Alert archive / Minnesota / Tornado Warnings in 2026
Tornado Warning 16, NWS La Crosse, WI
NWS La Crosse, WI issued this tornado warning at Apr 17, 2026, 2:41 PM CDT for Olmsted County, Wabasha County, Winona County, Minnesota. It was in force for 49 min. 8 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.
The facts
- Issued
- Apr 17, 2026, 2:41 PM CDT (19:41 UTC)
- Expired
- Apr 17, 2026, 3:30 PM CDT
- In force
- 49 min
- Issued by
- NWS La Crosse, WI
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Tornado
- Observed
- Hail
- 1.0 in
Counties Olmsted County, MN, Wabasha County, MN, Winona County, MN
The radar
The La Crosse radar (KARX), 97 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 19:41 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.
Open the radar archive at this moment
The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.
What was reported inside it
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 17, 2:46 PM CDT | TORNADO | 2 E Viola, MN | The EF2 tornado affected mainly rural areas northeast of Rochester MN beginning about 5 miles east-northeast of Viola in Olmsted county around 2:46 pm. The tornado tracked northeast damaging trees and outbuildings. One farm house lost a complete roof and a gar |
| Apr 17, 2:53 PM CDT | TORNADO | 2 N Elgin, MN | Tornado touched down north of Elgin where it flipped a semi. It caused damage on 2 farmsteads. Ended 1 3/4 miles north of 247 near County Rd 2. |
| Apr 17, 2:53 PM CDT | TORNADO | 2 Nnw Elgin, MN | Tornado touched down north of Elgin where it flipped a semi. It caused damage on 2 farmsteads. Ended 1 3/4 miles north of 247 near County Rd 2. |
| Apr 17, 2:57 PM CDT | TORNADO | 4 S Plainview, MN | Tornado caused roof damage and removed a barn off of its foundation at 50500 County Rd, Plainview, MN. Residents saw the tornado and took shelter in a basement. No injuries. |
| Apr 17, 3:00 PM CDT | HAIL 1.5 | Saint Charles, MN | |
| Apr 17, 3:05 PM CDT | HAIL 1 | Altura, MN | |
| Apr 17, 3:05 PM CDT | HAIL 1.25 | Saint Charles, MN | |
| Apr 17, 3:05 PM CDT | HAIL 1.5 | Saint Charles, MN |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
Did it verify
Verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow matched 4 storm reports to this tornado warning; the first came 5 minutes after it went out.
Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.
The watch it was issued in
The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.
| Issued | Product | Office | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 17, 9:23 AM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Watch | SPC | 11 hr |
| Apr 17, 12:40 PM CDT | Tornado Watch | SPC | 9 hr |
The nearest sounding before it
Minneapolis, MN (KMPX), launched 12:00Z, 7.7 hours before the alert went out and 126 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 1 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- No buoyant parcel
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 2301 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 39 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 188 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 229 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
461
WFUS53 KARX 171941
TORARX
MNC109-157-169-172030-
/O.NEW.KARX.TO.W.0016.260417T1941Z-260417T2030Z/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
241 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
The National Weather Service in La Crosse has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
Western Winona County in southeastern Minnesota...
Eastern Olmsted County in southeastern Minnesota...
Wabasha County in southeastern Minnesota...
* Until 330 PM CDT.
* At 241 PM CDT, tornado producing storms were located along a line
extending from near Mazeppa to near Chatfield, moving northeast at
25 mph.
HAZARD...Damaging tornadoes and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Weather spotters confirmed tornado. Mulitple tornadoes
have been reported with these storms.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree
damage is likely.
* Locations impacted include...
Rochester, Wabasha, St. Charles, Plainview, Chatfield, Eyota,
Lewiston, Oronoco, Elgin, Mazeppa, Dover, Altura, Kellogg, Marion,
Saratoga, Viola, West Albany, Utica, Troy, and Bremen.
This includes Interstate 90 in Minnesota between mile markers 218 and
239.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a
basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.
Heavy rainfall may hide this tornado. Do not wait to see or hear the
tornado. TAKE COVER NOW!
&&
LAT...LON 4420 9255 4427 9255 4446 9231 4445 9224
4444 9221 4442 9212 4441 9211 4440 9206
4439 9203 4403 9182 4385 9206 4385 9228
4419 9257
TIME...MOT...LOC 1941Z 241DEG 21KT 4430 9250 4388 9224
TORNADO...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
$$
Skow6 follow-up statements
483
WWUS53 KARX 171947
SVSARX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
247 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
MNC109-157-169-172030-
/O.CON.KARX.TO.W.0016.000000T0000Z-260417T2030Z/
Winona MN-Olmsted MN-Wabasha MN-
247 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 330 PM CDT FOR WESTERN
WINONA...EASTERN OLMSTED AND WABASHA COUNTIES...
