A strong low-pressure system which had been slowly moving east off the Rocky Mountains finally progressed into central Nebraska. This left eastern Nebraska in the warm sector as a warm front moved north into the area. The SPC issued an Enhanced Risk for severe weather with a 30% hatched for severe hail. There ended up being 19 confirmed tornadoes (3 EF2, 8 EF1, 4 EF0, 4 EFU). There were numerous hail reports the largest of which was 4.5 inches in Pawnee County. Another 4-inch report was received in Richardson County. Flash flooding was also observed in a few locations.

Tornado in DODGE, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 16:46:00 to 12-MAY-23 17:09:00 (CST-6)
Location: SCRIBNER ARPT
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This is part 1 of the tornado, Part 2  continues into Burt County. The tornado touched down just south of Highway 275, damaging a home, power poles and numerous trees as it entered the Elkhorn River valley. it caused EF-2 damage to a home just south of the Elkhorn River where a porch was ripped off and large trees damaged. The tornado crossed the Elkhorn River where significant tree damage was noted and several center pivots were flipped over. The tornado became wider and impacted additional farmsteads with EF-2 damage, especially as it approached County Road F up to the Dodge and Burt county line. At these farmsteads, several hog barns, machine sheds, and well-built outbuildings were destroyed. Farm equipment was significantly damaged. Windows were broken out of homes, roofs damaged, porches ripped off, and garage doors sucked out. Several people noted that their ears still hurt a day later due to the pressure drop during the tornado. Numerous livestock were injured or killed. The maximum width of this tornado approached one mile as it moved between County Road F and County Road B. A large cattle feedlot was impacted in extreme northeast Dodge county where very large grain bins and well built barns were destroyed. This tornado exhibited multiple vortex damage patterns at times. The tornado appears to have dissipated just north of County Road F in Burt County before developing a new tornado just to the north. Additionally, a satellite tornado was reported near the end of this tornado's life cycle.

Tornado in STANTON, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 16:39:00 to 12-MAY-23 16:54:00 (CST-6)
Location: STANTON
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An intermittent tornado damage track was noted along the west flank of a focused and elongated area of downburst winds. Initial damage was to a center pivot and three wooden double-posted electrical transmission structures. After that, the damage was largely to trees although there were a couple of farm outbuildings damaged along the track. One east- west oriented tree line had a focused damage area approximately 200 yards wide. it appears likely that this tornado track had some gaps in it based on the somewhat sporadic damage pattern. Special thanks to Stanton county emergency management for their assistance in this survey and drone-based evaluation.

Tornado in BOONE, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 15:09:00 to 12-MAY-23 15:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLOSTER
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A short-lived tornado developed south of Highway 32 and traveled toward the northwest for approximately 1.5 miles. The most intense damage occurred when the tornado destroyed a one-year-old machine shed and deposited the debris a few hundred yards north across the highway. There were also several power poles snapped in this area and a center pivot was flipped farther north, closer to 130th street.

Tornado in WAYNE, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 17:34:00 to 12-MAY-23 17:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: WAYNE
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A brief tornado uprooted and snapped trees at two farmsteads. The tree damage was in a narrow swath near the road while the other buildings and trees just to the west were largely untouched.

Tornado in RICHARDSON, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 18:18:00 to 12-MAY-23 18:21:00 (CST-6)
Location: PRESTON
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A small tornado traveled approximately 2 miles toward the northeast, beginning just a few hundred yards south of the Nebraska Kansas border and continuing north into Richardson County. This tornado caused power line damage, roof damage to a shed, and door damage to another outbuilding. There was also evidence of swirl marks in the cornfields. A spotter did report a tornado near this location.

Hail in DODGE, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 18:22:00 to 12-MAY-23 18:22:00 (CST-6)
Location: WINSLOW
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Storm Chaser

A storm chaser reported 1-inch hail.

Flash Flood in BURT, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 19:10:00 to 12-MAY-23 19:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: LYONS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

NWS Employee reported water and debris over Highway 77.

Tornado in BURT, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 18:43:00 to 12-MAY-23 18:44:00 (CST-6)
Location: TEKAMAH ARPT
Tornado F-scale: EFU
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A brief tornado was witnessed and reported with video evidence near this location at approximately 743 pm. The tornado lasted for 15 to 30 seconds. No damage was reported as it was over open fields.

