Severe storms unleashed a barrage of extreme weather across western Kansas on Sunday, August 2nd, bringing massive hail, damaging winds, flash flooding, and at least one confirmed tornado report. Multiple counties reported extensive damage and hazardous conditions as the storms moved swiftly through the region.
Dozens of reports highlighting the intensity of the system were received locally. Among the most striking were instances of hail reaching softball size (over 10 cm or 4 inches in diameter) near Manter in Stanton County, causing damage to barns, trailers, and vehicles. In Sharon Springs and Richfield, baseball-sized hail (7 cm or 2.75 inches) also left visible destruction.
Nickel size hail west of Tribune, KS @NWSGoodland #kswx #wxtwitter pic.twitter.com/Ws3GthmCza
— Stefan Klein (@storm_whisperer) May 4, 2024
Wind gusts topped out at 85 mph (137 km/h) near Dodge City in Ford County, where several areas also saw flash flooding. Emergency managers reported multiple streets in Dodge City submerged, and debris scattered from high winds.
In Greeley County, storm chasers reported a tornado touchdown 13 miles (21 km) south-southwest of Horace. While it appeared to be brief, the event contributed to the chaotic afternoon, prompting weather warnings and heightened emergency response.
Big tornado south of Tribune, KS pic.twitter.com/dADUNkSEEy
— Connor Croff (@ChasingWConnor) August 3, 2025
Other highlights from Sunday’s severe weather outbreak:
- Golf ball-sized hail (4.5 cm or 1.75 inches) fell in Tribune, Deerfield, and Goodland.
- Hen egg-sized hail (5 cm or 2 inches) was seen in Satanta, Grainfield, and near Tribune.
- Tea cup-sized hail (approx. 7.5 cm or 3 inches) was reported in Manter.
- Vehicles traveling on I-70 near Grainfield were damaged by wind-driven baseball-sized hail, with reports of shattered windshields.
- Wind gusts between 60–70 mph (96–113 km/h) were reported across at least eight counties.
- A freight train derailment involving 25 railcars occurred on Highway 54 near Kingsdown in Ford County, likely linked to storm damage.
The widespread nature of the storm impacted travel and left many rural residents assessing property damage. Local officials urge Kansans to remain alert for more possible storms in the coming days as summer storm activity continues.
Stay Weather-Ready:
Meteorologists advise keeping emergency kits prepared, signing up for local weather alerts, and having a plan in place for shelter in the event of severe weather or tornado warnings.