At 246 PM CDT, tornado producing storms were located along a line
extending from near Mazeppa to near Dover, moving northeast at 25
mph.
HAZARD...Damaging tornado and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Weather spotters confirmed tornado. A dangerous tornado is
likely located near Elgin!
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
These tornadic storms will be near...
St. Charles, Plainview, Elgin, and Dover around 250 PM CDT.
Altura around 305 PM CDT.
Wabasha around 315 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by these tornadic storms include South Troy,
Whitewater State Park, County Roads 9 And 10, Rattelsnake Point,
Potsdam, County Roads 28 And 31, and Utica.
This includes Interstate 90 in Minnesota between mile markers 220 and
239.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a
basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.
Heavy rainfall may hide this tornado. Do not wait to see or hear the
tornado. TAKE COVER NOW!
&&
LAT...LON 4420 9255 4427 9255 4446 9231 4445 9224
4444 9221 4442 9212 4441 9211 4440 9206
4439 9203 4403 9182 4385 9206 4385 9228
4409 9237
TIME...MOT...LOC 1946Z 239DEG 23KT 4431 9245 4395 9217
TORNADO...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
$$
Skow634
WWUS53 KARX 171953
SVSARX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
253 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
MNC109-157-169-172030-
/O.CON.KARX.TO.W.0016.000000T0000Z-260417T2030Z/
Winona MN-Olmsted MN-Wabasha MN-
253 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 330 PM CDT FOR WESTERN
WINONA...EASTERN OLMSTED AND WABASHA COUNTIES...
At 253 PM CDT, tornado producing storms were located along a line
extending from 7 miles northeast of Mazeppa to Dover, moving
northeast at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Damaging tornado and quarter size hail. Multiple tornadoes
are being reported with this line of storms. A damaging
tornado has hit Marion and another is located near
Plainview.
SOURCE...Weather spotters confirmed tornado.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
These tornadic storms will be near...
St. Charles and Plainview around 300 PM CDT.
Altura around 310 PM CDT.
Wabasha around 320 PM CDT.
Kellogg around 325 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by these tornadic storms include Whitewater
State Park, County Roads 9 And 10, Potsdam, County Roads 28 And 31,
Utica, West Albany, and County Roads 33 And 4.
This includes Interstate 90 in Minnesota between mile markers 222 and
239.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a
basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.
Heavy rainfall may hide this tornado. Do not wait to see or hear the
tornado. TAKE COVER NOW!
&&
LAT...LON 4446 9231 4445 9224 4444 9221 4442 9212
4441 9211 4440 9206 4439 9203 4403 9182
4385 9206 4385 9226 4410 9233 4432 9249
TIME...MOT...LOC 1953Z 241DEG 21KT 4432 9242 4396 9214
TORNADO...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
$$
Skow028
WWUS53 KARX 172000
SVSARX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
300 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
MNC109-157-169-172030-
/O.CON.KARX.TO.W.0016.000000T0000Z-260417T2030Z/
Winona MN-Olmsted MN-Wabasha MN-
300 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 330 PM CDT FOR WESTERN
WINONA...SOUTHEASTERN OLMSTED AND CENTRAL WABASHA COUNTIES...
At 259 PM CDT, tornado producing storms were located along a line
extending from 7 miles north of Plainview to near St. Charles, moving
east at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Damaging tornado and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Weather spotters confirmed tornado.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
These tornadic storms will be near...
St. Charles and Altura around 305 PM CDT.
Lewiston around 310 PM CDT.
Kellogg around 315 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by these tornadic storms include Saratoga,
Whitewater State Park, County Roads 9 And 10, County Roads 79 And 2,
Elba, Zumbro Bottoms Campground, and Conception.
This includes Interstate 90 in Minnesota between mile markers 228 and
239.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a
basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.
Heavy rainfall may hide this tornado. Do not wait to see or hear the
tornado. TAKE COVER NOW!