Tornado in BURT, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 18:23:00 to 12-MAY-23 18:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: CRAIG
Tornado F-scale: EFU
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Storm chasers reported a long rope tornado near this location, extending out the south side of the storm. This is supported by radar data at that time. No damage was reported and length and width are estimated based on firsthand reports.

Flash Flood in DODGE, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 16:47:00 to 12-MAY-23 17:17:00 (CST-6)
Location: NORTH BEND
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported street flooding via mPing.

Thunderstorm Wind in CUMING, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 17:35:00 to 12-MAY-23 17:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: WEST PT
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency manager reported power lines blown down.

Tornado in BURT, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 17:09:00 to 12-MAY-23 17:19:00 (CST-6)
Location: OAKLAND
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This is part 2 of a tornado that started in Dodge County. After doing damage to trees along County Road E in Burt County.  The tornado continued The tornado appears to have dissipated just north of Country Road F in Burt County before developing a new tornado just to the north. Additionally, a satellite tornado was reported at the end of this tornadoes life cycle. just east of this dissipating tornado.

Flash Flood in NEMAHA, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 18:07:00 to 12-MAY-23 18:37:00 (CST-6)
Location: AUBURN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Public reported via social media that Central Avenue was flooded up to the street curbs.

Tornado in WAYNE, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 17:14:00 to 12-MAY-23 17:16:00 (CST-6)
Location: WAYNE
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A tornado began in an open field and tracked across the east side of a farm, tipping a grain wagon, damaging trees, lifting an open shed, and damaging the roof of another shed. The debris was deposited up to 150 yards downstream where the track appeared to end in an open pasture prior to crossing 852nd road. Special thanks to Wayne County emergency management and Stanton County emergency management for assistance with the damage survey and drone-based evaluation.

Hail in LANCASTER, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 14:14:00 to 12-MAY-23 14:14:00 (CST-6)
Location: EMERALD
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency manager reported 1-inch hail.

Tornado in MADISON, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 15:22:00 to 12-MAY-23 15:23:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEWMAN GROVE
Tornado F-scale: EFU
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Storm spotter video confirmed a tornado at this location. There was no damage.

Hail in BURT, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 18:35:00 to 12-MAY-23 18:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: DECATUR
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Public

Public reported 1-inch hail via mPing.

Hail in PAWNEE, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 16:09:00 to 12-MAY-23 16:09:00 (CST-6)
Location: TABLE ROCK
Magnitude: 2.75 
Reported by: Storm Chaser

Storm chaser reported 2.75-inch hail.

Thunderstorm Wind in MADISON, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 16:02:00 to 12-MAY-23 16:02:00 (CST-6)
Location: MEADOW GROVE
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Reported by: Public

Public reported via mPing that trees were uprooted or snapped; roof blown off.

Hail in PAWNEE, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 16:12:00 to 12-MAY-23 16:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: TABLE ROCK
Magnitude: 3.25 
Reported by: Public

Public reported via mPing for 3.25-inch hail.

Tornado in PLATTE, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 14:55:00 to 12-MAY-23 14:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROSENBURG
Tornado F-scale: EFU
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Storm chasers in the area confirmed that EF-U tornado touched down near the location.

Thunderstorm Wind in PLATTE, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 14:58:00 to 12-MAY-23 14:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROSENBURG
Magnitude: 55.00 MG
Reported by: Public

A public personal weather station recorded a peak wind gust of 63 mph.

Tornado in STANTON, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 16:17:00 to 12-MAY-23 16:28:00 (CST-6)
Location: STANTON
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A tornado tracked northeast for approximately 5 miles in Stanton County. The most intense damage occurred at a farm near the start of the track where a hog barn was completely destroyed and debris was deposited up to a half mile downstream. There was also some tree damage as well as flipped center pivots.

Hail in RICHARDSON, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 16:20:00 to 12-MAY-23 16:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: HUMBOLDT
Magnitude: 4.00 
Reported by: Social Media

The public submitted a picture via Twitter of 4-inch hail.

Hail in RICHARDSON, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 16:15:00 to 12-MAY-23 16:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: HUMBOLDT
Magnitude: 2.00 
Reported by: Storm Chaser

A storm chaser reported 2-inch hail.

