Alert archive / Iowa / Tornado Warnings in 2026

Tornado Warning 53, NWS La Crosse, WI

July 2, 2026Fayette County, Iowa

NWS La Crosse, WI issued this tornado warning at Jul 2, 2026, 2:00 PM CDT for Fayette County, Iowa. It was in force for 30 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued.

The facts

Issued
Jul 2, 2026, 2:00 PM CDT (19:00 UTC)
Expired
Jul 2, 2026, 2:30 PM CDT
In force
30 min
Issued by
NWS La Crosse, WI
Area
Storm-based polygon
Tornado
Radar indicated
Hail
1.0 in

County Fayette County, IA

The radar

The La Crosse radar (KARX), 132 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 18:59 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.

Did it verify

Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this tornado warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.

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.

IssuedProductOfficeLasted
Jul 2, 12:45 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WatchSPC8 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Minneapolis, MN (KMPX), launched 12:00Z, 7.0 hours before the alert went out and 265 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-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Minneapolis, MN at 12:00Z on 2026-07-02Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 152 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Minneapolis, MN at 12:00Z on 2026-07-02The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -28 square meters per square second.1939587897Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
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
152 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-173 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
1469 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
30 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-28 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
38 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
-1.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

822 
WFUS53 KARX 021900
TORARX
IAC065-021945-
/O.NEW.KARX.TO.W.0053.260702T1900Z-260702T1945Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
200 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

The National Weather Service in La Crosse has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
  Southwestern Fayette County in northeastern Iowa...

* Until 245 PM CDT.

* At 200 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
  was located near Fairbank, or 9 miles northwest of Oelwein, moving
  northeast at 25 mph.

  HAZARD...Tornado and quarter size hail.

  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...
  Maynard around 215 PM CDT.
  Fayette around 225 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include
Highway 93 And County W 14, Randalia, Westgate, and Donnan.

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 4269 9208 4280 9208 4292 9184 4280 9178
TIME...MOT...LOC 1900Z 240DEG 23KT 4273 9208 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN

$$

Skow
3 follow-up statements
137 
WWUS53 KARX 021915
SVSARX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
215 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

IAC065-021945-
/O.CON.KARX.TO.W.0053.000000T0000Z-260702T1945Z/
Fayette IA-
215 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 245 PM CDT FOR
SOUTHWESTERN FAYETTE COUNTY...

At 215 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado 
was located near Maynard, or northwest of Oelwein, moving northeast 
at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and half dollar size hail.

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...
  Maynard around 220 PM CDT.
  Fayette around 230 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include
Randalia and Westgate.

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 4271 9203 4276 9206 4292 9184 4280 9178
TIME...MOT...LOC 1915Z 245DEG 21KT 4276 9197 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.25 IN

$$

Skow
028 
WWUS53 KARX 021919
SVSARX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
219 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

IAC065-021945-
/O.CON.KARX.TO.W.0053.000000T0000Z-260702T1945Z/
Fayette IA-
219 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 245 PM CDT FOR CENTRAL
FAYETTE COUNTY...

At 219 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado 
was located near Maynard, or north of Oelwein, moving northeast at 
25 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and quarter size hail.

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...
  Maynard around 225 PM CDT.
  Fayette around 230 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include
Randalia and Westgate.

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 4274 9196 4277 9201 4292 9184 4280 9178
TIME...MOT...LOC 1919Z 240DEG 22KT 4277 9194 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN

$$

Skow
825 
WWUS53 KARX 021930
SVSARX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
230 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

IAC065-021940-
/O.CAN.KARX.TO.W.0053.000000T0000Z-260702T1945Z/
Fayette IA-
230 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR CENTRAL FAYETTE COUNTY IS CANCELLED...

The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe
limits, and no longer appears capable of producing a tornado.
Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 700 PM CDT for
northeastern Iowa.

&&

LAT...LON 4274 9196 4277 9201 4292 9184 4280 9178
TIME...MOT...LOC 1929Z 240DEG 23KT 4281 9185 

$$

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 Jul 2, 1:55 PM CDT, 5 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Heavy rainfall and flooding is expected this afternoon and evening generally for those along I-90 and south. Additional rainfall amounts of 1-3 inches are possible (30-60%).
  • Strong to severe storms move through northeast Iowa into southwest Wisconsin this afternoon into this evening. The primary hazard is damaging wind, but a few isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out.
  • A wet holiday weekend is in store for the region as chances for showers and storms exist each day, though potential is greatest on Independence Day (50-80%). Additional rainfall amounts of of 1+ inches are possible Saturday through Monday (10-30%).
Area forecast discussion, Jul 2, 1:55 PM CDT, 5 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
155 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Heavy rainfall and flooding is expected this afternoon and
  evening generally for those along I-90 and south. Additional
  rainfall amounts of 1-3 inches are possible (30-60%).

- Strong to severe storms move through northeast Iowa into
  southwest Wisconsin this afternoon into this evening. The
  primary hazard is damaging wind, but a few isolated tornadoes
  cannot be ruled out.

