Alert archive / Iowa / Tornado Warnings in 2026

Tornado Warning 48, NWS Omaha, NE

July 8, 2026Harrison County, Pottawattamie County, Shelby County, Iowa

NWS Omaha, NE issued this tornado warning at Jul 8, 2026, 9:45 PM CDT for Harrison County, Pottawattamie County, Shelby County, Iowa. It was in force for 25 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
Jul 8, 2026, 9:45 PM CDT (02:45 UTC)
Expired
Jul 8, 2026, 10:10 PM CDT
In force
25 min
Issued by
NWS Omaha, NE
Area
Storm-based polygon
Tornado
Radar indicated
Hail
0.75 in

Counties Harrison County, IA, Pottawattamie County, IA, Shelby County, IA

The radar

The Omaha radar (KOAX), 79 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 02:46 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.

IssuedProductOfficeLasted
Jul 8, 5:21 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WatchSPC8 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Omaha, NE (KOAX), launched 00:00Z, 2.8 hours before the alert went out and 79 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, Omaha, NE at 00:00Z on 2026-07-09Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 3058 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Omaha, NE at 00:00Z on 2026-07-09The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 75 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 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
3058 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-9 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
1287 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
21 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
75 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
129 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.7
Supercell composite
5.4

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

055 
WFUS53 KOAX 090245
TOROAX
IAC085-155-165-090330-
/O.NEW.KOAX.TO.W.0048.260709T0245Z-260709T0330Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley Nebraska
945 PM CDT Wed Jul 8 2026

The National Weather Service in Omaha has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
  Northeastern Pottawattamie County in southwestern Iowa...
  Southeastern Harrison County in southwestern Iowa...
  Southwestern Shelby County in southwestern Iowa...

* Until 1030 PM CDT.

* At 945 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
  was located 3 miles southeast of Persia, or 12 miles southwest of
  Harlan, moving east at 15 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...
  Shelby around 950 PM CDT.
  Avoca around 1005 PM CDT.

This includes Interstate 80 in Iowa between mile markers 29 and 43.
 
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.

Heavy rainfall may hide this tornado. Do not wait to see or hear the
tornado. TAKE COVER NOW!

&&

LAT...LON 4149 9558 4159 9559 4159 9522 4139 9531
TIME...MOT...LOC 0245Z 290DEG 15KT 4154 9553 

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

$$

Petersen
2 follow-up statements
218 
WWUS53 KOAX 090302
SVSOAX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley Nebraska
1002 PM CDT Wed Jul 8 2026

IAC085-090311-
/O.CAN.KOAX.TO.W.0048.000000T0000Z-260709T0330Z/
Harrison IA-
1002 PM CDT Wed Jul 8 2026

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR SOUTHEASTERN HARRISON COUNTY 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 midnight CDT for
southwestern Iowa.

&&

LAT...LON 4146 9550 4155 9549 4157 9523 4139 9531
TIME...MOT...LOC 0301Z 295DEG 15KT 4151 9545 

$$

IAC155-165-090330-
/O.CON.KOAX.TO.W.0048.000000T0000Z-260709T0330Z/
Pottawattamie IA-Shelby IA-
1002 PM CDT Wed Jul 8 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1030 PM CDT FOR
NORTHEASTERN POTTAWATTAMIE AND SOUTH CENTRAL SHELBY COUNTIES...

At 1001 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located over Shelby, or 11 miles southwest of Harlan, moving
southeast at 15 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...
  Avoca and Shelby around 1005 PM CDT.

This includes Interstate 80 in Iowa between mile markers 34 and 43.
 
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.

Heavy rainfall may hide this tornado. Do not wait to see or hear the
tornado. TAKE COVER NOW!

&&

LAT...LON 4146 9550 4155 9549 4157 9523 4139 9531
TIME...MOT...LOC 0301Z 295DEG 15KT 4151 9545 

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

$$

Petersen
466 
WWUS53 KOAX 090310
SVSOAX

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley Nebraska
1010 PM CDT Wed Jul 8 2026

IAC155-165-090320-
/O.CAN.KOAX.TO.W.0048.000000T0000Z-260709T0330Z/
Pottawattamie IA-Shelby IA-
1010 PM CDT Wed Jul 8 2026

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTHEASTERN POTTAWATTAMIE AND SOUTH
CENTRAL SHELBY COUNTIES IS CANCELLED...

The tornado threat has diminished and the Tornado Warning has been 
cancelled. However, damaging winds remain likely and a Severe 
Thunderstorm Warning remains in effect for the area.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until midnight CDT for
southwestern Iowa.

To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement
agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service
Omaha.

&&

LAT...LON 4146 9550 4155 9549 4157 9523 4139 9531
TIME...MOT...LOC 0308Z 290DEG 15KT 4150 9540 

$$

Petersen

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 Omaha, NE wrote its last area forecast discussion before this tornado warning went out at Jul 8, 5:27 PM CDT, 4 hours 18 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • |Strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible this evening into tonight. The main hazards will be strong winds, hail, and localized flooding due to heavy rainfall.
  • A few showers and thunderstorms are expected each day through Friday across the region.
  • A pattern shift Saturday will bring a return of the heat on Sunday and into the extended forecast. Widespread highs in the 90s and lows in the 60s and 70s are expected.
Area forecast discussion, Jul 8, 5:27 PM CDT, 4 hours 18 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley NE
527 PM CDT Wed Jul 8 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- |Strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible this evening
  into tonight. The main hazards will be strong winds, hail, and
  localized flooding due to heavy rainfall.

