Alert archive / South Dakota / Tornado Warnings in 2026
Tornado Warning 5, NWS Sioux Falls, SD
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
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 17, 3:42 PM CDT | TSTM WND GST 82 | 5 S Freeman, SD | Mesonet station 163 SD RWIS Freeman. |
| May 17, 3:42 PM CDT | TSTM WND GST 82 | 5 S Freeman, SD | Mesonet station 163 SD RWIS Freeman. |
| May 17, 4:09 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 3 E Parker, SD | Power poles snapped and irrigation pivots flipped near the intersection of 276th St and 456th Ave. Time estimated from radar. |
| May 17, 4:09 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 3 E Parker, SD | Power 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.
| 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, 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.
- 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.
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
$$
Weisser2 follow-up statements
094
WWUS53 KFSD 172047
SVSFSD
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
347 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026
SDC067-172057-
/O.CAN.KFSD.TO.W.0005.000000T0000Z-260517T2115Z/
Hutchinson SD-
347 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026
...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR SOUTHEASTERN HUTCHINSON COUNTY IS
CANCELLED...
The tornadic thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out
of the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for southeastern
South Dakota.
&&
LAT...LON 4329 9741 4339 9741 4350 9711 4339 9702
4328 9740
TIME...MOT...LOC 2047Z 249DEG 39KT 4331 9734
$$
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
$$
Weisser414
WWUS53 KFSD 172103
SVSFSD
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
403 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026
SDC125-172113-
/O.CAN.KFSD.TO.W.0005.000000T0000Z-260517T2115Z/
Turner SD-
403 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026
...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTHERN TURNER COUNTY IS CANCELLED...
The tornado threat has diminished and the Tornado Warning has been
cancelled. However, large hail and damaging winds remain likely and a
Severe Thunderstorm Warning remains in effect for the area. However,
small hail and gusty winds are still possible with this thunderstorm.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for southeastern
South Dakota.
&&
LAT...LON 4329 9741 4339 9741 4350 9711 4339 9702
4328 9740
TIME...MOT...LOC 2059Z 249DEG 39KT 4337 9712
$$
WeisserWhat 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.
&&
akLocal 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.
&&
PRLocal 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.
&&
akLocal 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).
&&
akLocal 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.
&&
akLocal 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.
&&
THThe 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, 2:10 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | FSD | Charles Mix, Gregory | 50 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, 3:59 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
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.