Nebraska Supercell Produces Multiple Tornadoes and Softball-Sized Hail Near Ansley, Forcing Drivers to Seek Shelter

ANSLEY, NE — A massive supercell thunderstorm tore across central Nebraska on June 7, 2024, unleashing rain-wrapped tornadoes and hailstones nearly the size of softballs near the town of Ansley, according to storm chasers and meteorologists monitoring the event.

Eyewitnesses described the storm as a “behemoth”, with a rotating wall cloud visible even from miles away. The storm formed during the late afternoon hours and quickly intensified, developing a pronounced supercell structure — a signature sign of tornado-producing potential.

Dangerous Storm Produces Tornadoes and Large Hail

Videos captured near Ansley show dark rotating clouds and a dramatic storm structure, as sheets of hail and rain wrapped around multiple developing funnels.

“I bolted out of the core and watched the insane structure form outside the cage,” one storm chaser reported, describing hail “almost softball size” pelting the ground during the height of the storm.

Meteorologists confirmed that at least two tornadoes touched down briefly in Custer County, causing minor damage to outbuildings and scattered trees. The National Weather Service (NWS) in North Platte issued a Tornado Warning for the area, urging drivers to seek immediate shelter and avoid travel on rural highways due to blinding rain and hail impacts.

Storm Chasers Capture Rare Footage

Footage shared online shows an enormous rotating updraft cloud, with visible inflow bands and green-tinted skies — a telltale sign of large hail suspended within the storm’s powerful updraft.

This visual phenomenon occurs when intense supercells lift hailstones repeatedly, allowing them to grow larger before eventually crashing to the ground.

Experts noted that the storm’s structure was consistent with a “classic supercell”, featuring a strong mesocyclone and inflow notch, conditions ideal for tornado genesis.

Local Impact and Safety Warnings

While there were no confirmed fatalities or severe structural damage, the event caused significant disruption to travel across Highway 183 and surrounding rural routes. Emergency management officials reported damaged vehicles, broken windows, and widespread crop impacts from hail.

Authorities continue to urge residents across central and eastern Nebraska to stay alert during the storm season, as warm, moist Gulf air combined with upper-level jet activity continues to create highly unstable atmospheric conditions across the Plains.

“Supercells like this are no joke,” meteorologists warned. “Even experienced storm chasers can be caught off guard by rapid storm rotation and rain-wrapped tornadoes.”

Seasonal Tornado Trends in Nebraska

June typically marks the peak of tornado activity across Nebraska, with the central part of the state often experiencing high CAPE values (Convective Available Potential Energy) — a measure of the atmosphere’s instability.

This storm, forming under ideal late-spring dynamics, reinforces forecasts that 2024 could see above-average severe weather days across the Central Plains.

Residents are advised to monitor National Weather Service alerts, keep NOAA weather radios on standby, and avoid driving during storm warnings, as hail and flash flooding can make road conditions deadly.

For ongoing weather coverage, storm safety resources, and regional updates, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.