Alert archive / Iowa / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2026

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 19, NWS Sioux Falls, SD

April 23, 2026Plymouth County, Woodbury County, Iowa

NWS Sioux Falls, SD issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Apr 23, 2026, 12:48 PM CDT for Plymouth County, Woodbury County, Iowa. It was in force for 42 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
Apr 23, 2026, 12:48 PM CDT (17:48 UTC)
Expired
Apr 23, 2026, 1:30 PM CDT
In force
42 min
Issued by
NWS Sioux Falls, SD
Area
Storm-based polygon
Hail
1.25 in
Wind
60.0 mph

Counties Plymouth County, IA, Woodbury County, IA

The radar

The Sioux Falls radar (KFSD), 128 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 17:47 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 severe thunderstorm 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
Apr 23, 12:02 PM CDTTornado WatchSPC7 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Minneapolis, MN (KMPX), launched 12:00Z, 5.8 hours before the alert went out and 317 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 2026-04-23Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 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 2026-04-23The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 222 square meters per square second.19395878Sfc1 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
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
830 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
30 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
222 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
96 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

190 
WUUS53 KFSD 231748
SVRFSD
IAC149-193-231830-
/O.NEW.KFSD.SV.W.0019.260423T1748Z-260423T1830Z/

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
1248 PM CDT Thu Apr 23 2026

The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  North central Woodbury County in west central Iowa...
  Southeastern Plymouth County in northwestern Iowa...

* Until 130 PM CDT.

* At 1248 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Lawton, or
  12 miles east of Sioux City, moving northeast at 35 mph.

  HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage 
           to roofs, siding, and trees.

* This severe thunderstorm will be near...
  Moville and Kingsley around 1255 PM CDT.
  Pierson around 100 PM CDT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 PM CDT for northwestern
and west central Iowa.

&&

LAT...LON 4256 9626 4281 9586 4257 9586 4256 9578
      4252 9578 4244 9608
TIME...MOT...LOC 1748Z 232DEG 32KT 4251 9615 

HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.25 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH

$$

Weisser
3 follow-up statements
706 
WWUS53 KFSD 231802
SVSFSD

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
102 PM CDT Thu Apr 23 2026

IAC149-193-231830-
/O.CON.KFSD.SV.W.0019.000000T0000Z-260423T1830Z/
Woodbury IA-Plymouth IA-
102 PM CDT Thu Apr 23 2026

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 130 PM CDT
FOR NORTH CENTRAL WOODBURY AND SOUTHEASTERN PLYMOUTH COUNTIES...

At 102 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Moville, or 16
miles east of Sioux City, moving northeast at 30 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to 
         roofs, siding, and trees.

This severe storm will be near...
  Kingsley and Pierson around 105 PM CDT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 PM CDT for northwestern
and west central Iowa.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

&&

LAT...LON 4256 9626 4281 9586 4257 9586 4256 9578
      4252 9578 4244 9608
TIME...MOT...LOC 1802Z 232DEG 24KT 4254 9606 

HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH

$$

Weisser
227 
WWUS53 KFSD 231819
SVSFSD

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
119 PM CDT Thu Apr 23 2026

IAC149-193-231830-
/O.CON.KFSD.SV.W.0019.000000T0000Z-260423T1830Z/
Woodbury IA-Plymouth IA-
119 PM CDT Thu Apr 23 2026

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 130 PM CDT
FOR NORTH CENTRAL WOODBURY AND SOUTHEASTERN PLYMOUTH COUNTIES...

At 119 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Moville, or 16
miles east of Sioux City, moving northeast at 35 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to 
         roofs, siding, and trees.

Locations impacted include...
  Kingsley and Pierson.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 PM CDT for northwestern
and west central Iowa.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

&&

LAT...LON 4256 9626 4281 9586 4257 9586 4256 9578
      4252 9578 4244 9608
TIME...MOT...LOC 1819Z 221DEG 31KT 4250 9606 

HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH

$$

Weisser
540 
WWUS53 KFSD 231829
SVSFSD

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
129 PM CDT Thu Apr 23 2026

IAC149-193-231838-
/O.EXP.KFSD.SV.W.0019.000000T0000Z-260423T1830Z/
Woodbury IA-Plymouth IA-
129 PM CDT Thu Apr 23 2026

...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR NORTH CENTRAL WOODBURY AND
SOUTHEASTERN PLYMOUTH COUNTIES WILL EXPIRE AT 130 PM CDT...

The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe
limits, and no longer poses an immediate threat to life or property.
Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire.  However, small
hail and gusty winds are still possible with this thunderstorm.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 PM CDT for northwestern
and west central Iowa.

