Alert archive / Iowa / Tornado Warnings in 2026

Tornado Warning 45, NWS La Crosse, WI

June 17, 2026Allamakee County, Iowa

NWS La Crosse, WI issued this tornado warning at Jun 17, 2026, 4:50 PM CDT for Allamakee County, Iowa. It was in force for 25 min. 1 report 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: Jun 17, 2026, 4:50 PM CDT (21:50 UTC)
Expired: Jun 17, 2026, 5:15 PM CDT
In force: 25 min
Issued by: NWS La Crosse, WI
Area: Storm-based polygon
Tornado: Radar indicated
Hail: 0.75 in

County Allamakee County, IA

The radar

The La Crosse radar (KARX), 61 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 21:49 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
Jun 17, 4:53 PM CDT	TORNADO	2 Wnw Elon, IA	Rating: EF2 \| This long-track tornado touched down about 5 miles east-northeast of Waukon, IA and continued tracking east-southeast, crossing the Mississippi River. It continued southeast through Crawford County before lifting just before reaching Boscobel, WI

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 one storm report to this tornado warning; the first came 3 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
Jun 17, 1:17 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Watch	SPC	4 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Davenport, (KDVN), launched 12:00Z, 9.8 hours before the alert went out and 192 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.

Skew-T log-p

Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.

Hodograph

The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.

Mixed-layer CAPE: 0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN: No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL: 2165 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear: 52 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity: 179 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity: 218 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter: 0.0
Supercell composite: 0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

228 
WFUS53 KARX 172150
TORARX
IAC005-172230-
/O.NEW.KARX.TO.W.0045.260617T2150Z-260617T2230Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
450 PM CDT Wed Jun 17 2026

The National Weather Service in La Crosse has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
  Central Allamakee County in northeastern Iowa...

* Until 530 PM CDT.

* At 450 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
  was located near Waukon, moving east at 40 mph.

  HAZARD...Tornado.

  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.

* This dangerous storm will be near...
  Harpers Ferry around 505 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include County
Roads A 52 And X 52, Thompson Corner, State Road 9 And County X 20,
Elon, Eldergrove, Lock And Dam 9, and Village Creek.

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.

&&

LAT...LON 4327 9148 4333 9148 4334 9116 4331 9111
      4328 9107 4326 9107 4326 9106 4325 9106
      4323 9107 4320 9112
TIME...MOT...LOC 2150Z 284DEG 37KT 4329 9140 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN

$$

Skow

7 follow-up statements

040 
WWUS53 KARX 172155
SVSARX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
455 PM CDT Wed Jun 17 2026

IAC005-172230-
/O.CON.KARX.TO.W.0045.000000T0000Z-260617T2230Z/
Allamakee IA-
455 PM CDT Wed Jun 17 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 530 PM CDT FOR EAST
CENTRAL ALLAMAKEE COUNTY...

At 454 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located 7 miles east of Waukon, moving east at 45 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado.

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.

This dangerous storm will be near...
  Harpers Ferry around 505 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include County
Roads A 52 And X 52, Thompson Corner, Lock And Dam 9, Dalby, Elon,
and Eldergrove.

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.

&&

LAT...LON 4326 9141 4331 9140 4331 9111 4328 9107
      4326 9107 4326 9106 4325 9106 4323 9107
      4320 9112
TIME...MOT...LOC 2154Z 284DEG 37KT 4328 9133 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN

$$

Skow

969 
WWUS53 KARX 172157
SVSARX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
457 PM CDT Wed Jun 17 2026

IAC005-172230-
/O.CON.KARX.TO.W.0045.000000T0000Z-260617T2230Z/
Allamakee IA-
457 PM CDT Wed Jun 17 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 530 PM CDT FOR EAST
CENTRAL ALLAMAKEE COUNTY...

At 457 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located southeast of Lansing, 
moving east at 45 mph.

HAZARD...Damaging tornado.

SOURCE...Radar 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.

This tornado will be near...
  Harpers Ferry around 505 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include County
Roads A 52 And X 52, Thompson Corner, Lock And Dam 9, Dalby, Elon,
and Eldergrove.

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.

&&

LAT...LON 4325 9137 4330 9137 4331 9111 4328 9107
      4326 9107 4326 9106 4325 9106 4323 9107
      4320 9112
TIME...MOT...LOC 2157Z 284DEG 37KT 4327 9128 

TORNADO...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN

$$

Skow

096 
WWUS53 KARX 172159 CCA
SVSARX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
459 PM CDT Wed Jun 17 2026

IAC005-172230-
/O.COR.KARX.TO.W.0045.000000T0000Z-260617T2230Z/
Allamakee IA-
459 PM CDT Wed Jun 17 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 530 PM CDT FOR EAST
CENTRAL ALLAMAKEE COUNTY...

At 458 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located 8 miles southwest of
Lansing, moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...Damaging tornado.

SOURCE...Radar 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.

