Alert archive / Iowa / Tornado Warnings in 2026
Tornado Warning 21, NWS Des Moines, IA
NWS Des Moines, IA issued this tornado warning at Apr 23, 2026, 7:15 PM CDT for 4 counties in Iowa. It was in force for 45 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
- Apr 23, 2026, 7:15 PM CDT (00:15 UTC)
- Expired
- Apr 23, 2026, 8:00 PM CDT
- In force
- 45 min
- Issued by
- NWS Des Moines, IA
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Tornado
- Radar indicated
- Hail
- 0.75 in
Counties Boone County, IA, Dallas County, IA, Polk County, IA, Story County, IA
The radar
The Des Moines radar (KDMX), 14 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 00:14 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 23, 7:33 PM CDT | TORNADO | 2 Ene Slater, IA | Several reports from local fire department and spotters of tornado on the ground. |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
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 23, 5:56 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Watch | SPC | 6 hr |
The nearest sounding before it
Omaha, NE (KOAX), launched 00:00Z, 0.3 hours before the alert went out and 225 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
- 2 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -106 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 2615 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 62 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- -161 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- -99 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- -2.3
The text
As transmitted.
920
WFUS53 KDMX 240015
TORDMX
IAC015-049-153-169-240100-
/O.NEW.KDMX.TO.W.0021.260424T0015Z-260424T0100Z/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
715 PM CDT Thu Apr 23 2026
The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
Northern Polk County in central Iowa...
Southwestern Story County in central Iowa...
Southeastern Boone County in central Iowa...
Northeastern Dallas County in central Iowa...
* Until 800 PM CDT.
* At 714 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Woodward, or 11 miles north of Grimes, moving
northeast 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...
Madrid, Slater, Big Creek Lake, Saylorville Lake, Sheldahl, and
Big Creek State Park around 720 PM CDT.
Kelley around 725 PM CDT.
Ames, Huxley, and Ames Municipal Airport around 730 PM CDT.
Cambridge around 735 PM CDT.
Nevada around 740 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Big
Creek State Park, Kelley, Ames Municipal Airport, Alleman, Maxwell,
Cambridge, Luther, and Sheldahl.
This includes Interstate 35 between mile markers 98 and 118.
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 4172 9394 4187 9400 4211 9356 4184 9335
TIME...MOT...LOC 0014Z 239DEG 38KT 4183 9386
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
$$
Fowle4 follow-up statements
446
WWUS53 KDMX 240027
SVSDMX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
727 PM CDT Thu Apr 23 2026
IAC049-240037-
/O.CAN.KDMX.TO.W.0021.000000T0000Z-260424T0100Z/
Dallas IA-
727 PM CDT Thu Apr 23 2026
...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTHEASTERN DALLAS COUNTY IS CANCELLED...
The tornadic thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out
of the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until midnight CDT for
central Iowa.
LAT...LON 4175 9379 4195 9383 4211 9356 4184 9335
TIME...MOT...LOC 0027Z 239DEG 34KT 4188 9373
$$
IAC015-153-169-240100-
/O.CON.KDMX.TO.W.0021.000000T0000Z-260424T0100Z/
Polk IA-Story IA-Boone IA-
727 PM CDT Thu Apr 23 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 800 PM CDT FOR NORTHERN
POLK...SOUTHWESTERN STORY AND SOUTHEASTERN BOONE COUNTIES...
At 727 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located over Sheldahl, or 11 miles southwest of Ames, moving
northeast 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...
Huxley, Slater, Sheldahl, and Kelley around 730 PM CDT.
Ames, Cambridge, and Ames Municipal Airport around 735 PM CDT.
Nevada around 745 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Big
Creek State Park, Kelley, Ames Municipal Airport, Alleman, Maxwell,
Cambridge, and Sheldahl.
This includes Interstate 35 between mile markers 98 and 118.
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.
Tornadoes are extremely difficult to see and confirm at night. Do not
wait to see or hear the tornado. TAKE COVER NOW!
&&
LAT...LON 4175 9379 4195 9383 4211 9356 4184 9335
TIME...MOT...LOC 0027Z 239DEG 34KT 4188 9373
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
$$
Fowle204
WWUS53 KDMX 240034
SVSDMX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
734 PM CDT Thu Apr 23 2026
IAC015-153-169-240100-
/O.CON.KDMX.TO.W.0021.000000T0000Z-260424T0100Z/
Polk IA-Story IA-Boone IA-
734 PM CDT Thu Apr 23 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 800 PM CDT FOR NORTHERN
POLK...SOUTHWESTERN STORY AND SOUTHEASTERN BOONE COUNTIES...
At 734 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located over Slater, or 9
miles south of Ames, moving northeast at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Damaging tornado.
SOURCE...Law enforcement confirmed tornado.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
This tornado will be near...
Huxley, Cambridge, and Kelley around 740 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Big
Creek State Park, Kelley, Ames Municipal Airport, Alleman, Maxwell,
Cambridge, and Sheldahl.
This includes Interstate 35 between mile markers 98 and 118.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a
basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.