&&
LAT...LON 4443 9215 4441 9211 4440 9206 4439 9203
4403 9182 4385 9206 4385 9214 4411 9224
4422 9229 4444 9220
TIME...MOT...LOC 1959Z 257DEG 24KT 4426 9221 4391 9205
TORNADO...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
$$
Skow741
WWUS53 KARX 172010
SVSARX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
310 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
MNC109-172020-
/O.CAN.KARX.TO.W.0016.000000T0000Z-260417T2030Z/
Olmsted MN-
310 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR SOUTHEASTERN OLMSTED COUNTY IS
CANCELLED...
The storms which prompted the warning have moved out of the warned
area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 800 PM CDT for southeastern
Minnesota.
&&
LAT...LON 4441 9211 4440 9206 4438 9203 4403 9182
4385 9206 4385 9208 4411 9208 4429 9221
TIME...MOT...LOC 2010Z 241DEG 21KT 4428 9215 4393 9199
$$
MNC157-169-172030-
/O.CON.KARX.TO.W.0016.000000T0000Z-260417T2030Z/
Winona MN-Wabasha MN-
310 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 330 PM CDT FOR WESTERN
WINONA AND EASTERN WABASHA COUNTIES...
At 310 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes
were located along a line extending from 7 miles west of Kellogg to
near St. Charles, moving northeast at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado and quarter size hail. This storm has a history of
producing tornadoes.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
These dangerous storms will be near...
Wabasha, Lewiston, and Altura around 315 PM CDT.
Kellogg around 320 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by these tornadic storms include Saratoga,
Whitewater State Park, Elba, Zumbro Bottoms Campground, Conception,
County Roads 28 And 31, and County Roads 18 And 4.
This includes Interstate 90 in Minnesota between mile markers 233 and
239.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.
Heavy rainfall may hide this tornado. Do not wait to see or hear the
tornado. TAKE COVER NOW!
&&
LAT...LON 4441 9211 4440 9206 4438 9203 4403 9182
4385 9206 4385 9208 4411 9208 4429 9221
TIME...MOT...LOC 2010Z 241DEG 21KT 4428 9215 4393 9199
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
$$
Skow013
WWUS53 KARX 172015
SVSARX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
315 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
MNC157-169-172030-
/O.CON.KARX.TO.W.0016.000000T0000Z-260417T2030Z/
Winona MN-Wabasha MN-
315 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 330 PM CDT FOR
NORTHWESTERN WINONA AND NORTHEASTERN WABASHA COUNTIES...
At 314 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes
were located along a line extending from Wabasha to near Buffalo to
near Lewiston, moving northeast at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado and quarter size hail. This storm complex has a
history of producing tornadoes!
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
These dangerous storms will be near...
Lewiston and Altura around 320 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by these tornadic storms include Rattlesnake
Ridge, Dumfries, Zumbro Bottoms Campground, Conception, County Roads
28 And 31, Kruger Campground, and Utica.
This includes Interstate 90 in Minnesota between mile markers 236 and
238.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.
Heavy rainfall may hide this tornado. Do not wait to see or hear the
tornado. TAKE COVER NOW!
&&
LAT...LON 4441 9211 4440 9206 4438 9203 4403 9182
4389 9201 4389 9203 4417 9200 4430 9214
TIME...MOT...LOC 2014Z 229DEG 30KT 4438 9205 4421 9196 4396 9194
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
$$
Skow857
WWUS53 KARX 172026 RRB
SVSARX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
326 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
MNC157-169-172036-
/O.EXP.KARX.TO.W.0016.000000T0000Z-260417T2030Z/
Winona MN-Wabasha MN-
326 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTHWESTERN WINONA AND NORTHEASTERN
WABASHA COUNTIES WILL EXPIRE AT 330 PM CDT...
The storms which prompted the warning have moved out of the area.
Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 800 PM CDT for southeastern
Minnesota.
Remember, a Tornado Warning still remains in effect for
northeastern Winona County.
&&
LAT...LON 4441 9211 4440 9206 4438 9203 4403 9182
4389 9201 4389 9203 4417 9200 4430 9214
TIME...MOT...LOC 2026Z 241DEG 21KT 4441 9197 4424 9188 4399 9186
$$
SkowWhat forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this tornado warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS La Crosse, WI wrote its last area forecast discussion before this tornado warning went out at Apr 17, 12:33 PM CDT, 2 hours 8 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- A complex severe weather forecast for this afternoon as possibly two waves of storms are in the offing, with the strength and timing of the first wave of storms playing into how the second wave of storms evolves.
- Large hail up to 2-3" in diameter, damaging winds of 60 to 70 mph, a few tornadoes (some strong), and locally heavy rainfall are all on the table with these storms.
