A semi-trailer was blown over on Interstate 70.  Time of this report is estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind in NORTON, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 19:19:00 to 22-MAY-08 19:19:00 (CST-6)
Location: DENSMORE
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

This report was relayed from the National Spotter Network.

Tornado in DECATUR, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 16:48:00 to 22-MAY-08 17:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: OBERLIN
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 1.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

The same supercell thunderstorm which produced the tornado across SW-C Decatur county developed a second tornado about 3 miles SW of Oberlin. This tornado moved north and and dissipated one mile SE of Cedar Falls, traveling along the west side of highway 83.  This tornado remained mostly over open fields, but destroyed a number of irrigation pivots and damaged.  The rear flank downdraft caused damage in several locations on highway 83, including grain bins at a feed lot and outbuildings at a farmstead.

Tornado in SHERIDAN, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 16:55:00 to 22-MAY-08 17:17:00 (CST-6)
Location: SEGUIN
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 750.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

This tornado developed just south of highway 24 west of Hoxie, and moved north nine miles before dissipating. It produced EF2 damage at a home on highway 24, removing much of the roof of the home and destroying a large metal outbuilding. Significant tree damage also occurred.  South of the highway, an irrigation pivot was overturned and a second home suffered minor damage and a small outbuilding was destroyed.

Tornado in SHERIDAN, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 17:18:00 to 22-MAY-08 17:23:00 (CST-6)
Location: SELDEN
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

Tornado occurred over open country with no known damage.

Hail in SHERIDAN, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 18:37:00 to 22-MAY-08 18:37:00 (CST-6)
Location: STUDLEY
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in DECATUR, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 17:45:00 to 22-MAY-08 17:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: OBERLIN
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Hail in THOMAS, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 16:25:00 to 22-MAY-08 16:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: MENLO
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Spotter also reported that heavy rain was accompanying the hail.

Thunderstorm Wind in SHERMAN, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 13:40:00 to 22-MAY-08 13:40:00 (MST-7)
Location: GOODLAND ARPT
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Tornado in GOVE, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 14:45:00 to 22-MAY-08 14:46:00 (CST-6)
Location: GOVE
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

This report was received from the National Spotter Network. No damage was reported with this tornado.

Tornado in GOVE, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 15:07:00 to 22-MAY-08 15:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRINNELL
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

No damage was reported with this tornado.

Tornado in SHERIDAN, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 16:11:00 to 22-MAY-08 16:17:00 (CST-6)
Location: SELDEN
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

This tornado developed SW of Selden in Sheridan county and tracked for 17.5 miles into central Decatur county SW of Oberlin. The tornado damaged outbuildings and trees at a farmstead NW of Selden producing F1 damage.

Hail in SHERMAN, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 12:56:00 to 22-MAY-08 12:56:00 (MST-7)
Location: GOODLAND
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in GOVE, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 16:00:00 to 22-MAY-08 16:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: CAMPUS
Magnitude: 1.50 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Hail in CHEYENNE, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 14:35:00 to 22-MAY-08 14:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: ST FRANCIS
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in SHERMAN, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 12:58:00 to 22-MAY-08 12:58:00 (MST-7)
Location: GOODLAND
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Hail in NORTON, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 18:39:00 to 22-MAY-08 18:39:00 (CST-6)
Location: NORTON
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Power outages were also reported.

Hail in NORTON, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 18:48:00 to 22-MAY-08 18:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: NORTON
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Spotter also reported heavy rain and wind gusts to around 50 mph.

Hail in NORTON, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 19:28:00 to 22-MAY-08 19:28:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALMENA
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Spotter also estimated winds around 55 mph.

Hail in RAWLINS, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 14:25:00 to 22-MAY-08 14:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: ATWOOD
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in SHERIDAN, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 15:48:00 to 22-MAY-08 15:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: ANGELUS
Magnitude: 2.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

Hail in SHERMAN, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 13:00:00 to 22-MAY-08 13:00:00 (MST-7)
Location: GOODLAND
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in SHERIDAN, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 16:20:00 to 22-MAY-08 16:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: ANGELUS
Magnitude: 3.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in GOVE, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 15:11:00 to 22-MAY-08 15:11:00 (CST-6)
Location: GOVE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

This report was relayed from the National Spotter Network.

Hail in GOVE, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 18:18:00 to 22-MAY-08 18:18:00 (CST-6)
Location: PARK
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in GOVE, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 18:04:00 to 22-MAY-08 18:04:00 (CST-6)
Location: GOVE
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in GOVE, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 15:04:00 to 22-MAY-08 15:04:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRINNELL
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Hail in THOMAS, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 16:01:00 to 22-MAY-08 16:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: REXFORD
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in GOVE, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 14:35:00 to 22-MAY-08 14:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: CAMPUS
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hail in GOVE, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 14:40:00 to 22-MAY-08 14:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: CAMPUS
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hail in CHEYENNE, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 14:45:00 to 22-MAY-08 14:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: ST FRANCIS
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in RAWLINS, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 14:31:00 to 22-MAY-08 14:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: ATWOOD
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in NORTON, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 19:31:00 to 22-MAY-08 19:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALMENA
Magnitude: 2.50 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Tornado in DECATUR, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 16:17:00 to 22-MAY-08 16:46:00 (CST-6)
Location: LEOVILLE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

This tornado moved into southern Decatur county from Sheridan county and tracked to 5 miles SW of Oberlin. Damage occurred to irrigation pivots and  outbuildings in southern Decatur county.

Tornado in SHERIDAN, KANSAS
From 22-MAY-08 17:20:00 to 22-MAY-08 17:23:00 (CST-6)
Location: SELDEN
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

This brief tornado remained over open country with no known damage.