- A few showers and thunderstorms are expected each day through
  Friday across the region.

- A pattern shift Saturday will bring a return of the heat on
  Sunday and into the extended forecast. Widespread highs in the
  90s and lows in the 60s and 70s are expected.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 135 PM CDT Wed Jul 8 2026

Showers and a few weak thunderstorms have fired up along a cold
front and are currently moving across northeastern
Nebraska/northwestern Iowa. This activity is expected to continue
over the next few hours. Heading into the evening, models are
showing a line of thunderstorms developing along the cold front.
MLCAPE values of 2500+ are expected along with DCAPE values of
1000+, particularly for areas extending from along and south of a
line from Fremont to Utica. A few single thunderstorms will
eventually congeal into a line as it moves southeast. Strong to
severe thunderstorms are expected with wind, hail, and localized
flooding be the main concerns. Precipitable water values are in the
1.4-1.7" range, so any storms that are able to get going could be
efficient rain makers. Right now, the best chance for strong storms
will be after 7pm. Thunderstorm chances will continue overnight.

A few showers/storms may linger into the morning Thursday, before
tapering off by early afternoon. Enjoy the cooler temperatures as
highs reach the mid-80s for most locations. Afternoon high
temperatures will be dependent on how soon the rain and clouds clear
out. A quicker exit would allow us to warm slightly higher than
forecasted temperatures, while a delayed exit would result in cooler
temps. Despite the slightly cooler temperatures, dewpoints will be
in the 60s and 70s, so it will feel pretty muggy. A shortwave trough
moves across the region Thursday afternoon/evening, bringing a
chance for a few additional showers and storms.

Friday will bring more relief from the heat as highs climb into the
low to mid-80s. However, dewpoints will once again be in the 60s and
70s, so it will feel pretty muggy. Another shortwave trough slides
across eastern Nebraska Friday afternoon, bringing another chance
for showers and thunderstorms.

Saturday through the rest of the extended forecast: An upper ridge
builds over the region with surface high pressure centered over Iowa
and Illinois. While we will have a break from the thunderstorms, the
heat is expected to return. The CPC is showing that there is a good
chance of above normal temperatures occurring across the Midwest and
Great Plains in the 6-10 and 8-14 day outlooks. Sunday highs will
reach into the 80s and low 90s. Heading into the start of next week,
widespread 90s will return. Lows will be in the low 70s several
nights.

&&

.AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z FRIDAY/...
Issued at 522 PM CDT Wed Jul 8 2026

Thunderstorm development is underway along a front draped across
northeast Nebraska this evening. Storms will quickly grow into
a larger cluster that slowly pushes southward into the overnight
period. Confidence is high (80%) that each terminal will see
thunderstorms tonight, with some amendments/refinements likely
needed in exact timing. Patchy MVFR to IFR conditions are
possible under any heavier thunderstorms. Strong to severe
storms will also be possible, with pockets of damaging wind
gusts (up to 50 kts) and hail (up to 1.50 inches). Severe
weather potential will gradually diminish into the overnight
period.

Storms will clear from north to south during the early morning
hours Thursday, with patchy MVFR ceilings possible into the
morning hours behind the clearing showers. Winds will remain
out of the south ahead of the front, quickly shifting to
northerly behind the front. Winds will remain at 8-12 kts,
besides when augmented by thunderstorm gusts.

&&

.OAX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NE...None.
IA...None.

&&

DISCUSSION...ANW
AVIATION...Wood

In the hours before

Local storm report, Jul 8, 7:28 PM CDT, 2 hours 17 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley NE
728 PM CDT Wed Jul 8 2026

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

0722 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     1 W Columbus            41.43N 97.37W
07/08/2026  E60 MPH          Platte             NE   Public

&&

mw
Local storm report, Jul 8, 7:42 PM CDT, 2 hours 3 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley NE
742 PM CDT Wed Jul 8 2026

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

0727 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     3 WSW Richland          41.42N 97.28W
07/08/2026  M61 MPH          Platte             NE   Mesonet

            Personal Weather Station.

&&

Lm
Local storm report, Jul 8, 8:26 PM CDT, 1 hour 19 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley NE
826 PM CDT Wed Jul 8 2026

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

0820 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     2 NW Fremont            41.46N 96.52W
07/08/2026  E60 MPH          Dodge              NE   NWS Employee

&&

mw
Local storm report, Jul 8, 8:31 PM CDT, 1 hour 14 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley NE
831 PM CDT Wed Jul 8 2026

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

0817 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     2 E Fremont             41.44N 96.44W
07/08/2026  M58 MPH          Dodge              NE   Public

            Personal weather station measured wind gust.

&&

mw
Local storm report, Jul 8, 8:52 PM CDT, 53 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley NE
852 PM CDT Wed Jul 8 2026

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

0839 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     3 W Blair               41.55N 96.19W
07/08/2026  M60 MPH          Washington         NE   Public

            Personal weather station measured wind gust.

&&

mw

The office that day

Everything else NWS Omaha, NE issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jul 8, 8:08 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningOAXHarrison52 min
Jul 8, 8:32 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningOAXHarrison, Shelby26 min
Jul 8, 8:46 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningOAXHarrison, Pottawattamie29 min
Jul 8, 8:53 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningOAXHarrison24 min
Jul 8, 8:59 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningOAXHarrison, Mills, Pottawattamie46 min
Jul 8, 9:29 PM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryOAXHarrison, Shelby3 hr
Jul 8, 9:42 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningOAXHarrison, Pottawattamie, Shelby49 min

Nearby

Tornado Warnings in Iowa, 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.