This tornado will be near...
  Harpers Ferry around 505 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include County
Roads A 52 And X 52, Thompson Corner, Lock And Dam 9, Dalby, Elon,
and Eldergrove.

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.

&&

LAT...LON 4325 9137 4330 9137 4331 9111 4328 9107
      4326 9107 4326 9106 4325 9106 4323 9107
      4320 9112
TIME...MOT...LOC 2157Z 286DEG 34KT 4327 9128 

TORNADO...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN

$$

Skow

055 
WWUS53 KARX 172201
SVSARX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
501 PM CDT Wed Jun 17 2026

IAC005-172230-
/O.CON.KARX.TO.W.0045.000000T0000Z-260617T2230Z/
Allamakee IA-
501 PM CDT Wed Jun 17 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 530 PM CDT FOR EAST
CENTRAL ALLAMAKEE COUNTY...

At 501 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located near Harpers Ferry, or
8 miles south of Lansing, moving southeast at 45 mph.

HAZARD...Damaging tornado.

SOURCE...Radar 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.

This tornado will be near...
  Harpers Ferry around 505 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include County
Roads A 52 And X 52, Thompson Corner, Lock And Dam 9, Dalby, and
Eldergrove.

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.

&&

LAT...LON 4324 9131 4327 9131 4328 9107 4326 9107
      4326 9106 4325 9106 4323 9107 4320 9112
      4323 9128
TIME...MOT...LOC 2201Z 292DEG 40KT 4324 9125 

TORNADO...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN

$$

Skow

551 
WWUS53 KARX 172206
SVSARX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
506 PM CDT Wed Jun 17 2026

IAC005-172230-
/O.CON.KARX.TO.W.0045.000000T0000Z-260617T2230Z/
Allamakee IA-
506 PM CDT Wed Jun 17 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 530 PM CDT FOR EAST
CENTRAL ALLAMAKEE COUNTY...

At 506 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located over Harpers Ferry, or
9 miles south of Lansing, moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...Damaging tornado.

SOURCE...Radar 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.

This tornado will be near...
  Harpers Ferry around 510 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Lock
And Dam 9, County Roads A 52 And X 52, and Eldergrove.

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.

&&

LAT...LON 4326 9123 4326 9106 4325 9106 4323 9107
      4320 9112 4323 9128
TIME...MOT...LOC 2206Z 284DEG 34KT 4323 9118 

TORNADO...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN

$$

Skow

749 
WWUS53 KARX 172211 RRA
SVSARX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
511 PM CDT Wed Jun 17 2026

IAC005-172230-
/O.CON.KARX.TO.W.0045.000000T0000Z-260617T2230Z/
Allamakee IA-
511 PM CDT Wed Jun 17 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 530 PM CDT FOR EAST
CENTRAL ALLAMAKEE COUNTY...

At 511 PM CDT, a confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado was
located near Harpers Ferry, or 11 miles southeast of Lansing, moving
east at 40 mph.

This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. TAKE COVER NOW!

HAZARD...Damaging tornado.

SOURCE...Radar confirmed tornado.

IMPACT...You are in a life-threatening situation. Flying debris may 
         be deadly to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes 
         will be destroyed. Considerable damage to homes, 
         businesses, and vehicles is likely and complete destruction 
         is possible.

This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
east central Allamakee County, including the following locations...
Lock And Dam 9 and County Roads A 52 And X 52.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

To repeat, a large, extremely dangerous and potentially deadly
tornado is on the ground. To protect your life, 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.

&&

LAT...LON 4326 9114 4326 9106 4325 9106 4323 9107
      4320 9112 4322 9120
TIME...MOT...LOC 2211Z 283DEG 34KT 4323 9110 

TORNADO...OBSERVED
TORNADO DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN

$$

Skow

766 
WWUS53 KARX 172215
SVSARX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
515 PM CDT Wed Jun 17 2026

IAC005-172225-
/O.CAN.KARX.TO.W.0045.000000T0000Z-260617T2230Z/
Allamakee IA-
515 PM CDT Wed Jun 17 2026

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR EAST CENTRAL ALLAMAKEE COUNTY IS
CANCELLED...

The storm which prompted the warning has moved out of the area.
Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 800 PM CDT for
northeastern Iowa...and southwestern Wisconsin.

&&

LAT...LON 4326 9114 4326 9106 4325 9106 4323 9107
      4320 9112 4322 9120
TIME...MOT...LOC 2214Z 286DEG 34KT 4322 9105 

$$

Skow

What 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 Jun 17, 2:05 PM CDT, 2 hours 45 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

Scattered showers and storms this afternoon into the evening. Some of these storms could be severe. Large hail and damaging winds will continue to be the main threats with the tornado threat dependent on amount of destabilization.
Periodic showers and storms from Thursday into early next week with high temperatures remaining in the 70s for most locations.