&&

LAT...LON 4256 9626 4281 9586 4257 9586 4256 9578
      4252 9578 4244 9608
TIME...MOT...LOC 1828Z 232DEG 32KT 4255 9598 

$$

Weisser

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this severe thunderstorm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Sioux Falls, SD wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at Apr 23, 12:31 PM CDT, 17 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Isolated severe storms will be possible this afternoon over parts of southwest MN and northwest IA, especially along and east of Highway-60.
  • Near critical to critical fire weather concerns are expected this afternoon and evening especially across most southeastern SD and parts of southwestern MN. Avoid any outdoor burning!
  • A return to more seasonable temperatures with highs in the mid 50s to lower 60s is expected Friday through the middle of next week.
  • A very good chance (30%-60%) for showers and thunderstorms returns Sunday into Monday. Some locally heavier rain will be possible.
Area forecast discussion, Apr 23, 12:31 PM CDT, 17 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
1231 PM CDT Thu Apr 23 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Isolated severe storms will be possible this afternoon over
  parts of southwest MN and northwest IA, especially along and
  east of Highway-60.

- Near critical to critical fire weather concerns are expected
  this afternoon and evening especially across most southeastern
  SD and parts of southwestern MN. Avoid any outdoor burning!

- A return to more seasonable temperatures with highs in the
  mid 50s to lower 60s is expected Friday through the middle of
  next week.

- A very good chance (30%-60%) for showers and thunderstorms
  returns Sunday into Monday. Some locally heavier rain will be
  possible.

&&

.UPDATE...
Issued at 436 AM CDT Thu Apr 23 2026

Taking a look across the area, low to mid-level clouds continue to
filter in ahead of our next wave. With the passage of a lingering
outflow boundary, we're starting to see a few scattered showers
develop across the area this morning. While pockets of light to
moderate rain will be possible, severe weather is not expected.
Shifting gears here, the main changes with the 00z to 06z runs of
guidance are:

1. The progression of the cold front has sped up quite a bit
from yesterday's guidance.

2. Because of this, our window for stronger storms has shifted
to earlier and farther southeastwards.

3. RH values have trended drier behind the cold front this
afternoon.

4. More critical fire weather concerns are now expected along
and west of I-29.

The last two bullets will be discussed further in the fire weather
section. As for the severe weather concerns, we're starting to run
into some uncertainty. As mentioned above, the cold front's
progression has trended faster than initially expected. As a result,
instead of things kicking off between 3-10 pm; its now starting to
look like the window will be between 12pm-6pm. The main questions
that we have are how quickly will this morning's stratus push out of
our area and how quickly will we erode the cap depicted in
soundings. Both answers will vary depending on which model you
choose. While that uncertainty continues, the target area continues
to be areas east of I-29, more specifically along and east of a
Sioux City, IA to Marshall, MN line. If and when storms do develop,
stronger storms could produce large hail up to half dollar size and
damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph. With this in mind, we're still
outlooked in a Day 1 Slight (Level 2 of 5). Lastly, the ingredients
(CAPE/ML Shear) align nicely in northwestern IA so that would be
where my attention would be focused.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 109 PM CDT Wed Apr 22 2026

Strong winds will continue into the evening, but the lower
humidities will diminish around sunset. It should be noted
however that fairly strong southerly flow will continue through
the night. Otherwise, a cluster of showers and thunderstorms
will become likely in central SD later this evening into the
overnight hours. With 1000-1500 J/kg CAPE potential and some
drier low levels hail to the size of half dollars and wind gusts
to 65mph will be possible. These storms should be confined to
areas west of the James River and possibly mainly closer to the
Missouri River in central SD. The weak mid and upper level wave
associated with this development drifts east through the night,
but instability wanes towards I-29, so expect any stronger
storms to generally weaken as they head east late tonight into
early Thursday morning.

The late tonight and early morning activity will diminish
through the morning, but given the amount of clouds left behind
as well as the progression of the pre-frontal trough, the threat
for severe weather seems pretty limited for Thursday afternoon
and likely shifted a bit east. For now, the best chance for
isolated severe storms will be mid to late afternoon and mainly
east of a Marshall to Sioux City line. If we can break out of
the cloud cover and warm enough, there will be about 1000 J/kg
CAPE with about 30 knots of shear so the potential for half
dollar hail and 60 mph winds will exist.

Friday looks cool and dry with winds remaining mostly below 15 to 20
mph, so not too bad of a day. Highs mainly in the 60s.

