Although its main damage swath was only about 15 miles wide, the narrow-but-intense severe storm complex that raced from northwest-to-southeast through the heart of South Central Nebraska during the pre-dawn hours on this Wednesday was one of the most impactful events of the local convective season. Quite simply, this was a nasty wind storm, packing a punch with gusts ranging from around 60 to nearly 90 MPH along and several miles either side of a line stretching from Ord-Grand Island-Hastings-Hardy. For the city of Grand Island, this was likely the overall-worst wind storm in several years, as the airport ASOS clocked a peak gust of 87 MPH. Countless trees/large branches were blown down within the city, along with several power lines, and there was also some (mainly) minor structural damage. Grand Island Emergency Center logged nearly 300 storm related incidents, including traffic hazards, power outages, alarms and fire concerns from sparking electricity. The storm also caused an (indirect) traffic fatality in rural Hall County southeast of Cairo, when a man crashed his pickup into a large, downed tree arched across a paved county road. To the south in Hastings, damage was less-severe overall, as the ASOS peak gust on the west side of town was only 70 MPH. However, stronger winds likely impacted areas just east of the city, as large trees were uprooted at Central Community College and several rail cars were reportedly blown over at a repair facility near the Clay County line. Several smaller communities also reported notable wind damage, including: Cairo, Alda, Wood River, Doniphan, Glenvil, and Fairfield. West of Clay Center, fairly extensive damage occurred on the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center campus, including broken windows and roof damage to several buildings. In addition to the aforementioned peak wind gusts at Grand Island/Hastings airports, some of the more notable unofficial (mesonet) gusts included: 85 MPH near Fairfield, 80 MPH near Alda and Wood River, 79 MPH in Doniphan and 73 MPH near Nelson. Despite the multitude of damaging wind reports, hail reports were quite scarce, as the vast majority of stones were likely dime size or smaller. Rainfall-wise, a fairly widespread coverage of 2-3 soaked several northern counties including: Valley, Greeley, Sherman, Nance and Merrick. Although resultant flooding was not very extensive in most of the area, the Mira Creek in southern Valley County breached its banks for the second time in five days, again prompting minor flooding on the north side of North Loup that continued into the early morning of the 8th.
Breaking down the timing and meteorological background of this event, it's worth noting that these South Central Nebraska damaging winds were actually the finale to a much longer swath of severe weather that initiated in southern ND and north central SD during the afternoon/evening of the 6th. Between 1-2 a.m. CDT on the 7th, the leading edge of this narrow-but-potent mesoscale convective system (MCS) entered far northern portions of the local area into Valley/Greeley counties, signaling its arrival with a 59 MPH gust at Ord airport. However, the worst was yet to come, as during the next few hours the storm complex morphed into more of an outflow-dominant, high-precipitation supercell, slamming through the Grand Island/Hastings areas between 2:30-3:30 a.m. CDT before eventually exiting Nuckolls/Thayer counties into Kansas by 5 a.m. CDT. In the wake of the main show, a few weaker clusters of storms redeveloped over parts of the area into the daylight hours, but were of little significance. In the big picture of the mid-upper levels, this event occurred within a fairly classic summertime northwest-flow regime, as the Central Plains resided northeast of an expansive ridge centered over New Mexico. At the surface, South Central Nebraska was on the backside of a weak ridge axis centered near the Nebraska-Iowa border. This promoted light-but-steady, south-southeast breezes in advance of the approaching storm complex, with surface dewpoints averaging mid-upper 60s F. Although there were question marks about how far southward into Nebraska the potential severe weather threat would extend, the combination of seasonably-stout flow aloft (deep-layer wind shear of at least 40-60 knots) and sufficient instability (mixed-layer CAPE of 1000-2000 J/kg) was clearly supportive of an intense late-night storm. Also enhancing the severe weather environment was a modest, 30 knot  southwesterly low level jet (evident at 850 millibars) and its associated low-level warm air/moisture advection.