- A wet holiday weekend is in store for the region as chances
  for showers and storms exist each day, though potential is
  greatest on Independence Day (50-80%). Additional rainfall
  amounts of of 1+ inches are possible Saturday through Monday
  (10-30%).

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 156 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

This Afternoon - Friday Morning: Severe, Heavy Rainfall, and
Flooding Potential

A quasi-stationary boundary laid out west-east across the Upper
Mississippi River Valley has been the primary catalyst for showers
and storms last night and through the morning hours today. This is
no different for this afternoon and evening as a shortwave lifts
northeastward while a strengthening low level jet transports
additional moisture into the boundary. At risk of sounding like a
broken record, showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop in
response to these forcings, but confidence in how things play out is
low.

Of greatest concern at the moment is additional heavy rainfall and
flooding potential this afternoon into tonight. Portions of
southeast Minnesota have received 3 to 5 inches of rain through 12
PM CDT resulting in flooded roadways and streams. The 02.12z REFS
suggests a 30-60% chance for amounts greater than 3 inches through
Friday morning primarily along the Minnesota/Iowa border, but does
extend into parts of western Wisconsin and further south into Iowa
towards Dubuque. The 02.12z REFS/HREF LPMM also suggest some
localized areas of up to 5 inches may occur. Additional river and
street flooding will likely occur given the plethora of rain over
the last several days. As such, have issued a Flood Watch to account
for the potential.

Transitioning away from the heavy rainfall, storms that develop are
expected to become strong to severe across northeast Iowa and
southwest Wisconsin, south of the aforementioned boundary. SPC Meso
Analysis suggests 2500-3500 J/kg of SBCAPE exist across this region
along with effective bulk shear profiles exceeding 40kts. Given high
PWAT values and strong mid-level flow, the primary hazard is
expected to be damaging wind gusts although a few tornadoes also
can't be ruled out given 0-1km SRH values of 70-90 m2/s2 and
surface vorticity ingestion from the boundary spanning the
region. Large hail remains a lower threat given poor mid-level
lapse rates and warm temperatures aloft, but also can't be ruled
out in supercells structures that develop.

Storms look to exit the region this evening with a bit of a lull
overnight, but confidence remains low as various CAM guidance
provides a multitude of solutions. That said, as we head into Friday
morning, the 02.12z HRRR suggests that another storm complex moves
through the region again bringing the potential for damaging winds
though the strongest instability looks to be situated south of our
area. The evolution of this complex will likely rely on how the rest
of this afternoon plays out. That said, our area is highlighted
in a level 2/5 slight risk for severe weather by the SPC.

Holiday Weekend - Next Week: Wet then Drier

Friday afternoon may ultimately end up dry depending on how the
morning goes. Upper level ridging looks to build across the region,
forcing shortwaves away from the area. Several of the CAM
solutions fail to convect through the afternoon, though the
02.12z HRRR/RAP do suggest some potential (30-50%) for showers
and storms as a shortwave sinks into the region on top of the
ridge, primarily along and east of the Mississippi River.
Independence Day sees far greater probabilities for showers and
storms as a stronger shortwave/closed upper low traverses over
the aforementioned ridge (50-80%).

Beyond the weekend, ensemble guidance is beginning to
suggest that Monday into Tuesday should finally be a dry couple
of days (knock on wood) as high pressure sinks southward into
the Upper Midwest.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z FRIDAY/...
Issued at 1240 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

Showers and storms continue across the region this afternoon,
generally along a line from central Wisconsin into northeast
Iowa. Coverage of these showers and storms is expected to
increase through the afternoon into this evening, but the
greatest impacts look to be primarily be along and south of
I-90. A bit of a lull in storm activity is possible overnight
generally from 06z-12z, but there is a lot of uncertainty
regarding this as model solutions vary quite a bit in
timing/placement of storms. Showers/storms move eastward towards
the end of the TAF period.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
Issued at 149 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

Rainfall totals exceeding 3-5 inches have been observed across
the Upper Mississippi River last night into today with some
locations having received upwards of 7 inches. Additional
rainfall in the 1-3 inch range is expected overnight (30-60%)
generally along and south of I-90 per the 02.12z REFS/HREF. The
02.12z REFS/HREF LPMM even suggests upwards of 5 inches could
occur. Areas that see additional rainfall through the afternoon
into the evening will be at risk for additional flooding impacts
and as such a Flood Watch has been issued for counties
generally along I-90 and south.

&&

.ARX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WI...Flood Watch through Friday morning for WIZ041-042-053>055-061.
MN...Flood Watch through Friday morning for MNZ087-088-094>096.
IA...Flood Watch through Friday morning for IAZ008>011-018-019-029-
     030.

