Alert archive / Iowa / Tornado Warnings in 2026

Tornado Warning 46, NWS Des Moines, IA

May 18, 2026Taylor County, Iowa

NWS Des Moines, IA issued this tornado warning at May 18, 2026, 5:40 PM CDT for Taylor County, Iowa. It was in force for 65 min. 2 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: May 18, 2026, 5:40 PM CDT (22:40 UTC)
Expired: May 18, 2026, 6:45 PM CDT
In force: 65 min
Issued by: NWS Des Moines, IA
Area: Storm-based polygon
Tornado: Radar indicated
Hail: 1.5 in

County Taylor County, IA

The radar

The Omaha radar (KOAX), 146 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 22:40 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
May 18, 6:30 PM CDT	TORNADO	5 Wnw Athelstan, IA	Trained spotter confirms tornado. Time estimated via radar.
May 18, 6:40 PM CDT	TORNADO	5 Wnw Athelstan, IA	Trained spotter confirms tornado. Time estimated via radar.

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
May 18, 3:49 PM CDT	Tornado Watch	SPC	6 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Omaha, NE (KOAX), launched 12:00Z, 10.7 hours before the alert went out and 147 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: 871 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear: 49 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity: 271 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity: 220 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter: 0.0
Supercell composite: 0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

609 
WFUS53 KDMX 182240
TORDMX
IAC173-182345-
/O.NEW.KDMX.TO.W.0046.260518T2240Z-260518T2345Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
540 PM CDT Mon May 18 2026

The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
  Taylor County in southwestern Iowa...

* Until 645 PM CDT.

* At 540 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
  was located over Braddyville, or 10 miles south of Clarinda, moving
  east at 35 mph.

  HAZARD...Tornado and ping pong ball 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...
  Bedford Municipal Airport around 600 PM CDT.
  Bedford around 605 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Lake
Of Three Fires State Park, Sharpsburg, Conway, New Market, Athelstan,
Bedford Municipal Airport, and Gravity.

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 4057 9491 4065 9492 4072 9491 4073 9491
      4073 9493 4074 9492 4084 9465 4057 9452
TIME...MOT...LOC 2240Z 260DEG 29KT 4059 9503 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.50 IN

$$

Fowle

5 follow-up statements

348 
WWUS53 KDMX 182245
SVSDMX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
545 PM CDT Mon May 18 2026

IAC173-182345-
/O.CON.KDMX.TO.W.0046.000000T0000Z-260518T2345Z/
Taylor IA-
545 PM CDT Mon May 18 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 645 PM CDT FOR TAYLOR
COUNTY...

At 544 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located over Braddyville, or 10 miles south of Clarinda, moving
east at 35 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and ping pong ball size hail.

SOURCE...Weather spotters reported a funnel cloud looking west from 
         Bedford. 

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...
  Bedford Municipal Airport around 600 PM CDT.
  Bedford around 605 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Lake
Of Three Fires State Park, Sharpsburg, Conway, New Market, Athelstan,
Bedford Municipal Airport, and Gravity.

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 4057 9491 4065 9492 4072 9491 4073 9491
      4073 9493 4074 9492 4084 9465 4057 9452
TIME...MOT...LOC 2244Z 260DEG 29KT 4060 9498 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.50 IN

$$

Fowle

532 
WWUS53 KDMX 182256
SVSDMX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
556 PM CDT Mon May 18 2026

IAC173-182345-
/O.CON.KDMX.TO.W.0046.000000T0000Z-260518T2345Z/
Taylor IA-
556 PM CDT Mon May 18 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 645 PM CDT FOR TAYLOR
COUNTY...

At 556 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located 6 miles east of Shambaugh, or 9 miles southeast of
Clarinda, moving east at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and ping pong ball 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...
  Bedford around 610 PM CDT.
  Bedford Municipal Airport around 615 PM CDT.
  Lake Of Three Fires State Park around 620 PM CDT.
  Conway around 630 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Lake
Of Three Fires State Park, Sharpsburg, Conway, New Market, Athelstan,
Bedford Municipal Airport, and Gravity.

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 4057 9491 4065 9492 4072 9491 4073 9491
      4074 9488 4084 9465 4057 9452
TIME...MOT...LOC 2256Z 250DEG 21KT 4063 9492 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.50 IN

$$

Fowle

000 
WWUS53 KDMX 182318
SVSDMX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
618 PM CDT Mon May 18 2026

IAC173-182345-
/O.CON.KDMX.TO.W.0046.000000T0000Z-260518T2345Z/
Taylor IA-
618 PM CDT Mon May 18 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 645 PM CDT FOR TAYLOR
COUNTY...

At 618 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Hopkins, or 7 miles south of Bedford, moving
northeast at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and ping pong ball 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...
  Bedford Municipal Airport around 625 PM CDT.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Lake
Of Three Fires State Park, Sharpsburg, Conway, New Market, Athelstan,
Bedford Municipal Airport, and Gravity.

