Alert archive / South Dakota / Tornado Warnings in 2026

Tornado Warning 32, NWS Sioux Falls, SD

July 2, 2026Aurora County, Jerauld County, Sanborn County, South Dakota

NWS Sioux Falls, SD issued this tornado warning at Jul 2, 2026, 4:42 PM CDT for Aurora County, Jerauld County, Sanborn County, South Dakota. It was in force for 48 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
Jul 2, 2026, 4:42 PM CDT (21:42 UTC)
Expired
Jul 2, 2026, 5:30 PM CDT
In force
48 min
Issued by
NWS Sioux Falls, SD
Area
Storm-based polygon
Tornado
Radar indicated
Hail
1.0 in

Counties Aurora County, SD, Jerauld County, SD, Sanborn County, SD

The radar

The Sioux Falls radar (KFSD), 130 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 21:45 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

TimeReportWhereRemark
Jul 2, 4:45 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG10 W Letcher, SDPower lines down north of Storla.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

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, 2:02 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WatchSPC7 hr

The text

As transmitted.

654 
WFUS53 KFSD 022142
TORFSD
SDC003-073-111-022230-
/O.NEW.KFSD.TO.W.0032.260702T2142Z-260702T2230Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
442 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
  Western Sanborn County in east central South Dakota...
  Northeastern Aurora County in south central South Dakota...
  Southeastern Jerauld County in central South Dakota...

* Until 530 PM CDT.

* At 441 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
  was located 7 miles south of Lane, or 18 miles north of Plankinton,
  moving east at 35 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...
  Woonsocket around 445 PM CDT.
  Forestburg around 450 PM CDT.

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 4388 9846 4404 9851 4415 9802 4404 9799
      4392 9804
TIME...MOT...LOC 2141Z 255DEG 32KT 4397 9839 

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

$$

SG
2 follow-up statements
016 
WWUS53 KFSD 022203
SVSFSD

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
503 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

SDC003-073-022212-
/O.CAN.KFSD.TO.W.0032.000000T0000Z-260702T2230Z/
Aurora SD-Jerauld SD-
503 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTHEASTERN AURORA AND SOUTHEASTERN
JERAULD COUNTIES 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 900 PM CDT for
east central South Dakota.

&&

LAT...LON 4389 9832 4408 9832 4415 9802 4404 9799
      4392 9804
TIME...MOT...LOC 2202Z 255DEG 32KT 4401 9813 

$$

SDC111-022230-
/O.CON.KFSD.TO.W.0032.000000T0000Z-260702T2230Z/
Sanborn SD-
503 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 530 PM CDT FOR WESTERN
SANBORN COUNTY...

At 502 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located over Forestburg, or 20 miles north of Mitchell, moving
east at 35 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 tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
western Sanborn County.

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 4389 9832 4408 9832 4415 9802 4404 9799
      4392 9804
TIME...MOT...LOC 2202Z 255DEG 32KT 4401 9813 

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

$$

SG
948 
WWUS53 KFSD 022223
SVSFSD

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
523 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

SDC111-022232-
/O.EXP.KFSD.TO.W.0032.000000T0000Z-260702T2230Z/
Sanborn SD-
523 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR WESTERN SANBORN COUNTY WILL EXPIRE AT 530
PM CDT...

The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe
limits, and has exited the warned area. Therefore, the warning will
be allowed to expire.  However, gusty winds and heavy rain are still
possible with this thunderstorm.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM CDT for
east central South Dakota.

Remember, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning still remains in effect for
Sanborn county until 6 PM CDT.

