Alert archive / South Dakota / Tornado Warnings in 2026
Tornado Warning 37, NWS Sioux Falls, SD
NWS Sioux Falls, SD issued this tornado warning at Sep 1, 2026, 8:48 PM CDT for Clay County, Yankton County, South Dakota. It was in force for 27 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
- Sep 1, 2026, 8:48 PM CDT (01:48 UTC)
- Expired
- Sep 1, 2026, 9:15 PM CDT
- In force
- 27 min
- Issued by
- NWS Sioux Falls, SD
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Tornado
- Radar indicated
- Hail
- 1.25 in
Counties Clay County, SD, Yankton County, SD
The radar
The Sioux Falls radar (KFSD), 89 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 01:51 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 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.
| Issued | Product | Office | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 1, 3:50 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Watch | SPC | 9 hr |
The nearest sounding before it
Omaha, NE (KOAX), launched 00:00Z, 1.8 hours before the alert went out and 181 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
- 2941 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -81 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 1726 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 30 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 94 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 109 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.2
- Supercell composite
- 7.5
The text
As transmitted.
857
WFUS53 KFSD 020148
TORFSD
SDC027-135-020215-
/O.NEW.KFSD.TO.W.0037.260902T0148Z-260902T0215Z/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
848 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026
The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
West central Clay County in southeastern South Dakota...
Southeastern Yankton County in southeastern South Dakota...
* Until 915 PM CDT.
* At 848 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located over St. Helena, or 10 miles southeast of Yankton,
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.
* This dangerous storm will be near...
Meckling around 900 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.
To report severe weather contact your nearest law enforcement agency.
They will send your report to the National Weather Service office in
Sioux Falls.
&&
LAT...LON 4283 9722 4285 9722 4296 9705 4281 9697
4280 9720
TIME...MOT...LOC 0148Z 249DEG 21KT 4283 9721
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.25 IN
$$
Samet1 follow-up statement
395
WWUS53 KFSD 020208
SVSFSD
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
908 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026
SDC027-135-020217-
/O.EXP.KFSD.TO.W.0037.000000T0000Z-260902T0215Z/
Clay SD-Yankton SD-
908 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026
...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR WEST CENTRAL CLAY AND SOUTHEASTERN YANKTON
COUNTIES WILL EXPIRE AT 915 PM CDT...
The tornado threat has diminished and the Tornado Warning has been
cancelled. However, large hail and damaging winds remain likely and a
Severe Thunderstorm Warning remains in effect for the area.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM CDT for
southeastern South Dakota.
Remember, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning still remains in effect for
southern and central Clay County until 930 PM CDT.
&&
LAT...LON 4283 9722 4285 9722 4296 9705 4281 9697
4280 9720
TIME...MOT...LOC 0207Z 249DEG 21KT 4287 9707
$$
SametWhat 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 Sep 1, 6:36 PM CDT, 2 hours 12 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- Severe weather risks increase quickly after 5pm in South Central South Dakota and North Central Nebraska, and will spread east northeast into the early overnight hours.
- A few discrete storms could initially produce 2"+ hail, 70 mph wind gusts, and even a tornado. Eventually, storms may merge into a wind driven line as they move towards MN/IA. Storms exit around 2am.
- Temperatures remain well above normal through the rest of this week and into the upcoming weekend, with highs in the 90s possible by mid-late week.
- The heat and humidity may bring occasional risks for overnight thunderstorms, with some focus around late Wednesday night and again Friday morning. Exact locations of storms remain uncertain.
