A series of Bering Sea storms continues to impact western Alaska this week, with elevated water levels, isolated coastal flooding, high surf, erosion, and strong winds. Tropical moisture will bring the potential for heavy rain and thunderstorms to Hawaii through early Thursday. A few severe thunderstorms are possible over the Upper Mississippi Valley today with some tornado potential. Read More >
Overview
A high end supercell thunderstorm moved over Almena, KS at 7:45 PM CT Saturday, August 5th, 2023. The storm produced wind gusts up to an estimated 110 MPH, along with hail ranging from golf ball to tennis ball in size. The wind caused damage to trees ranging from limbs being blown down to tree trunks being snapped.
Event Summary
The thunderstorm which impacted Almena began near Norton, where it quickly intensified east of town. The thunderstorm moved northeast toward Almena, intensifying as it approached. As the thunderstorm moved over Almena, it continued to intensify, reaching a peak intensity as it moved over the town. The worst of the wind occurred when the hail was the largest in size. As the storm moved east of Almena it began to weaken. The only damage that was visible northeast of town were two road block signs that had been bent to the northeast.
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| Track of Storm from NWS Survey | Part of a trunk from a mature Hackberry tree broken off. | Tree trunk of mature ash tree snapped. |
Photos & Video
Some damage pictures taken in Almena.
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| Larger branch blown down; hail damage to house. (NWS Survey) |
Walnut tree limb broken off (NWS Survey) |
Trailer dragged north then turned to east. Scour mark where jack for hitch dug up ground. Cell phone used for a size reference. (NWS Survey) |
Trailer that was dragged and turned by the wind was pivoted around corner of building without impacting building. (NWS Survey) |
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| Wooden fence with 4x4 posts broken off at ground level. (NWS Survey) |
Wooden light pole north of school grounds broken at ground level. (NWS Survey) |
Road block sign that was anchored is bent from wind. (NWS Survey) |
Golf ball to egg sized hail. (Shelly Shearer) |
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