&&

LAT...LON 4389 9832 4408 9832 4415 9802 4404 9799
      4392 9804
TIME...MOT...LOC 2222Z 255DEG 32KT 4406 9789 

$$

SG

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 Sioux Falls, SD wrote its last area forecast discussion before this tornado warning went out at Jul 2, 2:53 PM CDT, 1 hour 49 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Strong to severe thunderstorms have already developed along and outflow boundary this afternoon. Large hail up to 2+ inches and damaging winds to 70 mph are the main hazards with these storms. A tornado or two is possible as well.
  • A second round of storms is expected this evening and night near and south of I-90. These storms look to form into a line and be capable of damaging winds to 75 mph. An isolated line embedded tornado is possible as well.
  • Another round of strong to severe storms is possible Friday evening and night. This second round of storms again looks to come in the form of a line. As of now, these storms look travel along the Missouri River Valley with damaging winds to 70 mph being the main hazard.
  • With multiple periods of thunderstorms in the region, flooding becomes a concern for any locations seeing multiple rounds of heavy rainfall. A Flood Watch has been issued for all of northwest Iowa through Friday morning.
  • While severe weather is unlikely on July 4th, isolated to scattered showers and storms are possible.
Area forecast discussion, Jul 2, 2:53 PM CDT, 1 hour 49 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
253 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Strong to severe thunderstorms have already developed along
  and outflow boundary this afternoon. Large hail up to 2+
  inches and damaging winds to 70 mph are the main hazards with
  these storms. A tornado or two is possible as well.

- A second round of storms is expected this evening and night
  near and south of I-90. These storms look to form into a line
  and be capable of damaging winds to 75 mph. An isolated line
  embedded tornado is possible as well.

- Another round of strong to severe storms is possible Friday
  evening and night. This second round of storms again looks to
  come in the form of a line. As of now, these storms look
  travel along the Missouri River Valley with damaging winds to
  70 mph being the main hazard.

- With multiple periods of thunderstorms in the region, flooding
  becomes a concern for any locations seeing multiple rounds of
  heavy rainfall. A Flood Watch has been issued for all of
  northwest Iowa through Friday morning.

- While severe weather is unlikely on July 4th, isolated to
  scattered showers and storms are possible.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 245 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

A complex convective evolution is expected for the rest of today,
including the evening and overnight hours, as multiple boundaries
will be in play. An outflow boundary from storms in North Dakota has
pushed into the area near and south of highway-14 corridor early
this afternoon. Thunderstorms, some of which are strong to severe
already, There is also a second boundary near I-90 that served as
the focal point for this mornings storms.

The first round of storms have already fired along the first outflow
boundary from the North Dakota storms. These storms look to affect
locations north of I-90, but especially along and near highway-14.
These storms will be in a favorable environment characterized by
effective shear values up to around 40 knots. Hodographs show a
little curvature in the lowest 0-3 km. But the bulk of the shear
will remain aloft as the right entrance of an upper level jet streak
begins to push off to the northeast. CAPE values will be more than
sufficient with MLCAPE values up to and exceeding 2,500 J/kg. DCAPE
will also be sufficient near to above 1,000 J/kg. Thus, Large hail
up to 2+ inches in diameter and damaging winds to 70 mph will be the
primary hazards. A tornado or two is also possible should a storm
ride along the outflow boundary and efficiently ingest it's
helicity.

This round of storms will be coming to an end by the later evening
hours. However, another shortwave trough will be pushing into the
area, developing a second round of storms along the second boundary.
This second round looks to grow upscale into a mesoscale convective
system (MCS) and push eastwards across locations generally near and
south of I-90. With the upper level jet pushing away from the area,
overall vertical shear profiles will be beginning to weaken.
However, the low level jet will be strengthening which will allow
the MCS to maintain its strength through the overnight hours. Plenty
of elevated instability will be availability in excess of 1,000 to
2,000 J/kg. Vertical shear values will remain sufficient at 40
knots. 0-3 km shear will be a bit on the weak side with magnitudes
up to 20-25 knots. This shear vector may be oriented perpendicularly
off of the MCS which suggests that a tornado threat is possible.
Though this will depend on how the storms and their respective
orientation play out. DCAPE values will remain near 1,000 J/kg but
min to max theta-e difference value's will be low, down to about
-25K. Thus, damaging winds to 75 mph will be the main hazard.