Area forecast discussion, Sep 1, 6:36 PM CDT, 2 hours 12 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD 636 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026 .KEY MESSAGES... - Severe weather risks increase quickly after 5pm in South Central South Dakota and North Central Nebraska, and will spread east northeast into the early overnight hours. - A few discrete storms could initially produce 2"+ hail, 70 mph wind gusts, and even a tornado. Eventually, storms may merge into a wind driven line as they move towards MN/IA. Storms exit around 2am. - Temperatures remain well above normal through the rest of this week and into the upcoming weekend, with highs in the 90s possible by mid-late week. - The heat and humidity may bring occasional risks for overnight thunderstorms, with some focus around late Wednesday night and again Friday morning. Exact locations of storms remain uncertain. && .DISCUSSION... Issued at 111 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026 THIS AFTERNOON: A complex convective setup this afternoon as a pair of mid-lvl vorticity centers continue to pivot northeast. One such area continues to push north of Sioux Falls, with a second stronger area of energy now lifting northward through the Nebraska panhandle. The result thus far has been a significantly contaminated warm sector with plenty of mid-upr clouds over the Tri-State region. At the surface, a stationary boundary/warm front currently stretches from the Platte River to north of Omaha and north of Ames. The airmass north of this boundary continues to warm, suggesting some potential for a northward push in this front by evening as deeper synoptic lift arrives, but for the most part this area will remain capped to surface based convection into late afternoon. LATE AFTERNOON/EVENING/TONIGHT: We'll continue to see MLCAPE values climb upwards through the afternoon, potentially between 2000-3000 J/KG, but how far north with this instability reach is still uncertain. Ongoing elevated convection in NC Nebraska may keep some areas north of I-90 from any significant level of destabilization, with the largest reservoir of CAPE along and especially south of I- 90. Most guidance would favor new convective development along an surface convergence zone in NE Nebraska or SC South Dakota after 5pm in a narrow corridor of deeper instability. Given favorable shear profiles (effective shear 40+ knots), any initial development should have supercellular characteristics capable of 2" hail and 70 mph winds. Additional convection may try to develop over central Nebraska and lift northward to the MO River in the evening. As we move through the mid-late evening hours, 0-1km shear will be on the rise as the LLJ develops, introducing at least the low end potential for a brief tornado south of I-90 if storms can stay discrete. Though boundary layer stabilization will be on the increase and LCLs remain quite high. Otherwise, watch for gradual clustering of storms as they track east northeast into MN/IA which would increase the potential of 70+ mph winds, with a continued very low probability of a QLCS- like tornado into NW Iowa. 17Z SSCRAM-HRRR data would support the rising potential for high winds extending north of Highway 20, with brief hail potential in new updrafts driven by the LLJ further north into western MN. Latest projections continue to push convection east of the CWA by 2am, with light winds and wet ground perhaps allowing patch fog to develop. WEDNESDAY: Brief shortwave ridging tries to move in early Wednesday as the surface front settles back into eastern Nebraska and north central Iowa. A few lingering elevated showers/thunderstorms may persist into NW Iowa through mid- morning. With a slightly drier easterly wind, temperatures again rise into the middle to upper 80s, with the latest guidance supporting a strong enough EML to prevent convection along the boundary. The return of the nocturnal LLJ Wednesday night could again lead to isolated to scattered elevated convection into Thursday morning. THURSDAY-FRIDAY: Confidence remains rather high that temperatures continue to rise towards the lower 90s in most locations for the end of the week. Increasing mid-lvl heights through the Plains will help push low-lvl temperatures well above normal, with H850 temps +26C Thursday and Friday. The greatest challenge in the medium range will be timing and tracking one or more weak ridge riders that will cross the Plains into the weekend. Once such wave may drop down from the NW into MInnesota early Friday morning, perhaps leaving an outflow boundary near the Minnesota River/Ridge areas for the afternoon. SATURDAY-MONDAY: Temperatures remain above normal through the weekend and into early next week as the 500 mb ridge peaks through the central CONUS. One or more weak waves top the ridge during the weekend, creating a very low confidence PoP forecast during the overnight hours. Should one of these waves track close enough to the CWA they could lead to some temperature reductions. && .AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z THURSDAY/... Issued at 636 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026 Developing