Tornadoes are extremely difficult to see and confirm at night. Do not
wait to see or hear the tornado. TAKE COVER NOW!
&&
LAT...LON 4175 9379 4195 9383 4211 9356 4184 9335
TIME...MOT...LOC 0034Z 242DEG 23KT 4189 9368
TORNADO...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
$$
Fowle119
WWUS53 KDMX 240038
SVSDMX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
738 PM CDT Thu Apr 23 2026
IAC015-153-169-240100-
/O.CON.KDMX.TO.W.0021.000000T0000Z-260424T0100Z/
Polk IA-Story IA-Boone IA-
738 PM CDT Thu Apr 23 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 800 PM CDT FOR
NORTHEASTERN POLK...SOUTHWESTERN STORY AND SOUTHEASTERN BOONE
COUNTIES...
At 738 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located over Huxley, or 7
miles south of Ames, moving northeast at 45 mph.
HAZARD...Damaging tornado.
SOURCE...Law enforcement 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...
Ames, Nevada, and Cambridge around 745 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include
Maxwell, Kelley, Cambridge, Ames Municipal Airport, Sheldahl, and
Alleman.
This includes Interstate 35 between mile markers 98 and 118.
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.
Tornadoes are extremely difficult to see and confirm at night. Do not
wait to see or hear the tornado. TAKE COVER NOW!
&&
LAT...LON 4177 9370 4199 9376 4211 9356 4184 9335
TIME...MOT...LOC 0038Z 239DEG 38KT 4192 9362
TORNADO...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
$$
Fowle056
WWUS53 KDMX 240048
SVSDMX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
748 PM CDT Thu Apr 23 2026
IAC015-240057-
/O.CAN.KDMX.TO.W.0021.000000T0000Z-260424T0100Z/
Boone IA-
748 PM CDT Thu Apr 23 2026
...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR SOUTHEASTERN BOONE COUNTY IS CANCELLED...
The tornadic thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out
of the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until midnight CDT for
central Iowa.
LAT...LON 4183 9356 4195 9365 4203 9350 4186 9336
TIME...MOT...LOC 0047Z 244DEG 35KT 4193 9351
$$
IAC153-169-240100-
/O.CON.KDMX.TO.W.0021.000000T0000Z-260424T0100Z/
Polk IA-Story IA-
748 PM CDT Thu Apr 23 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 800 PM CDT FOR NORTH
CENTRAL POLK AND SOUTHWESTERN STORY COUNTIES...
At 747 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located over Cambridge, or 6 miles southwest of Nevada, moving
northeast 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 tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
north central Polk and southwestern Story Counties, including the
following locations... Cambridge and Maxwell.
This includes Interstate 35 between mile markers 101 and 111.
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.
Tornadoes are extremely difficult to see and confirm at night. Do not
wait to see or hear the tornado. TAKE COVER NOW!
&&
LAT...LON 4183 9356 4195 9365 4203 9350 4186 9336
TIME...MOT...LOC 0047Z 244DEG 35KT 4193 9351
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
$$
FowleThe office that day
Everything else NWS Des Moines, IA issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 23, 7:04 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DMX | Adair, Boone, Dallas, Guthrie, Madison, Polk and 2 more | 56 min |
| Apr 23, 7:09 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DMX | Adair, Adams, Madison, Ringgold, Taylor, Union | 66 min |
| Apr 23, 7:16 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | DMX | Dallas, Madison, Warren | 29 min |
| Apr 23, 7:21 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | DMX | Dallas, Madison | 24 min |
| Apr 23, 7:39 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | DMX | Dallas, Madison, Polk, Warren | 51 min |
| Apr 23, 7:46 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | DMX | Marshall, Polk, Story | 32 min |
| Apr 23, 7:50 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DMX | Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Polk, Story and 1 more | 40 min |
| Apr 23, 7:55 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DMX | Boone, Grundy, Hamilton, Hardin, Marshall, Story | 50 min |
| Apr 23, 7:59 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DMX | Clarke, Decatur, Madison, Ringgold, Taylor, Union and 1 more | 61 min |
| Apr 23, 8:15 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | DMX | Decatur, Ringgold | 45 min |
| Apr 23, 8:24 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DMX | Jasper, Marion, Polk, Warren | 66 min |
| Apr 23, 8:25 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | DMX | Jasper, Polk | 23 min |
| Apr 23, 8:38 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DMX | Clarke, Decatur, Lucas, Marion, Warren, Wayne | 52 min |
| Apr 23, 8:39 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | DMX | Clarke, Decatur, Lucas, Wayne | 33 min |
| Apr 23, 8:49 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | DMX | Decatur, Lucas, Wayne | 41 min |
| Apr 23, 9:02 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DMX | Appanoose, Lucas, Mahaska, Marion, Monroe, Warren and 1 more | 58 min |
| Apr 23, 9:08 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | DMX | Appanoose, Lucas, Monroe, Wayne | 30 min |
| Apr 23, 9:40 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | DMX | Appanoose, Davis, Mahaska, Marion, Monroe, Wapello | 65 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; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.