The Late-May 2010 tornado outbreak was a tornado outbreak that begun on May 22, 2010, and ended May 25. The storm system responsible for the tornadoes affected a large area from North Dakota to New Mexico. The system that caused the outbreak formed from a low-pressure system that was located in Canada.
Meteorological synopsis
On May 20, a strong low pressure system moved on to the British Columbia coast, bringing with it a cold front over the Rockies, although it produced no showers.[3] Two days later, on May 22, the cold front detached from the low pressure system and connected with a warm front from the Southeastern United States and another low pressure system over Wyoming.[4]Dry line activity increased over the Great Plains and many tornadoes formed in South Dakota.[5] The worst of these tornadoes was rated an EF4 pending further analysis.[6] The next day, on May 23, the warm front joined a portion of the cold front and became an occluded front. The cold front once again joined the Canadian low pressure system.[7] Dry line activity held steady and a number of more tornadoes formed across the Great Plains.[8] Many meteorologists believed that Monday, May 24 would be one of the most active tornado days. Dr. Greg Forbes of the Weather Channel issued an 8/10 risk of tornadoes for spots in the Great Plains. A front was stationed over South Dakota, bringing fast moving supercells and tornadoes from North Dakota to Texas.[9][10] The next day, more severe thunderstorms fired up, but severe activity shifted east and south. VORTEX2 was able to get valuable information when tracking a supercell that produced 3 tornadoes, each weak and short-lived.
A significant, long-track first touched down in northeastern Edmunds County, where it tore off sections from the roof of a barn. The tornado then tracked through primarily crop and pasture land to near Deerfield Colony. Sporadic tree damage was observed along the tornado path with many wooden power poles completely sheared off as the tornado entered into McPherson County. The tornado struck a farm where a calving shed was completely destroyed with large sections of the roof blown over 100 yd (91 m). The tornado then caused moderate damage to a barn with one collapsed wall. Multiple softwood and hardwood trees were uprooted and many power poles were completely snapped near the base. The tornado tore the roof off a turkey barn at the Long Lake Colony. Several homes in Wetonka also sustained minor roof damage. The tornado then entered into western Brown County and did some tree damage before dissipating.[19][20][21]
A tornado struck a farm damaging or destroying several large barns, eighteen grain bins and the garage on a home. A grain cart was also tipped over by the tornado and twelve cattle were killed.[23]
A tornado touched down over an open field and traveled east where it struck a metal building tearing off a portion of the roof. The tornado destroyed a portion of a grandstand and completely demolished a concession stand before lifting.[24]
A strong tornado tore the roof off an outbuilding and threw several grain bins over 100 yd (91 m). Widespread tree damage also occurred. Before dissipating, the tornado damaged another outbuilding and destroyed an empty grain bin.[25]
A tornado tracked through Winner, blowing down carports, trees, and flipping tractor-trailers. A large barn had its curved roof blown off in one piece and tossed across a corral east of town. Another machine shed was blown apart.[26]
A tornado did extensive tree damage when it touched down, before moving northeast and striking two farmsteads. At the first farmstead, a loafing shed and stock trailer were destroyed, extensive tree and fence damage occurred, and a roof was torn off an old hog building. The most extensive damage occurred north of the farmstead where six rural power poles were broken. The tornado continued to move northeast and destroy a windmill. Then a second farmstead was hit with the tornado destroying a quonset before the tornado lifted.[27]
May 23 event
List of confirmed tornadoes –Sunday, May 23, 2010[note 1]
A strong tornado moved southeastward damaging 12 power poles. All but two of these poles were broken into 3 or 4 pieces each. The tornado was also photographed by a NWS employee and local law enforcement.[28]
Power lines were downed, barbed wire fences and hay bales were tossed. In addition, a steel building from a feedlot was destroyed and a semi truck was turned over on private property. The tornado crossed the New Mexico-Oklahoma state line and destroyed a steel windmill tower. Three metal feed troughs were also destroyed along with considerable fence damage before the tornado lifted.[33]
A stovepipe tornado was visible from the NWS office in Goodland. An irrigation pivot was damaged and trees were downed. Several utility poles were broken.[35]
A single-wide mobile home had its tie-down straps completely destroyed and the undercarriage was carried 40 yd (37 m). Agricultural equipment was also damaged.[37]
A strong tornado damaged a manufactured home shortly after forming, tearing off its roof and blowing its walls over. The tornado also destroyed an old, abandoned house and a pole barn, and tossed a combine, a hay swather and a van.[45]
A brief tornado damaged metal animal shelters and awnings at a ranch. Limbs were snapped off some small trees and a large mesquite tree was snapped in half.[63]
A tornado overturned a center-pivot in Gove County. The tornado began to occlude after entering Trego County, taking a sharp northeastern turn. No damage occurred in Trego County.[88][89]
A large and violent tornado first touched down by a farmstead in eastern Walworth County. Immediately at EF2 intensity, several outbuildings were severely damaged with the residence sustaining siding and roof damage. A stock trailer was thrown about 75 yd (69 m) from its original location. Tree damage was sustained on the west side of the property. The tornado continued moving northeast crossing into Edmunds County, where it then briefly weakened to EF1 strength. At the first farm, several large cottonwood trees were uprooted along with damage to several trailers. Three grain bins were also destroyed. The residence suffered some shingle and antenna damage. The tornado then tracked northeast, quickly intensifying into an EF3 where it slammed into a second farm 1.5 mi (2.4 km) northwest of Bowdle. At this farmstead, several outbuildings were damaged or destroyed along with widespread tree damage. The main residence at this location suffered no damage. Several grain cars were also rolled about 100 yd (91 m) into the trees behind the house. As the tornado exited this farmstead, it intensified to EF4 strength, before tearing through a third farmstead. At this farm, the main residence suffered major damage to walls with part of the roof removed. Widespread tree damage was sustained with many of the trees completely debarked with only the stumps of the largest branches remaining. Two large garages were completely destroyed with the concrete slab wiped clean. The vehicles in one garage were rolled or tossed from 25 yd (23 m) to 100 yd (91 m) yards away. Another vehicle flew through the air before resting in a tree shelter belt to the north of the residence. Several other outbuildings were completely destroyed.The tornado then toppled six to eight metal power transmission towers as it moved to the north of the farm. One tower was sheared off from the concrete footings and was thrown an estimated 400 yd (370 m). Ground scouring was visible along the path of these towers. The large tornado began to track east, declining to EF2 intensity before crossing over SD-47 where a state radio tower was toppled. The tornado lifted shortly thereafter.[93][94]