- Much colder for the weekend with low temperatures falling below freezing starting tonight through Sunday night. Daytime highs over the weekend will be stuck in the 40s. Can't rule out some flurries on Saturday.
- Dry conditions and warming temperatures expected for the start of next week.
Area forecast discussion, Apr 17, 12:33 PM CDT, 2 hours 8 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
1233 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
.KEY MESSAGES...
- A complex severe weather forecast for this afternoon as
possibly two waves of storms are in the offing, with the
strength and timing of the first wave of storms playing into
how the second wave of storms evolves.
- Large hail up to 2-3" in diameter, damaging winds of 60 to 70
mph, a few tornadoes (some strong), and locally heavy
rainfall are all on the table with these storms.
- Much colder for the weekend with low temperatures falling
below freezing starting tonight through Sunday night. Daytime
highs over the weekend will be stuck in the 40s. Can't rule
out some flurries on Saturday.
- Dry conditions and warming temperatures expected for the start
of next week.
&&
.UPDATE...
Issued at 1215 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
Continuing to see rapid evolution of the environment over the
local area. Right now, the cold front is located near I35 in MN
tailing southwestward into IA. Surface low pressure is southwest
of Mason City at 17Z. To the east, widespread billow clouds
indicate a stable boundary layer over the much of southeast MN
and northeast IA. Closer to the front on I-35, the cumulus field
looks primed to initiate.
Warm Front: A confluence region exists approaching the Miss
river where some elevated echo is seen near Winona. SPC mesoa
deep moisture convergence is along this axis N-S and the latest
CAMS agree on more initiation over the next hour. That eastern
environment is elevated still with 2000-2500 J/Kg MUCAPE.
Development on this N-S axis is round 1 and as it heads east
with the dewpoint surging northward, these storms have
increasing chances at becoming surface-based in western WI.
However, this is moving east at a pretty good clip and depending
on the initiation of said storms, these might be surface-based
and mature into central and southwest WI or east of the local
area. The environment is rich, with effective helicity over 200
m2/s2 and 25-35 kts of 0-1km bulk shear now. If the low-level
winds remained backed, the CAMS suggest 300 eSRH and 200 0-500m
SRH in swrn WI by 2 pm. Supercells and strong tornadoes possible
with probabilities higher to I90 and south in WI for this area.
Cold Front: The cold front will also initiate on the western
edge of the warm sector and winds are all backed into the front
right now with the surface low traveling north, over sern MN
and nern IA, with loopy long hodographs there as well. The main
question remains of how fast the storms becomes a line there.
Initial discrete storms will work toward linear modes with 0-6
shear vectors and the 850-300 mb mean wind at 45 degrees to the
front. Strong linear forcing /cold front/ seems like it may go
linear than remain discrete. BUT, while discrete, the looping
hodographs mean tornado potential is certain there in sern MN
and western nern IA. First lightning strikes just seen along the
cold front near I-35 per GOES GLM.
Tornado Watch is forthcoming.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 430 AM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
Severe Weather Threat for this Afternoon
Even at the 11th hour, some critical details on the evolution
of our afternoon severe weather threat remain to be nailed down.
This is a situation where attention needs to be paid to the
weather throughout the afternoon as the threats unfold.
The early morning surface analysis across the Upper Midwest
shows our culprit cold front stretching from Sioux Falls, SD to
International Falls, MN and marching steadily to the ESE, aided
by an approaching seasonably strong upper tropospheric northern
stream trough and strong CAA pursuing over the Dakotas. A
994-mb surface low pressure cell over eastern Nebraska will
propagate quickly northeast along the front, lifting a warm
front with it through the region this morning. Strong surface
theta-e advection is being observed across western Iowa ahead of
this low with dewpoints reaching the low to mid 60s just ahead
of the front. This is a classic "nick of time" severe weather
scenario where the favorable thermodynamic severe weather
environment will arrive just ahead of storm initiation.
There are two windows of opportunity for storms to form later
this morning into the afternoon, one wave along the leading
warm frontal boundary and the second with the cold front coming
through a few hours later. Rapid destabilization is progged to
occur in the warm sector as the warm front lifts through the
region between 16-19Z with warm sector MLCAPE values of
2000-2500 J/kg and deep shear profiles of 30-50+ kts. Low level
hodographs along the warm front will feature very favorable
profiles in the 0-1 to 0-6-km layer supportive of strongly
rotating updrafts and tornadoes. This parameter space exists for
several hours in the warm sector in the wake of the warm front
until the cold front blasts through between 18-00Z today from
west to east.