Tornado in DODGE, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 16:15:00 to 12-MAY-23 16:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: AMES
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A tornado developed just north of the Platte River in Dodge County, initially as a wide dust plume 4 miles east of North Bend. The tornado moved northeast where it flipped multiple center pivot irrigation systems. it then damaged several large power lines and caused substantial damage to outbuildings, trees, and structural damage to a home. The tornado then caused some damage to another house as well as trees before dissipating just north of County Road P.

Hail in PLATTE, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 15:42:00 to 12-MAY-23 15:42:00 (CST-6)
Location: PLATTE CENTER
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Public

Public reported 1.75-inch hail.

Hail in SEWARD, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 14:23:00 to 12-MAY-23 14:23:00 (CST-6)
Location: PLEASANT DALE
Magnitude: 1.25 
Reported by: Storm Chaser

Storm chaser reported 1.25-inch hail.

Hail in PLATTE, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 15:22:00 to 12-MAY-23 15:22:00 (CST-6)
Location: PLATTE CENTER
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS observer reported 1.75-inch hail.

Hail in PLATTE, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 15:27:00 to 12-MAY-23 15:27:00 (CST-6)
Location: (OLU)COLUMBUS ARPT
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trained spotter reported 1-inch hail.

Tornado in PAWNEE, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 15:33:00 to 12-MAY-23 15:41:00 (CST-6)
Location: PAWNEE CITY
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Tornado started on the northeast side of Pawnee City where the baseball fields sustained damage. The tornado continued northeast and destroyed a grain bin and ended in a field 1 1/2 miles southwest of Table Rock.

Hail in PLATTE, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 15:53:00 to 12-MAY-23 15:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: CRESTON
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trained spotter reported 1.75-inch hail.

Thunderstorm Wind in PLATTE, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 15:45:00 to 12-MAY-23 15:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: TARNOV
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Reported by: Public

A public personal weather station recorded a peak wind gust of 59 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in PAWNEE, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 15:48:00 to 12-MAY-23 15:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: PAWNEE CITY
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Reported by: Storm Chaser

Storm chaser reported 4-inch tree limbs blown down.

Hail in PAWNEE, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 15:53:00 to 12-MAY-23 15:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: TABLE ROCK
Magnitude: 4.50 
Reported by: Social Media

Public sent multiple photos on social media of 4.5-inch hail.

Thunderstorm Wind in MADISON, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 15:59:00 to 12-MAY-23 15:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: MEADOW GROVE
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Reported by: Public

Public report from mPing for 3-inch tree limbs broken or power poles broken.

Hail in PAWNEE, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 15:54:00 to 12-MAY-23 15:54:00 (CST-6)
Location: TABLE ROCK
Magnitude: 1.25 
Reported by: Public

Public reported 1.25-inch hail via mPing.

Tornado in STANTON, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 15:53:00 to 12-MAY-23 16:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: STANTON
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A tornado tracked due north for approximately 9 miles in Stanton County. The primary damage was snapped tree trunks, which at times indicated the width of the tornado as it bisected an east-to-west tree line. There was some damage to a home along highway 32, primarily minor roofing, siding, and window damage. Several center pivots were flipped, and near the end of the track the north side of a large hog barn was torn off and a trailer was flipped.

Hail in PAWNEE, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 15:55:00 to 12-MAY-23 15:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: TABLE ROCK
Magnitude: 2.75 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trained spotter reported 2.75-inch hail.

Tornado in MADISON, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 16:01:00 to 12-MAY-23 16:08:00 (CST-6)
Location: BATTLE CREEK
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A short-lived tornado traveled approximately 3.1 miles to the north northwest, primarily causing damage to trees. The most focused damage was in a grove of mature cottonwood trees where multiple trunks were snapped.

Hail in DODGE, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 16:44:00 to 12-MAY-23 16:44:00 (CST-6)
Location: NORTH BEND
Magnitude: 1.25 
Reported by: Public

Public reported 1.25-inch hail via mPing.

Thunderstorm Wind in STANTON, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 16:58:00 to 12-MAY-23 16:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: PILGER
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Reported by: Public

A public personal weather station measured a peak wind gust of 62 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in BURT, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 17:13:00 to 12-MAY-23 17:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: OAKLAND
Magnitude: 63.00 MG
Reported by: Public

A public personal weather station recorded a peak wind gust of 73 mph.

Tornado in BURT, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 17:14:00 to 12-MAY-23 17:16:00 (CST-6)
Location: OAKLAND
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Storm spotters reported a tornado just to the east of the much larger main tornado. This anti-cyclonic satellite tornado appears to have caused damage to center pivot irrigation systems and power lines as it traveled north for approximately one mile.