Another round of storms is possible for the day on Friday. With the
previously mentioned shortwave trough east of the area, the daylight
hours for Friday look to be on the drier side due to subsidence on
the backside of the departing wave. Some isolated showers may
persist though. The next chance for strong to severe storms will
come on Friday evening and night. As of now, the latest hi-res
guidance is showing another MCS tracking near to down the Missouri
River Friday night. The environment looks to be more than sufficient
with instability values up to 2,000 to 3,000 J/kg. Effective shear
values up to 40-50 knots will coincide with the larger instability.
0-3 km shear will be stronger at 30-35 knots. Like Friday's storms,
there is some uncertainty regarding the orientation of the 0-3 km
shear vector. If a proper orientation can be achieved, then a line
embedded tornado threat can develop. Min to max theta-e difference
will again be sufficient, down to around -25K. This will support the
potential for damaging wind gusts as the MCS passes through. gusts
may exceed 70 mph. Golf ball size hail could be possible in the
initial developmental stage before a quick transition to a linear
mode occurs. There remains uncertainty regarding the location of
this potential MCS as its overall evolution will be dependent on how
Thursday's storms pan out. Any severe storm threat should be coming
to an end near daybreak Saturday morning. Aside from the severe
storm potential, there remains the potential for flash flooding with
them as well. Please see the hydrology section below for more
information.

Saturday (Independence Day) looks to have some storm potential. An
incoming surface high pressure system looks to push some of the
available moisture to the south of the area. While this does not
mean there will be no instability, it does suggest that the
strongest storms will be off to the south of the as the best frontal
forcing looks to lie near or south of I-80. That said, non-severe
storms are possible which could affect holiday plans. Too early to
say for sure when and where these storms could track. Continue to
monitor the latest forecast for the most up to date information.

The rest of the weekend and first half of next week could feature
additional chances for showers and storms. This potential is
uncertain at this time as the better upper level jet will push away
from the Northern Plains, leaving weaker forcing for this period of
time. As of now, have not strayed the NBM's PoPs at this time.
Otherwise, temperatures look to remain in the 80s to potentially
reaching into the low 90s in a few spots.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z FRIDAY/...
Issued at 1241 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

Latest satellite shows remnant cloud cover across areas along
and east of I-29 early this afternoon. A few showers remain
along and north of highway-20. An outflow boundary is also
present mainly near KHON. This boundary looks to serve as the
focal point for new thunderstorm development this afternoon
around KHON. These storms will push off to the northeast through
the afternoon and evening hours before another round of
thunderstorms develops late this evening and overnight. The bulk
of the storms looks to affect locations mainly south of I-90.
These storms will push east of the area by the morning hours
tomorrow. Ceilings and visibilities look to fall to MVFR levels
or lower in the storms themselves. Additional showers could pass
through the area during the morning hours tomorrow but
confidence is not high enough to include in a TAF at this time.

There remains uncertainty regarding the exact location and timing of
storms. Changes in the forecast in the next TAF update as well as
amendments are possible.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
Issued at 245 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

Individual model guidance, along with PMM from the
HREF continues to indicate the potential for 1-3 inches of rain with
pockets exceeding 4 inches in some locations. This, combined with
saturated ground from recent rainfall, may result in enhanced
runoff. Confidence remains low in the exact location or areal extent
of higher rainfall but there appears to be agreement in a west to
east stripe of enhanced rain totals across NW IA this evening and
overnight that would be capable of flash flooding. This idea has
some support from NWM rapid onset flooding probabilities. In
addition to flash flooding, guidance would also suggest some minor
to perhaps moderate river flooding is also possible by this weekend.

&&

.FSD WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
SD...None.
MN...None.
IA...Flood Watch through Friday morning for IAZ001>003-012>014-
     020>022-031-032.
NE...None.

&&

DISCUSSION...Meyers
AVIATION...Meyers
HYDROLOGY...Kalin
Hazardous weather outlook, Jul 2, 3:14 AM CDT, 13 hours 28 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
314 AM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

IAZ001>003-012>014-020>022-031-032-MNZ071-072-080-081-089-090-097-
098-NEZ013-014-SDZ038>040-050-052>071-030815-
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-
314 AM CDT Thu Jul 2 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...Today and tonight.

Scattered thunderstorms will be possible this morning over parts of
northwest Iowa and southwest Minnesota. The main threats will be
quarter sized hail and wind gusts around 50 to 60 mph.

The bigger concern comes this evening into the overnight hours when a
complex of thunderstorms is expected to move into the area from
the northwest. These storms will be capable of producing wind gusts
to 75 mph and heavy rainfall. If a storm can develop this afternoon,
2 inch hail, an isolated tornado and wind gusts to 70 mph are
possible.