The timing of the storms will be absolutely critical today to
determine how the exact severe hazards will unfold with several
different scenarios in play. The latest runs of the HRRR are
favoring elevated convection developing north of the triple
point and kickstarting convection down the warm front as it
lifts into the forecast area. However, the updraft strength in
these model runs has not been overly strong with this round of
convection at first, likely owing to the mean storm motions (for
storms developing along the front) outpacing the boundary and
resulting in the storms tracking into a much higher inhibition
airmass ahead of the front before deviant right moving storm
motions can be achieved. A few CAM solutions show more robust
updrafts able to slow down and stay within the more favorable
thermodynamic environment, so how the threat along this boundary
evolves may have to be assessed on a storm by storm basis in
real time.
Can't fully rule out more open warm sector convection lagging
the warm front given the dynamic environment in place, which
would result in storms posing an all hazards risk rather
quickly. This looks to be more of a lower confidence, but
potentially higher impact scenario.
Attention then turns to the cold front as it cruises to the ESE
through the forecast area this afternoon. Recent CAM runs are
hinting at a better risk for larger and more robust storms
further south along what would now be more of a prefrontal
trough versus a true warm front in Iowa. Should robust
convection develop within this corridor--the inflow for our cold
frontal storms--this may choke off development further north
along the cold front. How far north remains to be seen. A
linear upscale growth progression is expected along the front as
the afternoon goes on, with the line advancing out of the
region by 00Z. Both supercellular and QLCS tornadoes would be
possible along the line given the favorable respective shear
profiles for both setups.
Alot to happen in a short 6-7 hour window this afternoon and
only small changes to the timing of any one of these variables
could have a domino effect on the rest of the event.
This Weekend & Early Next Week: Drier & Cooler
As we head past today, cooler air works its way in within the
broader troughing regime on Saturday with highs likely
plummeting into the 40s to lower 50s for the weekend. Cannot
rule out some flurries or light snow showers north of I-94
during the morning hours on Saturday. Overnight lows on
Saturday night will likely fall below freezing for many spots so
be sure to cover any plants you have set out! However, no
accumulations would be expected. Otherwise, surface high
pressure moves into the region for Sunday keeping us relatively
precipitation free into early next week.
&&
.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SATURDAY/...
Issued at 1220 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
A rapidly moving cold front is currently located just to the
west of KRST as of 17/17Z. Visible Satellite and Radar Imagery
show convection starting to develop along the front. MVFR to IFR
Cu and stratus with gusty southerly flow up to 30 kt is being
observed just east of this activity. Thunderstorms and
convective showers will rapidly develop with TSRA chances with
IFR or lower ceilings for KRST through 19Z. These storms will
likely develop into a line with better chances for TSRA around
20Z for KLSE (+/- 1 hour). All modes of severe weather are
possible including large hail, damaging winds, and lightning.
General frontal turbulence is also likely. Winds will quickly
shift to the NW and remain gusty behind the front shortly after.
CIGs are likely to remain MVFR category are several hours and
gradually lifting to VFR conditions with high clouds towards the
latter end of the package.
&&
.HYDROLOGY...
Issued at 430 AM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
A Flood Watch has been issued for Southwest Wisconsin and
portions of West Central Wisconsin given the chance for
additional showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.
These areas have already seen copious amounts of rainfall over
the last week with many rivers experiencing signficiant flooding
(enough to close some roads in multiple counties). A
widespread 1/2 inch of rain is likely with localized pockets of
1-2 inches--any additional rain will be problematic and only
exacerbate existing problems. Mudslides also look to be a
problem as we haven't seen a full green up yet so roots have not
taken a strong hold yet. Rivers across Wisconsin are likely to
see additional rises, especially the Kickapoo, Yellow, Black,
and Wisconsin.
&&
.ARX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WI...Flood Watch through Saturday morning for WIZ042>044-053>055-
061.
MN...None.
IA...None.