Tornado in BURT, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 17:20:00 to 12-MAY-23 17:44:00 (CST-6)
Location: OAKLAND
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado started around 620 PM near Burt County Road H, a little over 2 miles west of US Highway 77. The tornado started moving north northeast and then curved back to due north. As it moved north it gained strength and started destroying outbuildings and trees at various farmsteads, reaching EF-2 strength. By the time the tornado reached Burt County Road K, it became nearly 5/8 of a mile wide. Nearly a half mile span of double-wide wooden electrical transmission poles were snapped north of County Road L. The tornado, which was wrapped in rain, continued trekking to the north, damaging farmstead after farmstead, as well as uprooting and snapping trees. The tornado eventually weakened at 644 PM, 3 miles west of Lyons. Two people were injured by the tornado. One had a tree fall on a shed with the person inside, injuring his head. The other had cuts to the face from flying glass.

Hail in NEMAHA, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 16:18:00 to 12-MAY-23 16:18:00 (CST-6)
Location: JOHNSON
Magnitude: 2.75 
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency manager reported 2.75-inch hail.

Tornado in STANTON, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 16:34:00 to 12-MAY-23 16:38:00 (CST-6)
Location: STANTON
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A tornado tracked north northwest for approximately 2.8 miles across part of Stanton County. Most of the track occurred in difficult to access areas but the assessment revealed that this was most likely caused by a tornado. The most intense damage was near Highway 275 where several trees were uprooted, a few were snapped, and there was minor roof damage to a home. A shed was also damaged along the track.

Thunderstorm Wind in STANTON, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 17:11:00 to 12-MAY-23 17:11:00 (CST-6)
Location: STANTON
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency manager reported damage to 3 car garage and the roof blown into trees. A diesel tank was also tipped over.

Hail in DODGE, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 17:12:00 to 12-MAY-23 17:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: AMES
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Public

Public reported 1-inch hail via mPing.

Hail in SAUNDERS, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 16:36:00 to 12-MAY-23 16:36:00 (CST-6)
Location: MORSE BLUFF
Magnitude: 2.00 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trained spotter reported 2-inch hail.

Hail in DODGE, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 16:37:00 to 12-MAY-23 16:37:00 (CST-6)
Location: BAY STATE
Magnitude: 1.25 
Reported by: Public

Public reported 1.25-inch hail via mPing.

Tornado in DODGE, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 16:42:00 to 12-MAY-23 16:44:00 (CST-6)
Location: SCRIBNER ARPT
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A tornado damaged a roof on a hog barn, overturned several center pivots, and damaged outbuildings and a block building at a farmstead as it moved northeast. This tornado likely dissipated before the storm continued on to produce additional tornadoes.

Hail in DODGE, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 16:45:00 to 12-MAY-23 16:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: NORTH BEND
Magnitude: 1.50 
Reported by: Public

The public reported 1.25-inch hail via mPing.

Hail in NEMAHA, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 17:32:00 to 12-MAY-23 17:32:00 (CST-6)
Location: AUBURN
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Public

Public reported 1-inch hail.

Thunderstorm Wind in STANTON, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 17:07:00 to 12-MAY-23 17:07:00 (CST-6)
Location: PILGER
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency manager reported power lines down and lots of tree damage.

Thunderstorm Wind in STANTON, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 16:46:00 to 12-MAY-23 16:46:00 (CST-6)
Location: STANTON
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Reported by: Public

Public reported via mPing of trees uprooted or snapped; roof blown off.

Thunderstorm Wind in STANTON, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 16:55:00 to 12-MAY-23 16:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: PILGER
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency manager reported unoccupied campers blown over. Many farm structures damaged and large trees snapped and broken. Powerlines and large trees blocking the road east of Stanton.

Thunderstorm Wind in SAUNDERS, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 17:01:00 to 12-MAY-23 17:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: MORSE BLUFF
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Reported by: Public

Public reported via mPing of 1-inch tree limbs broken; shingles blown off.

Hail in NEMAHA, NEBRASKA
From 12-MAY-23 17:07:00 to 12-MAY-23 17:07:00 (CST-6)
Location: AUBURN ARPT
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Storm Chaser

A storm chaser reported 1.75-inch hail.