Tornado in Howard County, Nebraska

Through a roughly 10 minute process, during which the parent supercell did not move much, a fourth tornado formed in northern Howard County before crossing into Greeley County. This tornado was rated an EF2 with estimated peak wind speeds of 135 MPH based upon metal power pole damage just west of the Highway 281 and 22 junction near Wolbach. The tornado had previously destroyed a metal building to the southwest, and would go on to destroy a couple of wood framed outbuildings to the northeast of Highway 281. The south edge of the tornado likely passed just north of the Highway 281 and 22 junction. It was in this general area and along the county line that the tornado was at least one-half mile wide. The tornado marched northeast, causing damage to at least one residence, outbuildings, trees, and center irrigation pivots. As the supercell slowed down north of Wolbach, this tornado diminished (damage noted was much less severe and sparse), and the supercell began the process of developing another tornado to the east.

An eyewitness, who provided photos, times, and detailed locations, documented a short-lived tornado south of Farwell in Howard County. This tornado occurred just prior to the development of the tornado which eventually passed near Elba. Along its curvy path, this nearly three mile long tornado overturned two center irrigation pivots and damaged some trees south of Farwell. Scouring along the ground was easily visible. The tornado dissipated just south of Farwell.

This EF1 rated tornado started in extreme eastern Howard County and ended in extreme southern Nance County, with most of its time spent in Merrick County north-northeast of Palmer. There were several spots of tree damage along its roughly 7 mile path. The most significant damage was to an outbuilding and large cottonwood trees northeast of Palmer. The estimated peak wind speed of 95 MPH was estimated based upon the damage at this particular farmstead.