Alert archive / South Dakota / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Warning 36, NWS Sioux Falls, SD
NWS Sioux Falls, SD issued this severe thunderstorm warning at May 17, 2026, 2:10 PM CDT for Charles Mix County, Gregory County, South Dakota. It was in force for 50 min. 12 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 17, 2026, 2:10 PM CDT (19:10 UTC)
- Expired
- May 17, 2026, 3:00 PM CDT
- In force
- 50 min
- Issued by
- NWS Sioux Falls, SD
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Hail
- 1.25 in
- Wind
- 60.0 mph
Counties Charles Mix County, SD, Gregory County, SD
The radar
The Sioux Falls radar (KFSD), 147 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 19:12 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 17, 2:30 PM CDT | TSTM WND GST 78 | 2 Wsw Pickstown, SD | Mesonet station 244 SD RWIS Ft. Randall Dam. |
| May 17, 2:34 PM CDT | TSTM WND GST 58 | 2 Nnw Lake Andes, SD | Via personal weather station. Exact time estimated via radar. |
| May 17, 2:37 PM CDT | HAIL 1 | 1 Se Marty, SD | Winds estimated 40-50 mph. |
| May 17, 2:40 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 2 Wsw Wagner, SD | Full trees down along with older farm outbuildings collapsed. Time estimated via radar. |
| May 17, 2:40 PM CDT | TSTM WND GST 59 | 1 Ssw Wagner, SD | Via personal weather station. Exact time estimated via radar. |
| May 17, 2:44 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 2 Wsw Wagner, SD | A mile of power lines down near the intersection of 298th St and 393rd Ave. Time estimated from radar. |
| May 17, 2:45 PM CDT | TSTM WND GST 67 | 1 S Wagner, SD | AWOS station KAGZ Wagner. |
| May 17, 2:46 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 2 Wsw Wagner, SD | Wind gusts 50-60 mph broke down 1.5 to 2 inch tree branches. Sheets of heavy rain and pea hail were also falling. |
| May 17, 2:46 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 3 E Wagner, SD | Heavily damaged outbuilding. Time estimated from radar. |
| May 17, 2:48 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 3 N Dante, SD | Broken power poles. Time estimated from radar. |
| May 17, 2:50 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 3 N Dante, SD | Mobile trailer flipped, dismantled, and moved about 60 ft. Pickup truck tipped on its side. Time estimated from radar. |
| May 17, 2:52 PM CDT | TSTM WND GST 79 | 4 Ne Dante, SD | Mesonet station 324 SD RWIS WAGNER. |
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 13 storm reports to this severe thunderstorm warning; the first came 20 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 17, 1:42 PM CDT | Tornado Watch | SPC | 8 hr |
The nearest sounding before it
Aberdeen, SD (KABR), launched 12:00Z, 7.2 hours before the alert went out and 207 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
- 0 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- No buoyant parcel
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 2103 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 54 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 372 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 379 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
557
WUUS53 KFSD 171910
SVRFSD
SDC023-053-172000-
/O.NEW.KFSD.SV.W.0036.260517T1910Z-260517T2000Z/
BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
210 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026
The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Southeastern Charles Mix County in south central South Dakota...
Southeastern Gregory County in south central South Dakota...
* Until 300 PM CDT.
* At 209 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Spencer,
moving northeast at 55 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...
Pickstown around 215 PM CDT.
Lake Andes and Marty around 220 PM CDT.
Ravinia around 225 PM CDT.
Other locations in the path of this severe thunderstorm include
Wagner.
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 1000 PM CDT for south central
and southeastern South Dakota.
&&
LAT...LON 4293 9844 4300 9851 4300 9886 4334 9857
4318 9808 4310 9811 4295 9810 4288 9829
TIME...MOT...LOC 1909Z 226DEG 50KT 4293 9874
HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.25 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH
$$
Weisser4 follow-up statements
614
WWUS53 KFSD 171923
SVSFSD
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
223 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026
SDC023-053-172000-
/O.CON.KFSD.SV.W.0036.000000T0000Z-260517T2000Z/
Charles Mix SD-Gregory SD-
223 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026
...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 300 PM CDT
FOR SOUTHEASTERN CHARLES MIX AND SOUTHEASTERN GREGORY COUNTIES...