Thunderstorm Wind in HOWARD, NEBRASKA
From 07-AUG-19 01:15:00 to 07-AUG-19 01:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: FARWELL
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Wind gusts estimated to be near 60 MPH resulted in tree damage in a shelter belt, where several large limbs were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in VALLEY, NEBRASKA
From 07-AUG-19 00:31:00 to 07-AUG-19 00:39:00 (CST-6)
Location: (ODX)SHARP FLD ORD
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Thunderstorm Wind in HALL, NEBRASKA
From 07-AUG-19 01:42:00 to 07-AUG-19 01:46:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALDA
Magnitude: 70.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

An 80 MPH wind gust was measured by a mesonet station located 3 miles west-northwest of Alda at 2:42 AM CDT. A 71 MPH wind gust was measured by a mesonet station located 2 miles north of Alda at 2:44 AM CDT. A 66 MPH wind gust was measured by a mesonet station located 3 miles northeast of Alda at 2:46 AM CDT. Significant damage to a large metal building was reported 3 miles northwest of Alda.

Thunderstorm Wind in HALL, NEBRASKA
From 07-AUG-19 01:30:00 to 07-AUG-19 01:33:00 (CST-6)
Location: CAIRO
Magnitude: 60.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A 69 MPH wind gust was measured by a mesonet station located 1 mile south of Cairo. Wind gusts estimated to be at least 60 MPH were reported in Cairo. Approximately three miles south-southeast of Cairo, near the intersection of Airport Road and Burwick Road, a motorist struck a large tree that had been blown down and died from his injuries.

Thunderstorm Wind in HALL, NEBRASKA
From 07-AUG-19 01:45:00 to 07-AUG-19 01:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: WOOD RIVER
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Wind gusts estimated to be near 80 MPH resulted in damage in the area. A 150-year old black walnut tree fell on two vehicles and a large hackberry tree was snapped in half. Roof damage was reported at an area home. Extensive damage was done to crops and power lines were downed.

Thunderstorm Wind in ADAMS, NEBRASKA
From 07-AUG-19 01:55:00 to 07-AUG-19 01:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: (HSI)HASTINGS ARPT
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Wind gusts estimated to be near 80 MPH resulted in a large tree being snapped just above the ground.

Thunderstorm Wind in HALL, NEBRASKA
From 07-AUG-19 01:49:00 to 07-AUG-19 01:51:00 (CST-6)
Location: (GRI)GRAND IS RGNL A
Magnitude: 76.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

A 75 MPH wind gust was measured by the Central Nebraska Regional Airport ASOS at 2:49 AM CDT, and an 87 MPH wind gust was measured at 2:51 AM CDT. Widespread tree damage occurred all around the Grand Island area, some trees were totally uprooted and large limbs were downed. Extensive tree damage occurred at the Stuhr Museum on the south side of town. Damage to power lines, power poles, roofs and sheds was also reported. Very heavy rainfall resulted in brief flooding of city streets.

Thunderstorm Wind in HALL, NEBRASKA
From 07-AUG-19 01:54:00 to 07-AUG-19 02:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: DONIPHAN
Magnitude: 69.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A 75 MPH wind gust was measured by a mesonet station located 1 mile east-southeast of Doniphan at 2:54 AM CDT, with a 79 MPH wind gust measured at 3:01 AM CDT. A 67 MPH wind gust was measured by a mesonet station located 2 miles south of Doniphan at 3 AM CDT.

Thunderstorm Wind in HALL, NEBRASKA
From 07-AUG-19 01:57:00 to 07-AUG-19 01:57:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROSEDALE
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A 64 MPH wind gust was measured by a mesonet station located 6 miles west-northwest of Hansen.

Thunderstorm Wind in HALL, NEBRASKA
From 07-AUG-19 01:59:00 to 07-AUG-19 01:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRAND IS
Magnitude: 66.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A 76 MPH wind gust was measured by a mesonet station located 5 miles south-southeast of Grand Island.