&&

DISCUSSION...Falkinham
AVIATION...Falkinham
HYDROLOGY...Falkinham
Hazardous weather outlook, Jul 2, 11:13 AM CDT, 2 hours 47 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
1113 AM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

IAZ008>011-018-019-029-030-MNZ079-086>088-094>096-WIZ017-029-
032>034-041>044-053>055-061-032015-
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-
1113 AM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

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

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

Periodic storms will occur through tonight. Some of the storms
may become severe this afternoon and tonight. The main threats
will be damaging winds, hail, and potentially a tornado.

Elevated water levels are present across much of the area and
additional moderate to heavy rain will accompany any
thunderstorms. Additional flooding and water rises are possible
today and tonight.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday

Periodic thunderstorms will occur Friday and Saturday. Some of
these may become severe, especially storms early Friday morning.

Elevated water levels are present across much of the area and
additional moderate to heavy rain will accompany any thunderstorms
that occur through Friday and Saturday. Additional flooding and
water rises are possible Friday and Saturday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters may be needed periodically into the weekend.

.EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATION...

A webinar is scheduled for this afternoon at 2 PM.

APF

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Jul 2, 10:42 AM CDT, 3 hours 18 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
1042 AM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

IAZ008-021615-
Mitchell IA-
1042 AM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT CENTRAL MITCHELL COUNTY THROUGH
1115 AM CDT...

At 1042 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Osage, moving northeast at 30 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.

This strong thunderstorm will be near...
  Stacyville around 1050 AM CDT.

Other locations impacted by this storm include Meyer, Osage Spring
Park, Mitchell, County Roads T 54 And A 31, Pioneer State Park,
McIntire, Highway 218 And County T 40, Little Cedar, Bailey, and
Highway 18 And County T 38.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

&&

LAT...LON 4350 9274 4350 9262 4345 9255 4339 9255
      4325 9288 4332 9295
TIME...MOT...LOC 1542Z 232DEG 27KT 4334 9283

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

Ferguson
Local storm report, Jul 2, 11:03 AM CDT, 2 hours 57 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
1103 AM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0302 AM     Flood            2 ESE Brice Prairie     43.93N 91.26W
07/02/2026                   La Crosse          WI   Law Enforcement

            Delayed report. Flooding over roadway
            affecting a commonly flooded low lying area
            in Midway.

&&

JAW
Local storm report, Jul 2, 11:05 AM CDT, 2 hours 55 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
1105 AM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0504 AM     Flood            6 SSE La Crosse         43.75N 91.19W
07/02/2026                   La Crosse          WI   Law Enforcement

            Delayed report: Water over roadway of Old
            Town Hall Road. Time of flooding unknown.

&&

JAW
Local storm report, Jul 2, 11:06 AM CDT, 2 hours 54 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
1106 AM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0405 AM     Flood            Rockland                43.91N 90.93W
07/02/2026                   La Crosse          WI   Public

            Delayed report: Water over roadway of CTH U
            near Rockland. Time estimated. Water has
            receded.

&&

JAW
Local storm report, Jul 2, 11:10 AM CDT, 2 hours 50 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
1110 AM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0609 AM     Flood            5 SSE La Crosse         43.76N 91.21W
07/02/2026                   La Crosse          WI   Law Enforcement

            Delayed report of flood debris impacting
            railroad. Time estimated.

&&

JAW
Local storm report, Jul 2, 1:38 PM CDT, 22 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service La Crosse WI
138 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0101 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     3 E Charles City        43.06N 92.61W
07/02/2026  M59 MPH          Floyd              IA   Public

            Personal weather station.

&&

APF

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jul 1, 7:22 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementARXMitchell38 min
Jul 1, 7:32 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningARXHoward, Mitchell43 min
Jul 1, 9:00 PM CDTTornado WarningARXHoward15 min
Jul 1, 10:17 PM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryARXHoward, Winneshiek3 hr
Jul 2, 8:07 AM CDTFlood WatchARXAllamakee, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Floyd, Howard and 2 more36 hr
Jul 2, 9:11 AM CDTAreal Flood WarningARXAllamakee, Winneshiek6 hr
Jul 2, 10:42 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementARXMitchell33 min
Jul 2, 10:50 AM CDTAreal Flood WarningARXAllamakee9 hr
Jul 2, 12:31 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningARXFloyd59 min
Jul 2, 1:08 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningARXChickasaw, Fayette, Howard, Winneshiek67 min
Jul 2, 1:26 PM CDTTornado WarningARXHoward, Winneshiek34 min
Jul 2, 1:47 PM CDTTornado WarningARXFayette43 min
Jul 2, 2:11 PM CDTRiver Flood WarningARXFloyd71 hr
Jul 2, 2:17 PM CDTTornado WarningARXClayton43 min
Jul 2, 2:40 PM CDTRiver Flood WarningARXWinneshiek42 hr
Jul 2, 2:40 PM CDTRiver Flood WarningARXAllamakee71 hr
Jul 2, 2:47 PM CDTTornado WarningARXClayton43 min
Jul 2, 3:13 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningARXClayton, Fayette62 min

Nearby

Tornado Warnings in Iowa, 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; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.