At 223 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Gross, or near
Pickstown, moving northeast at 45 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to
roofs, siding, and trees.
This severe storm will be near...
Lake Andes, Pickstown, Wagner, Marty, and Ravinia around 230 PM
CDT.
Other locations in the path of this severe thunderstorm include
Dante.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for south central
and southeastern South Dakota.
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.
&&
LAT...LON 4293 9844 4300 9851 4300 9886 4334 9857
4318 9808 4310 9811 4295 9810 4288 9829
TIME...MOT...LOC 1923Z 240DEG 40KT 4300 9858
HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.25 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH
$$
Weisser242
WWUS53 KFSD 171932
SVSFSD
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
232 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026
SDC023-053-172000-
/O.CON.KFSD.SV.W.0036.000000T0000Z-260517T2000Z/
Charles Mix SD-Gregory SD-
232 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026
...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 300 PM CDT
FOR SOUTHEASTERN CHARLES MIX AND SOUTHEASTERN GREGORY COUNTIES...
At 231 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Marty, or near
Pickstown, moving northeast at 55 mph.
HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts and ping pong ball size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail
damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect
considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to
mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.
This severe storm will be near...
Marty, Wagner, Dante, and Ravinia around 235 PM CDT.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for south central
and southeastern South Dakota.
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.
&&
LAT...LON 4293 9844 4300 9851 4300 9886 4334 9857
4318 9808 4310 9811 4295 9810 4288 9829
TIME...MOT...LOC 1931Z 234DEG 49KT 4302 9841
THUNDERSTORM DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.50 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...70 MPH
$$
Weisser783
WWUS53 KFSD 171942
SVSFSD
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
242 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026
SDC053-171952-
/O.CAN.KFSD.SV.W.0036.000000T0000Z-260517T2000Z/
Gregory SD-
242 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026
...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR SOUTHEASTERN GREGORY COUNTY IS
CANCELLED...
The severe thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out of
the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for south central
and southeastern South Dakota.
&&
LAT...LON 4293 9844 4300 9851 4303 9851 4307 9860
4307 9868 4313 9875 4334 9857 4318 9808
4310 9811 4295 9810 4288 9829
TIME...MOT...LOC 1942Z 249DEG 48KT 4303 9829
$$
SDC023-172000-
/O.CON.KFSD.SV.W.0036.000000T0000Z-260517T2000Z/
Charles Mix SD-
242 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026
...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 300 PM CDT
FOR SOUTHEASTERN CHARLES MIX COUNTY...
At 242 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Wagner, or 12
miles east of Pickstown, moving east at 55 mph.
HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts and ping pong ball size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail
damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect
considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to
mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.
This severe storm will be near...
Wagner and Dante around 245 PM CDT.
At 240 pm...Quarter sized hail was reported 2 miles southeast of
Marty.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for south central
and southeastern South Dakota.
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.
&&
LAT...LON 4293 9844 4300 9851 4303 9851 4307 9860
4307 9868 4313 9875 4334 9857 4318 9808
4310 9811 4295 9810 4288 9829
TIME...MOT...LOC 1942Z 249DEG 48KT 4303 9829
THUNDERSTORM DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
HAIL THREAT...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.50 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...70 MPH
$$
Weisser542
WWUS53 KFSD 171954
SVSFSD
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
254 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026
SDC023-172000-
/O.CON.KFSD.SV.W.0036.000000T0000Z-260517T2000Z/
Charles Mix SD-
254 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026
...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 300 PM CDT
FOR SOUTHEASTERN CHARLES MIX COUNTY...
At 254 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 8 miles northeast of
Dante, or 17 miles northwest of Tyndall, moving northeast at 60 mph.
HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts and ping pong ball size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail
damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect
considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to
mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.
This severe thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
southeastern Charles Mix County, including the following locations...
Yankton Sioux Tribal Nation.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for south central
and southeastern South Dakota.
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.
