Alert archive / South Dakota / Tornado Warnings in 2026

Tornado Warning 5, NWS Sioux Falls, SD

May 17, 2026Hutchinson County, Turner County, South Dakota

NWS Sioux Falls, SD issued this tornado warning at May 17, 2026, 3:35 PM CDT for Hutchinson County, Turner County, South Dakota. It was in force for 28 min. 4 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, 3:35 PM CDT (20:35 UTC)
Expired
May 17, 2026, 4:03 PM CDT
In force
28 min
Issued by
NWS Sioux Falls, SD
Area
Storm-based polygon
Tornado
Radar indicated
Hail
0.75 in

Counties Hutchinson County, SD, Turner County, SD

The radar

The Sioux Falls radar (KFSD), 60 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:36 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
May 17, 3:42 PM CDTTSTM WND GST 825 S Freeman, SDMesonet station 163 SD RWIS Freeman.
May 17, 3:42 PM CDTTSTM WND GST 825 S Freeman, SDMesonet station 163 SD RWIS Freeman.
May 17, 4:09 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG3 E Parker, SDPower poles snapped and irrigation pivots flipped near the intersection of 276th St and 456th Ave. Time estimated from radar.
May 17, 4:09 PM CDTTSTM WND DMG3 E Parker, SDPower poles snapped and irrigation pivots flipped near the intersection of 276th St and 456th Ave. Time estimated from radar.

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
May 17, 1:42 PM CDTTornado WatchSPC8 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Aberdeen, SD (KABR), launched 12:00Z, 8.6 hours before the alert went out and 192 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, Aberdeen, SD at 12:00Z on 2026-05-17Temperature 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°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Aberdeen, SD at 12:00Z on 2026-05-17The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 372 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
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

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

940 
WFUS53 KFSD 172035
TORFSD
SDC067-125-172115-
/O.NEW.KFSD.TO.W.0005.260517T2035Z-260517T2115Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
335 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026

The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
  Northern Turner County in southeastern South Dakota...
  Southeastern Hutchinson County in southeastern South Dakota...

* Until 415 PM CDT.

* At 334 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
  was located over Menno, or 21 miles southwest of Parker, moving
  east at 45 mph.

  HAZARD...Tornado.

  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...
  Freeman around 340 PM CDT.
  Marion around 350 PM CDT.

Other locations in the path of this tornadic thunderstorm include
Parker.

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 4322 9759 4332 9761 4350 9711 4339 9702
TIME...MOT...LOC 2034Z 249DEG 39KT 4326 9753 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN

$$

Weisser
2 follow-up statements
094 
WWUS53 KFSD 172047
SVSFSD

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
347 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026

SDC067-172057-
/O.CAN.KFSD.TO.W.0005.000000T0000Z-260517T2115Z/
Hutchinson SD-
347 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR SOUTHEASTERN HUTCHINSON COUNTY IS
CANCELLED...

The tornadic 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 southeastern
South Dakota.

&&

LAT...LON 4329 9741 4339 9741 4350 9711 4339 9702
      4328 9740
TIME...MOT...LOC 2047Z 249DEG 39KT 4331 9734 

$$

SDC125-172115-
/O.CON.KFSD.TO.W.0005.000000T0000Z-260517T2115Z/
Turner SD-
347 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 415 PM CDT FOR NORTHERN
TURNER COUNTY...

At 347 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Freeman, or 11 miles southwest of Parker, moving
east at 45 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...
  Parker and Marion around 350 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 4329 9741 4339 9741 4350 9711 4339 9702
      4328 9740
TIME...MOT...LOC 2047Z 249DEG 39KT 4331 9734 

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

$$

Weisser
414 
WWUS53 KFSD 172103
SVSFSD

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
403 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026

SDC125-172113-
/O.CAN.KFSD.TO.W.0005.000000T0000Z-260517T2115Z/
Turner SD-
403 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTHERN TURNER COUNTY IS CANCELLED...

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.  However,
small hail and gusty winds are still possible with this thunderstorm.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for southeastern
South Dakota.

&&

LAT...LON 4329 9741 4339 9741 4350 9711 4339 9702
      4328 9740
TIME...MOT...LOC 2059Z 249DEG 39KT 4337 9712 

$$

Weisser

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 May 17, 1:20 PM CDT, 2 hours 15 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, 2 hours 15 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, 2 hours 6 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, 3:13 PM CDT, 22 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
313 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026

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

0250 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     3 S Corsica             43.38N 98.41W
05/17/2026  M62 MPH          Douglas            SD   Mesonet

            Mesonet station 304 SD RWIS Corsica.

&&

ak
Local storm report, May 17, 3:15 PM CDT, 20 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
315 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026

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

0250 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     3 N Dante               43.08N 98.19W
05/17/2026                   Charles Mix        SD   Emergency Mngr

            Mobile trailer flipped, dismantled, and
            moved about 60 ft. Pickup truck tipped on
            its side. Time estimated from radar.

&&

PR
Local storm report, May 17, 3:18 PM CDT, 17 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
318 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026

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

0300 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     4 E Avon                43.00N 97.97W
05/17/2026  M66 MPH          Bon Homme          SD   Public

            Via personal weather station. Exact time
            estimated via radar.

&&

ak
Local storm report, May 17, 3:23 PM CDT, 12 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
323 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026

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

0258 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     3 E Avon                43.01N 98.00W
05/17/2026  M74 MPH          Bon Homme          SD   Mesonet

            Mesonet station AVMS2 Avon 3E (SD Mesonet).

&&

ak
Local storm report, May 17, 3:28 PM CDT, 7 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
328 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026

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

0316 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     2 WNW Scotland          43.16N 97.76W
05/17/2026  M60 MPH          Bon Homme          SD   Public

            Via personal weather station.

&&

ak
Local storm report, May 17, 3:32 PM CDT, 3 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
332 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026

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

0305 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     5 S Tripp               43.16N 97.97W
05/17/2026                   Bon Homme          SD   Public

            Farm out-buildings severely damaged and 5th
            wheel camper overturned.

&&

TH

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
May 17, 1:10 AM CDTFlash Flood WarningFSDUnion4 hr
May 17, 1:09 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFSDGregory51 min
May 17, 2:10 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFSDCharles Mix, Gregory50 min
May 17, 2:15 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatFSDAurora, Brule, Charles Mix, Douglas45 min
May 17, 2:49 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatFSDBon Homme, Hutchinson, Yankton41 min
May 17, 2:50 PM CDTTornado WarningFSDBon Homme, Charles Mix, Hutchinson40 min
May 17, 3:23 PM CDTTornado WarningFSDHutchinson, Turner, Yankton52 min
May 17, 3:28 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Destructive damage threatFSDBon Homme, Clay, Hutchinson, Turner, Yankton47 min
May 17, 3:59 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Destructive damage threatFSDLincoln, Turner46 min
May 17, 4:18 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatFSDLincoln, Minnehaha, Turner42 min
May 17, 4:27 PM CDTTornado WarningFSDLincoln, Minnehaha48 min
May 17, 4:56 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatFSDMinnehaha49 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; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.