&&
UPDATE...Baumgardt
DISCUSSION...Naylor/Skow
AVIATION...NWS
HYDROLOGY...BarendseHazardous weather outlook, Apr 17, 3:36 AM CDT, 11 hours 5 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service La Crosse WI 336 AM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026 WIZ033-034-041>044-053>055-061-181245- Trempealeau-Jackson-La Crosse-Monroe-Juneau-Adams-Vernon-Crawford- Richland-Grant- 336 AM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central Wisconsin...southwest Wisconsin and west central Wisconsin. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight The threat for severe weather returns this afternoon as possibly two lines of storms moves through the region. Large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes will all be possible with these storms depending on how the event unfolds. Flooding along rivers and low lying locations will continue through at least the weekend. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter reports may be needed this afternoon. .EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATION... A webinar has been scheduled for 1030 am this morning. IAZ008>011-018-019-029-030-MNZ079-086>088-094>096-WIZ017-029-032- 181245- Mitchell-Howard-Winneshiek-Allamakee-Floyd-Chickasaw-Fayette- Clayton-Wabasha-Dodge-Olmsted-Winona-Mower-Fillmore-Houston- Taylor-Clark-Buffalo- 336 AM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of north central Iowa...northeast Iowa...southeast Minnesota...central Wisconsin... north central Wisconsin and west central Wisconsin. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight The threat for severe weather returns this afternoon as possibly two lines of storms moves through the region. Large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes will all be possible with these storms depending on how the event unfolds. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter reports may be needed this afternoon. .EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATION... A webinar has been scheduled for 1030 am this morning. KDS
In the hours before
Local storm report, Apr 17, 2:02 PM CDT, 39 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
202 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0150 PM Tornado 5 NE Sargeant 43.85N 92.73W
04/17/2026 Mower MN Law Enforcement
Sheriff deputy reported that a tornado
formed and dissipated and then a second
tornado touched down.
&&
JSBSpecial weather statement, Apr 17, 2:03 PM CDT, 38 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
203 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
WIZ054-055-061-171930-
Richland WI-Crawford WI-Grant WI-
203 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT GRANT...RICHLAND AND NORTHEASTERN
CRAWFORD COUNTIES THROUGH 230 PM CDT...
At 203 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 7 miles north of Boscobel to near Lancaster.
Movement was northeast at 55 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Strong thunderstorms will be near...
Fennimore around 210 PM CDT.
Richland Center and Muscoda around 215 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by these storms include Arthur, Highway 61
And County T, Montfort, Horrigan Ridge, Eagle Corners, Highway 80 And
County C C, Woodstock, Gillingham, Bloom City, and County Roads K And
T.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 800 PM CDT for southwestern
Wisconsin.
&&
LAT...LON 4264 9071 4268 9088 4334 9079 4342 9066
4356 9033 4355 9019 4317 9019 4321 9029
4320 9043 4251 9042 4251 9064
TIME...MOT...LOC 1903Z 222DEG 56KT 4325 9069 4278 9071
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
FergusonLocal storm report, Apr 17, 2:13 PM CDT, 28 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
213 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0213 PM Hail 4 N Rochester 44.07N 92.48W
04/17/2026 M1.75 Inch Olmsted MN Trained Spotter
&&
dbLocal storm report, Apr 17, 2:17 PM CDT, 24 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
217 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0203 PM Hail Boscobel 43.14N 90.71W
04/17/2026 E0.70 Inch Grant WI Trained Spotter
&&
dbLocal storm report, Apr 17, 2:25 PM CDT, 16 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
225 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0225 PM Funnel Cloud 5 N Stewartville 43.93N 92.47W
04/17/2026 Olmsted MN Public
Trained spotter to their southeast.
&&
JSBLocal storm report, Apr 17, 2:36 PM CDT, 5 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
236 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0232 PM Tornado 4 N Stewartville 43.91N 92.48W
04/17/2026 Olmsted MN Public
Rochester Tower reported tornado on the
ground near Highway 63.
&&
JSBThe office that day
Everything else NWS La Crosse, WI issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 17, 1:21 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ARX | Dodge, Mower | 24 min |
| Apr 17, 1:36 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ARX | Dodge | 8 min |
| Apr 17, 1:43 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | ARX | Dodge, Olmsted | 47 min |
| Apr 17, 1:52 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ARX | Dodge, Mower, Olmsted | 53 min |
| Apr 17, 2:05 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ARX | Mower | 40 min |
| Apr 17, 2:32 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ARX | Olmsted, Wabasha | 43 min |
| Apr 17, 2:36 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ARX | Fillmore | 24 min |
| Apr 17, 2:44 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ARX | Fillmore | 31 min |
| Apr 17, 3:07 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ARX | Wabasha, Winona | 38 min |
| Apr 17, 3:09 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ARX | Fillmore | 18 min |
| Apr 17, 3:48 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | ARX | Houston | 42 min |
Nearby
Tornado Warnings in Minnesota, 2026Every tornado warning in 2026Tornadoes in 2026
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.