thunderstorms near the Nebraska/South Dakota border will push eastwards this evening, bringing periods of IFR to MVFR visibilities and ceilings. Overall timing of storms has changed very little from the previous set of TAFs. These storms, if they directly impact a terminal, may bring hail and severe caliber winds. KFSD seems to hold the highest risk of seeing thunderstorm activity, but predictability was still a little too low to introduce a TEMPO. Overnight, storms will clear. There is a low chance for fog to develop for an hour or two around sunrise. Winds tomorrow should remain at or under 10 knots generally out of the south/southeast without gusts. && .FSD WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... SD...None. MN...None. IA...None. NE...None. && DISCUSSION...Dux AVIATION...Rafferty
Hazardous weather outlook, Sep 1, 1:57 PM CDT, 6 hours 51 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD 157 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026 IAZ001>003-012>014-020>022-031-032-MNZ071-072-080-081-089-090-097- 098-NEZ013-014-SDZ038>040-050-052>071-021900- 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- 157 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 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. Scattered thunderstorms will increase in coverage late this afternoon and evening. A few of these storms may become severe capable of 2 inch hail and 70 mph winds. While very low, a brief tornado could be possible in areas south of I-90 towards the Missouri River this evening. One or more clusters of storms may form and move east northeast into the early overnight hours, with areas along and south of a line from Gregory to Sioux Falls to Tracy with the greatest risks. These storm clusters could bring 70 mph or locally greater winds. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday. Periodic thunderstorm chances continue through Thursday with spotty rain chances potentially into the weekend. Severe weather is not expected or should remain very isolated. Heat will build into the area with heat indices from 90 to 100 Thursday through Saturday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed in areas especially along and south of I-90 after 6pm and continue through 2am.
In the hours before
Local storm report, Sep 1, 6:27 PM CDT, 2 hours 21 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
627 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0558 PM Tstm Wnd Gst 1 NW Wagner 43.09N 98.32W
09/01/2026 M70 MPH Charles Mix SD Public
Measured on personal weater station.
&&
JCLocal storm report, Sep 1, 6:56 PM CDT, 1 hour 52 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
656 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0629 PM Tstm Wnd Gst 2 WSW Wagner 43.07N 98.33W
09/01/2026 E60 MPH Charles Mix SD Trained Spotter
Wind gusts estimated around 60 mph were
bending whole trees during the peak of the
storm. Sheets of rain were falling, along
with pea to dime sized hail.
&&
TRMLocal storm report, Sep 1, 6:59 PM CDT, 1 hour 49 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
659 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0625 PM Hail 2 NNE Marty 43.03N 98.41W
09/01/2026 M1.00 Inch Charles Mix SD Public
&&
JCLocal storm report, Sep 1, 7:48 PM CDT, 1 hour before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
748 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0742 PM Hail 8 WSW Springfield 42.81N 98.05W
09/01/2026 M2.00 Inch Bon Homme SD Public
Window broken out. Hail lessening at 745 pm.
&&
JCLocal storm report, Sep 1, 7:56 PM CDT, 52 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
756 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0747 PM Hail 7 SW Springfield 42.78N 97.99W
09/01/2026 M1.00 Inch Bon Homme SD Public
Wind driven hail broke two windows out of
business.
&&
JCLocal storm report, Sep 1, 8:05 PM CDT, 43 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
805 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0757 PM Tstm Wnd Gst Springfield 42.86N 97.89W
09/01/2026 M61 MPH Bon Homme SD Public
Measured by personal weather station.
&&
JCThe office that day
Everything else NWS Sioux Falls, SD issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 1, 7:15 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | FSD | Bon Homme, Charles Mix | 45 min |
| Sep 1, 7:53 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | FSD | Bon Homme, Yankton | 52 min |
| Sep 1, 8:24 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | FSD | Bon Homme, Clay, Yankton | 66 min |
| Sep 1, 8:41 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | FSD | Clay, Union, Yankton | 49 min |
| Sep 1, 9:24 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | FSD | Clay, Lincoln, Union | 51 min |
| Sep 1, 9:59 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | FSD | Bon Homme, Charles Mix | 46 min |
| Sep 1, 10:02 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | FSD | Lincoln, Union | 43 min |
| Sep 1, 10:37 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | FSD | Bon Homme, Yankton | 38 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; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.