Area forecast discussion, Jun 17, 2:05 PM CDT, 2 hours 45 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
205 PM CDT Wed Jun 17 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Scattered showers and storms this afternoon into the evening.
  Some of these storms could be severe. Large hail and damaging
  winds will continue to be the main threats with the tornado
  threat dependent on amount of destabilization.

- Periodic showers and storms from Thursday into early next
  week with high temperatures remaining in the 70s for most
  locations.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 205 PM CDT Wed Jun 17 2026

Today: Scattered Showers and Storms

The initial round of storms this morning largely stayed south of the
forecast area with many locations seeing little to no rain. The
majority of the rain fell north of I-94 and our far southern
counties within our CWA. Much of the forecast area has remained dry
through much of the morning. As we head into through the afternoon a
surface low and associated cold front currently over central
Minnesota will move southeastward over our area. This will help to
bring scattered showers and storms through the afternoon and
evening. There remains a potential for severe thunderstorms to
occur. With cooler temperatures aloft and strong deep layer shear,
around 45 to 60 kts of 0-6km shear, large hail and damaging winds
will be possible with any stronger storm. A couple of tornadoes
could also be possible given the amount of surface vorticity right
along the front and the 1000 to 1500 J/kg of SBCAPE. All
precipitation chances end later this evening as the low shifts off to
the east. With the heavy rain staying well to our south this
morning, the flooding potential has decreased a bit. There still
remains some potential for localized flooding due to repeated storms
or a heavier storm over a given location. Our current forecasted QPF
is between 0.2 to 0.5" for areas in southeast Minnesota and areas
along and north of I-90 in Wisconsin. Areas in northeast Iowa and
far southwest Wisconsin are generally under 0.25", but this could
change as there is a little uncertainty on how far southeast the
stronger storms will go.

Thursday: Spotty Showers and Storms

Northwest flow over the area with weak moisture advection will be in
place for Thursday. A weak theta-e boundary moves from northwest to
southeast across the forecast area during the afternoon. With around
300 to 600 J/kg of MUCAPE, there is a low chance (15 to 25%) for
showers and storms to form during the afternoon along this boundary.
The last couple of runs from CAMs continue to show increased
coverage in these showers and storms so would not be surprised if
PoP chances increase for the afternoon.

Friday-Early Next Week: Periodic Shower and Storm Chances

Primarily northwest to west flow aloft continues through at least
early next week. Another shortwave moves down into the Upper Midwest
on Friday increasing rain chances for the afternoon. The latest LREF
has a 60 to 75% chance for measurable rain to occur across the
forecast area. The next chance for rain is for Saturday night into
Sunday, however this has continued to gradually shift southward. The
LREF has around a 40 to 55% chance for measurable rain for areas
south of I-90. After a brief break from the rain chances on Monday
due to shortwave ridging, another shortwave trough moves down on
Tuesday bringing another chance for rain. Temperatures through the
forecast period remain mostly in the 70s for highs and 50s for
lows.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z THURSDAY/...
Issued at 1250 PM CDT Wed Jun 17 2026

Widespread MVFR ceilings persist through the afternoon with
pockets of IFR ceilings during the evening and overnight hours,
mainly at higher elevation locations. A line of showers and
storms move through this afternoon, decreasing in intensity in
the evening. These ceilings last through the overnight and lift
through the morning on Thursday. Current southerly winds as of
midday veer to the west and northwest behind the front bringing
these storms with gusts of 20-30kts in its wake. These winds
slowly decrease overnight to 5-10kts by Thursday morning.

&&

.ARX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WI...None.
MN...None.
IA...None.

&&

DISCUSSION...Cecava
AVIATION...Skow

Hazardous weather outlook, Jun 17, 8:50 AM CDT, 8 hours before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
850 AM CDT Wed Jun 17 2026

IAZ008>011-018-019-029-030-MNZ079-086>088-094>096-WIZ017-029-
032>034-041>044-053>055-061-181800-
Mitchell-Howard-Winneshiek-Allamakee-Floyd-Chickasaw-Fayette-
Clayton-Wabasha-Dodge-Olmsted-Winona-Mower-Fillmore-Houston-
Taylor-Clark-Buffalo-Trempealeau-Jackson-La Crosse-Monroe-Juneau-
Adams-Vernon-Crawford-Richland-Grant-
850 AM CDT Wed Jun 17 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southeast
Minnesota...northeast Iowa and southwest into central Wisconsin.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

Severe storms will be possible this afternoon and evening with
the potential for all hazards including large hail, damaging
winds, a few tornadoes, and heavy rainfall leading to localized
flooding.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

No action needed.

.EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATION...

No webinar is scheduled.

The office that day

Everything else NWS La Crosse, WI issued on the same UTC day.

Issued	Product	Office	Counties	Lasted
Jun 17, 5:04 PM CDT	Tornado Warning Tornado observed	ARX	Allamakee	41 min

Nearby

Tornado Warnings in Iowa, 2026 Every tornado warning in 2026 Tornadoes 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.