Thunderstorm Wind in ADAMS, NEBRASKA
From 07-AUG-19 02:00:00 to 07-AUG-19 02:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: (HSI)HASTINGS ARPT
Magnitude: 61.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

A 70 MPH wind gust was measured by the Hastings Airport ASOS at 3:10 AM CDT, and a 68 MPH wind gust was measured at the NWS Hastings office located 4 miles north of Hastings. These wind gusts resulted in reports of widespread tree damage across the Hastings area. Large trees were snapped and large limbs were downed. Foundation damage to a small outbuilding was also reported.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLAY, NEBRASKA
From 07-AUG-19 02:15:00 to 07-AUG-19 02:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: FAIRFIELD
Magnitude: 74.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Widespread wind gusts of 70 to 85 MPH occurred along this path. A 85 MPH wind gust was measured by a mesonet station located 2 miles west-northwest of Fairfield, and a 70 MPH wind gusts was measured by a mesonet station located 2 miles north-northeast of Deweese. Building damage was reported in the Glenvil and Fairfield areas, with the COOP building in Fairfield losing an entire wall. Numerous trees and power lines were down across the Glenvil, Fairfield and Deweese areas. Several area pivots were damaged, and a grain bin collapse occurred in Fairfield. There was considerable crop damage in the area, including at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center located west of Clay Center, where several buildings were also damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLAY, NEBRASKA
From 07-AUG-19 02:10:00 to 07-AUG-19 02:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: INLAND
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Wind gusts estimated to be near 80 MPH resulted in a trailer home being flipped onto its side. It was not properly strapped down.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLAY, NEBRASKA
From 07-AUG-19 02:09:00 to 07-AUG-19 02:09:00 (CST-6)
Location: INLAND
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A 60 MPH wind gust was measured by a mesonet station located 3 miles northwest of Inland.

Thunderstorm Wind in ADAMS, NEBRASKA
From 07-AUG-19 02:12:00 to 07-AUG-19 02:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: HASTINGS
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Wind gusts estimated to be at least 80 MPH resulted in 27 railroad cars being flipped on their sides off of the tracks.

Thunderstorm Wind in ADAMS, NEBRASKA
From 07-AUG-19 02:10:00 to 07-AUG-19 02:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROSELAND
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A 65 MPH wind gust was measured by a mesonet station located 2 miles southwest of Roseland.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLAY, NEBRASKA
From 07-AUG-19 02:38:00 to 07-AUG-19 02:38:00 (CST-6)
Location: EDGAR
Magnitude: 58.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A 67 MPH wind gust was measured by a mesonet station located 3 miles west of Edgar.

Thunderstorm Wind in NUCKOLLS, NEBRASKA
From 07-AUG-19 02:41:00 to 07-AUG-19 02:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: NELSON
Magnitude: 63.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A 71 MPH wind gust was measured by a mesonet station located 1 mile north of Nelson at 3:41 AM CDT, with a 73 MPH wind gust measured at 3:43 AM CDT.

Thunderstorm Wind in NUCKOLLS, NEBRASKA
From 07-AUG-19 02:41:00 to 07-AUG-19 02:41:00 (CST-6)
Location: NELSON
Magnitude: 55.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A 63 MPH wind gust was measured by a mesonet station located 5 miles north of Nelson.

Thunderstorm Wind in NUCKOLLS, NEBRASKA
From 07-AUG-19 02:45:00 to 07-AUG-19 02:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: OAK
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Wind gusts estimated to be near 70 MPH resulted in widespread tree damage in Oak.

Thunderstorm Wind in NUCKOLLS, NEBRASKA
From 07-AUG-19 02:58:00 to 07-AUG-19 02:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: HARDY
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Wind gusts estimated to be near 65 MPH resulted in tree limbs being downed in Hardy. Some limbs were as large as 6 to 8 inches in diameter.