&&
LAT...LON 4293 9844 4330 9847 4318 9808 4310 9811
4295 9810 4288 9829
TIME...MOT...LOC 1954Z 226DEG 50KT 4315 9812
THUNDERSTORM DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
HAIL THREAT...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.50 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...70 MPH
$$
WeisserWhat 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 May 17, 1:20 PM CDT, 50 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- There is high confidence that severe thunderstorms will develop this afternoon and evening, producing large hail, destructive straight-line winds, and a few tornadoes. An Enhanced Risk (level 3 of 5) of severe storms is in place.
- A transitioning storm mode will shift hazards from large hail and tornadoes initially, to widespread wind damage as an intense line of storms tracks east of Interstate 29 this evening.
- A lower risk of severe weather exists late Monday afternoon and evening, mainly over northwest IA, before quieter weather moves in for the mid-week period.
Area forecast discussion, May 17, 1:20 PM CDT, 50 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD Issued by National Weather Service Lincoln IL 120 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026 .KEY MESSAGES... - There is high confidence that severe thunderstorms will develop this afternoon and evening, producing large hail, destructive straight-line winds, and a few tornadoes. An Enhanced Risk (level 3 of 5) of severe storms is in place. - A transitioning storm mode will shift hazards from large hail and tornadoes initially, to widespread wind damage as an intense line of storms tracks east of Interstate 29 this evening. - A lower risk of severe weather exists late Monday afternoon and evening, mainly over northwest IA, before quieter weather moves in for the mid-week period. && .DISCUSSION... Issued at 120 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026 The short-term convective outlook presents a highly volatile spring severe weather setup. Latest surface analysis shows a complex pattern, anchored by a strong 994 mb low over northwest KS. An inverted trough extended north of the low through central SD, while a well-defined warm front stretched northeast of the low into east central NE. A weaker low was also noted in north central NE. Visible satellite imagery revealed stable wave clouds advancing northeast over far northeast NE and extreme SE SD, ahead of the advancing warm front. Regional radar imagery showed a complex of strong to severe storms over north central NE. This storm complex is forecast by short range guidance to continue tracking east this afternoon, intensifying as interacts with the richer low- level moisture pool near and south of the warm front. Moderate to strong instability will be in place over the southern to eastern CWA by late afternoon with MLCAPE nearing 3000 J/kg. In addition, deep layer shear will increase to around 50 kt, coincident with a mid level speed max ejecting from the deep upper trough to our west. As the system evolves over the next several hours, it appears the ingredients for a significant severe weather event will be most favored over the southern to eastern CWA. Ahead of the main convective line, some CAMs show supercell development along the northward advancing warm front. These storms would present a risk of very large hail (2"+) and tornadoes. Given the amount of low level SRH/curved hodographs present, a couple strong tornadoes are possible. The convective cluster currently entering our far southwest CWA should strengthen as it shifts east, with an initial hail and tornado threat transitioning to a damaging straight line wind threat (70+ MPH) as it grows upscale into a squall line/QLCS. Some line-embedded QLCS tornadoes are possible, especially for any line segments that become oriented north/south or northwest/southeast, given southwesterly 0-3 km shear vectors. Timing from latest high-res guidance suggests this activity exits to the east of our CWA late this evening. Precipitation amounts will vary significantly based on convective tracks, though NBM guidance and HREF probability match mean fields project a widespread 0.50 to 1.50 inches of rainfall, particularly across northwest Iowa and southwest Minnesota. On Monday, the cold front finally pushes into the area. Instability and shear are forecast to be much lower than today, however, there will be a conditional risk of severe storms over the eastern CWA during the late afternoon to evening, if the airmass can destabilize sufficiently ahead of the front. SPC's Day 2 outlook indicates as Marginal Risk (level 1 of 5), for our MN and IA counties. Behind the departing upper wave, quasi-zonal flow sets up for Tuesday and Wednesday, yielding quiet conditions and seasonally cool high temperatures moderating from the upper 50s Tuesday to mid-upper 60s Wednesday. The next upper wave moves in for the Thursday to Friday period, however Gulf moisture remains