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

Another round of potential severe storms and heavy rainfall will
move into the area on Friday evening and Friday night. Details are
uncertain at this time. It's important to monitor the forecast over
the coming days heading into the holiday weekend.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will likely be needed.

In the hours before

Local storm report, Jul 2, 11:43 AM CDT, 4 hours 59 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
1143 AM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

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

0850 AM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     Sioux Center            43.08N 96.17W
07/02/2026                   Sioux              IA   Emergency Mngr

            Trees and large branches down across town.

&&

ER
Local storm report, Jul 2, 2:20 PM CDT, 2 hours 22 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
220 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

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

0135 PM     Hail             4 NE Chamberlain        43.85N 99.27W
07/02/2026  M1.75 Inch       Brule              SD   Public

            Windshields broken on two vehicles.

&&

JC
Local storm report, Jul 2, 2:28 PM CDT, 2 hours 14 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
228 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

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

0156 PM     Hail             10 NNE Pukwana          43.92N 99.12W
07/02/2026  E2.75 Inch       Brule              SD   Public

            Severe damage to gutters on home.

&&

JC
Local storm report, Jul 2, 2:36 PM CDT, 2 hours 6 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
236 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

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

0210 PM     Hail             10 NNE Pukwana          43.92N 99.12W
07/02/2026  E2.50 Inch       Brule              SD   Public

            Extended period of hail with continued
            larger hail at times.

&&

JC
Local storm report, Jul 2, 4:16 PM CDT, 26 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
416 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

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

0400 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     1 S Kimball             43.74N 98.96W
07/02/2026  M73 MPH          Brule              SD   Dept of Highways

            Mesonet station 25 SD RWIS Kimball.

&&

JC
Local storm report, Jul 2, 4:19 PM CDT, 23 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
419 PM CDT Thu Jul 2 2026

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

0330 PM     Tornado          13 W Wessington Springs 44.08N 98.84W
07/02/2026                   Jerauld            SD   Storm Chaser

            Tornado sighted by numerous chasers.

&&

JC

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jul 2, 1:31 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFSDBrule44 min
Jul 2, 2:10 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatFSDBrule, Jerauld50 min
Jul 2, 2:56 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFSDJerauld49 min
Jul 2, 3:06 PM CDTTornado WarningFSDJerauld24 min
Jul 2, 3:23 PM CDTTornado WarningFSDJerauld37 min
Jul 2, 3:41 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFSDBeadle, Jerauld49 min
Jul 2, 3:42 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFSDBrule48 min
Jul 2, 3:51 PM CDTTornado WarningFSDBeadle, Jerauld39 min
Jul 2, 4:00 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFSDAurora, Brule, Jerauld45 min
Jul 2, 4:29 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatFSDAurora, Beadle, Davison, Jerauld, Sanborn46 min
Jul 2, 4:30 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFSDBeadle, Jerauld45 min
Jul 2, 4:30 PM CDTTornado WarningFSDAurora, Jerauld, Sanborn45 min
Jul 2, 4:46 PM CDTTornado WarningFSDBeadle, Jerauld, Sanborn44 min
Jul 2, 4:47 PM CDTTornado WarningFSDBeadle43 min
Jul 2, 5:04 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Destructive damage threatFSDBeadle, Kingsbury41 min
Jul 2, 5:05 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFSDAurora, Davison, Hanson, Miner, Sanborn40 min
Jul 2, 5:10 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Destructive damage threatFSDBeadle, Kingsbury, Lake, Miner, Sanborn50 min
Jul 2, 5:37 PM CDTTornado WarningFSDBeadle, Kingsbury23 min
Jul 2, 5:41 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatFSDBeadle, Brookings, Kingsbury49 min
Jul 2, 5:44 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatFSDHanson, Lake, Miner, Sanborn46 min
Jul 2, 5:51 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatFSDHanson, Lake, McCook, Miner, Minnehaha39 min
Jul 2, 6:13 PM CDTTornado WarningFSDLake32 min
Jul 2, 6:21 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFSDLake, McCook, Miner, Minnehaha, Moody39 min
Jul 2, 6:26 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFSDDavison, Hanson, Hutchinson, McCook49 min
Jul 2, 6:55 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFSDLake, Minnehaha, Moody50 min

Nearby

Tornado Warnings in South Dakota, 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; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.