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 4057 9491 4065 9492 4072 9491 4073 9491
      4074 9488 4084 9465 4057 9452
TIME...MOT...LOC 2318Z 227DEG 27KT 4057 9473 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.50 IN

$$

Fowle

138 
WWUS53 KDMX 182324
SVSDMX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
624 PM CDT Mon May 18 2026

IAC173-182345-
/O.CON.KDMX.TO.W.0046.000000T0000Z-260518T2345Z/
Taylor IA-
624 PM CDT Mon May 18 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 645 PM CDT FOR
SOUTHEASTERN TAYLOR COUNTY...

At 624 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Bedford Municipal Airport, or 5 miles southeast of
Bedford, moving northeast at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and ping pong ball 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 tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
southeastern Taylor County, including the following locations...
Conway, Athelstan, Lake Of Three Fires State Park, and Bedford
Municipal Airport.

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 4057 9478 4063 9480 4067 9482 4079 9463
      4057 9452
TIME...MOT...LOC 2324Z 235DEG 26KT 4059 9467 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.50 IN

$$

Fowle

355 
WWUS53 KDMX 182333
SVSDMX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
633 PM CDT Mon May 18 2026

IAC173-182345-
/O.CON.KDMX.TO.W.0046.000000T0000Z-260518T2345Z/
Taylor IA-
633 PM CDT Mon May 18 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 645 PM CDT FOR
SOUTHEASTERN TAYLOR COUNTY...

At 633 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Athelstan, or 7 miles southeast of Bedford, moving
east 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.

Locations impacted include...
Bedford, Athelstan, and Bedford Municipal Airport.

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 4057 9467 4065 9474 4075 9461 4057 9452
TIME...MOT...LOC 2333Z 249DEG 24KT 4061 9461 

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

$$

Fowle

The office that day

Everything else NWS Des Moines, IA issued on the same UTC day.

Issued	Product	Office	Counties	Lasted
May 17, 8:19 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threat	DMX	Calhoun, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Sac	56 min
May 17, 8:34 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	DMX	Calhoun, Carroll, Crawford, Greene, Sac	56 min
May 17, 8:35 PM CDT	Tornado Warning	DMX	Calhoun, Pocahontas, Sac	40 min
May 17, 8:59 PM CDT	Tornado Warning	DMX	Emmet, Palo Alto	46 min
May 17, 9:02 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threat	DMX	Calhoun, Hamilton, Humboldt, Kossuth, Palo Alto, Pocahontas and 2 more	43 min
May 17, 9:05 PM CDT	Tornado Warning Tornado observed	DMX	Calhoun, Hamilton, Humboldt, Pocahontas, Webster, Wright	40 min
May 17, 9:08 PM CDT	Tornado Warning	DMX	Humboldt, Kossuth, Palo Alto, Pocahontas	52 min
May 17, 9:12 PM CDT	Tornado Warning	DMX	Calhoun, Hamilton, Webster	48 min
May 17, 9:15 PM CDT	Tornado Warning	DMX	Emmet	30 min
May 17, 9:26 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	DMX	Audubon, Boone, Calhoun, Carroll, Crawford, Dallas and 5 more	79 min
May 17, 9:28 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threat	DMX	Cerro Gordo, Emmet, Franklin, Hancock, Humboldt, Kossuth and 4 more	62 min
May 17, 9:30 PM CDT	Tornado Warning Tornado observed	DMX	Emmet, Kossuth, Palo Alto, Winnebago	45 min
May 17, 9:31 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	DMX	Adair, Adams, Cass	59 min
May 17, 9:35 PM CDT	Tornado Warning	DMX	Cerro Gordo, Hancock, Kossuth, Winnebago, Worth	40 min
May 17, 9:42 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	DMX	Calhoun, Franklin, Hamilton, Hardin, Humboldt, Webster and 1 more	63 min
May 17, 9:45 PM CDT	Tornado Warning	DMX	Franklin, Hamilton, Hardin, Humboldt, Webster, Wright	45 min
May 17, 9:56 PM CDT	Tornado Warning	DMX	Hamilton, Hardin, Webster	38 min
May 17, 10:07 PM CDT	Tornado Warning Tornado observed	DMX	Cerro Gordo, Hancock, Winnebago, Worth	38 min
May 17, 10:11 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	DMX	Butler, Cerro Gordo, Franklin, Hancock, Wright	37 min
May 17, 10:19 PM CDT	Tornado Warning	DMX	Cerro Gordo	26 min
May 17, 10:23 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	DMX	Adair, Dallas, Guthrie, Madison, Polk, Warren	24 min
May 18, 10:51 AM CDT	Flood Watch	DMX	Adams, Clarke, Decatur, Ringgold, Taylor, Union and 1 more	16 hr
May 18, 5:34 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	DMX	Adams, Taylor	56 min
May 18, 6:22 PM CDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	DMX	Ringgold, Taylor, Union	53 min
May 18, 6:31 PM CDT	Tornado Warning	DMX	Ringgold, Taylor	59 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.