^National Weather Service in Aberdeen, South Dakota (2024). South Dakota Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Aberdeen, South Dakota (2024). South Dakota Event Report: EF1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Aberdeen, South Dakota (2024). South Dakota Event Report: EF2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Aberdeen, South Dakota (2024). South Dakota Event Report: EF4 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Midland, Texas (2024). Texas Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Aberdeen, South Dakota (2024). South Dakota Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Aberdeen, South Dakota (2024). South Dakota Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Aberdeen, South Dakota (2024). South Dakota Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Aberdeen, South Dakota (2024). South Dakota Event Report: EF2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Aberdeen, South Dakota (2024). South Dakota Event Report: EF2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Aberdeen, South Dakota (2024). South Dakota Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Midland, Texas (2024). Texas Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Aberdeen, South Dakota (2024). South Dakota Event Report: EF1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in North Platte, Nebraska (2024). Nebraska Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Aberdeen, South Dakota (2024). South Dakota Event Report: EF2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Rapid City, South Dakota (2024). South Dakota Event Report: EF2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
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^National Weather Service in Midland, Texas (2024). Texas Event Report: EF2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Goodland, Kansas (2024). Kansas Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Pueblo, Colorado (2024). Colorado Event Report: EF1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Amarillo, Texas (2024). Oklahoma Event Report: EF1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Goodland, Kansas (2024). Kansas Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Albuquerque, New Mexico (2024). New Mexico Event Report: EF2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Albuquerque, New Mexico (2024). New Mexico Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Goodland, Kansas (2024). Kansas Event Report: EF1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Albuquerque, New Mexico (2024). New Mexico Event Report: EF1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Albuquerque, New Mexico (2024). New Mexico Event Report: EF2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Goodland, Kansas (2024). Kansas Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Albuquerque, New Mexico (2024). New Mexico Event Report: EF1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Albuquerque, New Mexico (2024). New Mexico Event Report: EF1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Cheyenne, Wyoming (2024). Nebraska Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Cheyenne, Wyoming (2024). Nebraska Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
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^National Weather Service in Cheyenne, Wyoming (2024). Nebraska Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Rapid City, South Dakota (2024). South Dakota Event Report: EF2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Grand Forks, North Dakota (2024). North Dakota Event Report: EF1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Grand Forks, North Dakota (2024). Minnesota Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Rapid City, South Dakota (2024). South Dakota Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Cheyenne, Wyoming (2024). Nebraska Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Grand Forks, North Dakota (2024). North Dakota Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
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^National Weather Service in Grand Forks, North Dakota (2024). Minnesota Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Rapid City, South Dakota (2024). South Dakota Event Report: EF2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Rapid City, South Dakota (2024). South Dakota Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Bismarck, North Dakota (2024). North Dakota Event Report: EF1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Bismarck, North Dakota (2024). North Dakota Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Amarillo, Texas (2024). Texas Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Amarillo, Texas (2024). Texas Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Amarillo, Texas (2024). Texas Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma (2024). Oklahoma Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Amarillo, Texas (2024). Texas Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Bismarck, North Dakota (2024). North Dakota Event Report: EF1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Corpus Christi, Texas (2024). Texas Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Lincoln, Illinois (2024). Illinois Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Albuquerque, New Mexico (2024). New Mexico Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Pueblo, Colorado (2024). Colorado Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Pueblo, Colorado (2024). Colorado Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Pueblo, Colorado (2024). Colorado Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Pueblo, Colorado (2024). Colorado Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Pueblo, Colorado (2024). Colorado Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Pueblo, Colorado (2024). Colorado Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Pueblo, Colorado (2024). Colorado Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Albuquerque, New Mexico (2024). New Mexico Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Pueblo, Colorado (2024). Colorado Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Pueblo, Colorado (2024). Colorado Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Pueblo, Colorado (2024). Colorado Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Pueblo, Colorado (2024). Colorado Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Pueblo, Colorado (2024). Colorado Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Pueblo, Colorado (2024). Colorado Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Goodland, Kansas (2024). Kansas Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Goodland, Kansas (2024). Kansas Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Lubbock, Texas (2024). Texas Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Goodland, Kansas (2024). Kansas Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Lubbock, Texas (2024). Texas Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Goodland, Kansas (2024). Kansas Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Lubbock, Texas (2024). Texas Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Goodland, Kansas (2024). Kansas Event Report: EF1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Goodland, Kansas (2024). Kansas Event Report: EF1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Goodland, Kansas (2024). Kansas Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Pueblo, Colorado (2024). Colorado Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Pueblo, Colorado (2024). Colorado Event Report: EF1 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Goodland, Kansas (2024). Kansas Event Report: EF0 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Aberdeen, South Dakota (2024). South Dakota Event Report: EF2 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
^National Weather Service in Aberdeen, South Dakota (2024). South Dakota Event Report: EF4 Tornado (Report). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