cutoff ahead of this system. Evaluating the ECMWF Extreme Forecast Index (EFI) reveals no significant climatological anomalies for precipitation or wind across the upper Midwest during this period, reinforcing the the idea of a low-impact system for our area. The current forecast sticks closely to the NBM consensus, maintaining broad 20-30 percent probabilities for light rain for late Thursday into Saturday. By late this week and especially this weekend, temperatures will embark on a steady upward trajectory, as the mid level flow backs west, then southwest. The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) 6-10 day outlook favors above-normal temperatures across the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest, which supports blended guidance high temperatures reaching well into the 80s on Sunday. && .AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z MONDAY/... Issued at 1248 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026 Showers and storms move through the region this afternoon into tonight. Intermittent MVFR/IFR conditions will be possible throughout this timeframe, especially in heavier rain. TSRA was included at least in PROB30 groups, but is expected to be the dominant weather type at times. Widespread MVFR/IFR cigs setting in overnight for much of Monday. && .FSD WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... SD...None. MN...None. IA...None. NE...None. && DISCUSSION...ILX/25 AVIATION...DYE
Hazardous weather outlook, May 17, 1:29 PM CDT, 41 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD Issued by National Weather Service Lincoln IL 129 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026 IAZ001>003-012>014-020>022-031-032-MNZ071-072-080-081-089-090-097- 098-NEZ013-014-SDZ038>040-050-052>071-181830- Lyon-Osceola-Dickinson-Sioux-O'Brien-Clay-Plymouth-Cherokee- Buena Vista-Woodbury-Ida-Lincoln-Murray-Cottonwood-Nobles-Jackson- Pipestone-Rock-Dixon-Dakota-Beadle-Kingsbury-Brookings-Gregory- Jerauld-Sanborn-Miner-Lake-Moody-Brule-Aurora-Davison-Hanson-McCook- Minnehaha-Charles Mix-Douglas-Hutchinson-Turner-Bon Homme-Yankton- Union- 129 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northwest Iowa, west central Iowa, southwest Minnesota, northeast Nebraska, central South Dakota, east central South Dakota, south central South Dakota and southeast South Dakota. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. A significant severe weather event is possible this afternoon and evening. Very large hail, damaging wind gusts, and tornadoes are all possible. If you have outdoor plans know where your nearest shelter is located. Please ensure you have multiple ways to receive warnings. Have a plan to take shelter and act immediately if your area comes under a severe weather warning. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday. Strong to severe storms are possible again Monday afternoon and evening, particularly over northwest Iowa and southwest Minnesota. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will likely be needed this afternoon and evening.
In the hours before
Local storm report, May 17, 1:51 PM CDT, 19 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
151 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0140 PM Hail Burke 43.18N 99.29W
05/17/2026 E1.25 Inch Gregory SD Trained Spotter
In addtion to half dollar sized hail, heavy
rain is falling.
&&
TRMThe office that day
Everything else NWS Sioux Falls, SD issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 17, 1:10 AM CDT | Flash Flood Warning | FSD | Union | 4 hr |
| May 17, 1:09 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | FSD | Gregory | 51 min |
| May 17, 2:15 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | FSD | Aurora, Brule, Charles Mix, Douglas | 45 min |
| May 17, 2:49 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | FSD | Bon Homme, Hutchinson, Yankton | 41 min |
| May 17, 2:50 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | FSD | Bon Homme, Charles Mix, Hutchinson | 40 min |
| May 17, 3:23 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | FSD | Hutchinson, Turner, Yankton | 52 min |
| May 17, 3:28 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | FSD | Bon Homme, Clay, Hutchinson, Turner, Yankton | 47 min |
| May 17, 3:35 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | FSD | Hutchinson, Turner | 28 min |
| May 17, 3:59 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | FSD | Lincoln, Turner | 46 min |
| May 17, 4:18 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | FSD | Lincoln, Minnehaha, Turner | 42 min |
| May 17, 4:27 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | FSD | Lincoln, Minnehaha | 48 min |
| May 17, 4:56 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | FSD | Minnehaha | 49 min |
Nearby
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in South Dakota, 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; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.