On Saturday, low pressure to the northwest will drift east but not
move very much, as jet energy wraps around the southern edge into
the area. Saturday into Sunday a southern stream jet will also
spread into the Central Plains and bring additional upper level
support to the area. What this means is that from roughly Saturday
into early Monday the area will see periods of moderate to strong
mid level warm advection, which will bring periodic chances for
showers and thunderstorms. The strongest period of lift appears to
arrive on Sunday but for now the various models focus is all over
the place so confidence is a bit low on the exact location of the
more organized showers and storms. Of note the canadian ensemble and
euro ensemble indicate most of the area will see a 60-90
percent chance for a half an inch or more of rain while the GEFS
indicates something similar, just to the southeast of the area.
Probabilities of an inch or more are running about 30-40
percent. Long story short, will need to watch trends to see if
we can really get some meaningful rainfall in the area.

Low pressure wraps up to the north Tuesday into Wednesday, leaving
the area in faster west to northwest flow and likely mostly dry
conditions. There will be some spotty chances for showers and
thunderstorms but for now that looks like a very isolated threat.
Temperatures will be near the seasonal normals.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z FRIDAY/...
Issued at 1226 PM CDT Thu Apr 23 2026

Scattered showers and thunderstorms can be expected over parts
of northwest IA and southwest MN through about 22-23z, then most
of the activity will shift southeast of the area. Along and
ahead of this convection MVFR ceilings will be likely. Otherwise
strong westerly winds are expected behind this convection with
gusts of 30 to 40 mph likely through sunset across the entire
area. After sunset gusty winds to 25-30 mph will still be
possible but diminish further late tonight with VFR conditions
expected.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 436 AM CDT Thu Apr 23 2026

Fire Weather: Looking into the fire weather side of things, near
critical to critical concerns are expected this afternoon/evening.
Similar to yesterday, surface winds will be on the breezier side as
the SPG tightens ahead and behind the previously mentioned
front. Not only will this help gradually shift our surface winds
from southerly this morning to more westerly this afternoon
then more northwesterly this evening, we'll also see an uptick
in speeds directly behind the front with wind gusts between
30-40 mph expected. This along with deeper mixing will help
transport warmer and drier air to the surface leading to
relative humidity values in the 12-20 percent range. With all
this in mind and collaboration with our neighboring offices, a
Red Flag Warning has been issued for most of southeastern SD and
portions of southwestern MN. Lastly, make sure to avoid any
outdoor burning as the conditions could help a fire quickly
spread out of control!

&&

.FSD WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
SD...Red Flag Warning until 8 PM CDT this evening for SDZ039-040-
     054>056-060>062-065>069.
     Red Flag Warning until 5 PM CDT this afternoon for SDZ038-050-
     052-053-057>059-063-064.
MN...Red Flag Warning until 8 PM CDT this evening for MNZ071-072-
     097.
IA...None.
NE...None.

&&

UPDATE...05
DISCUSSION...08
AVIATION...08
FIRE WEATHER...05
Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 23, 3:30 AM CDT, 9 hours 18 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
330 AM CDT Thu Apr 23 2026

IAZ001>003-012>014-020>022-031-032-MNZ080-081-089-090-098-NEZ013-014-
SDZ071-240830-
Lyon-Osceola-Dickinson-Sioux-O'Brien-Clay-Plymouth-Cherokee-
Buena Vista-Woodbury-Ida-Murray-Cottonwood-Nobles-Jackson-Rock-Dixon-
Dakota-Union-
330 AM CDT Thu Apr 23 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northwest Iowa, west central
Iowa, southwest Minnesota, northeast Nebraska and southeast South
Dakota.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms will be possible this afternoon
and evening. A few storms could become severe with large hail up to
half dollar size and damaging winds up to 60 mph being the primary
threats.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

No hazardous weather expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed.

MNZ071-072-097-SDZ038>040-050-052>070-240830-
Lincoln-Lyon-Pipestone-Beadle-Kingsbury-Brookings-Gregory-Jerauld-
Sanborn-Miner-Lake-Moody-Brule-Aurora-Davison-Hanson-McCook-
Minnehaha-Charles Mix-Douglas-Hutchinson-Turner-Bon Homme-Yankton-
Clay-
330 AM CDT Thu Apr 23 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southwest Minnesota, central
South Dakota, east central South Dakota, south central South Dakota
and southeast South Dakota.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

A few scattered showers with an occasional rumble of thunder will be
possible through the morning.

Elevated to critical fire danger is expected today as westerly to
northwesterly winds strengthen behind a cold front. This combined
with low relative humidity values will create a favorable environment
for fire spread. Avoid any outdoor burning and heed your local
restrictions.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

No hazardous weather expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

The office that day

Everything else NWS Sioux Falls, SD issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Apr 23, 12:12 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFSDWoodbury48 min
Apr 23, 3:12 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFSDBuena Vista, Cherokee48 min
Apr 23, 3:27 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFSDIda, Woodbury48 min
Apr 23, 3:37 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFSDClay38 min

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Iowa, 2026Every severe thunderstorm warning 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.