Alert archive / Nebraska / Tornado Warnings in 2026
Tornado Warning 53, NWS Omaha, NE
NWS Omaha, NE issued this tornado warning at Sep 1, 2026, 8:27 PM CDT for Cedar County, Knox County, Nebraska. It was in force for 33 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
- Sep 1, 2026, 8:27 PM CDT (01:27 UTC)
- Expired
- Sep 1, 2026, 9:00 PM CDT
- In force
- 33 min
- Issued by
- NWS Omaha, NE
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Tornado
- Radar indicated
- Hail
- 2.5 in
Counties Cedar County, NE, Knox County, NE
The radar
The Sioux Falls radar (KFSD), 97 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 01:28 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 1, 8:32 PM CDT | TSTM WND GST 98 | 4 Nne Fordyce, NE | Wind gust of 98 mph measured by Nebraska Mesonet Station near Fordyce. |
| Sep 1, 8:33 PM CDT | TSTM WND GST 113 | 4 Nnw Fordyce, NE | Measured by Nebraska Mesonet Site near Fordyce. |
| Sep 1, 8:34 PM CDT | TSTM WND GST 110 | 4 Nne Fordyce, NE | Corrects previous tstm wnd gst report from 4 NNE Fordyce. Wind gust of 98 mph measured by Nebraska Mesonet Station near Fordyce. |
| Sep 1, 8:52 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | Wynot, NE | Public report of 12 inch diameter tree limbs down across Wynot. Power lines blown over on northwest side of town. Time estimated via 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 1, 3:50 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Watch | SPC | 9 hr |
The nearest sounding before it
Omaha, NE (KOAX), launched 00:00Z, 1.5 hours before the alert went out and 183 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.
731
WFUS53 KOAX 020127
TOROAX
NEC027-107-020200-
/O.NEW.KOAX.TO.W.0053.260902T0127Z-260902T0200Z/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley Nebraska
827 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026
The National Weather Service in Omaha has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
East central Knox County in northeastern Nebraska...
Northern Cedar County in northeastern Nebraska...
* Until 900 PM CDT.
* At 827 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located 4 miles north of Fordyce, or 8 miles south of Yankton,
moving east at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado and tennis 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...
St. Helena around 835 PM CDT.
Wynot around 840 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 4285 9729 4285 9722 4281 9721 4280 9716
4277 9713 4276 9702 4268 9701 4270 9754
4285 9752 4285 9744 4287 9742 4287 9738
4285 9736 4287 9731
TIME...MOT...LOC 0127Z 269DEG 33KT 4276 9740
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...2.50 IN
$$
Wood3 follow-up statements
762
WWUS53 KOAX 020140
SVSOAX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley Nebraska
840 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026
NEC107-020150-
/O.CAN.KOAX.TO.W.0053.000000T0000Z-260902T0200Z/
Knox NE-
840 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026
...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR EAST CENTRAL KNOX COUNTY IS CANCELLED...
The tornadic thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out
of the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM CDT for
northeastern Nebraska.
&&
LAT...LON 4271 9745 4285 9746 4285 9744 4287 9742
4287 9738 4285 9736 4287 9731 4285 9729
4285 9722 4281 9721 4280 9716 4277 9713
4276 9702 4268 9701 4269 9720
TIME...MOT...LOC 0140Z 266DEG 30KT 4278 9731
$$
NEC027-020200-
/O.CON.KOAX.TO.W.0053.000000T0000Z-260902T0200Z/
Cedar NE-
840 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 900 PM CDT FOR NORTHERN
CEDAR COUNTY...
At 840 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located 3 miles southwest of St. Helena, or 8 miles southeast of
Yankton, moving east at 35 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...
Wynot and St. Helena around 845 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 4271 9745 4285 9746 4285 9744 4287 9742
4287 9738 4285 9736 4287 9731 4285 9729
4285 9722 4281 9721 4280 9716 4277 9713
4276 9702 4268 9701 4269 9720
TIME...MOT...LOC 0140Z 266DEG 30KT 4278 9731
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.50 IN
$$
Wood663
WWUS53 KOAX 020147
SVSOAX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley Nebraska
847 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026
NEC027-020200-
/O.CON.KOAX.TO.W.0053.000000T0000Z-260902T0200Z/
Cedar NE-
847 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 900 PM CDT FOR
NORTHEASTERN CEDAR COUNTY...
At 847 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located over St. Helena, or 9 miles southeast of Yankton, moving
east at 40 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado and ping pong ball size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
northeastern Cedar County, including the following locations...
Menominee, Brooky Bottom, and St. Helena Boat Dock.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.
&&
LAT...LON 4273 9735 4287 9741 4287 9738 4285 9736
4287 9731 4285 9729 4285 9722 4281 9721
4280 9716 4277 9713 4276 9702 4271 9701
TIME...MOT...LOC 0147Z 264DEG 33KT 4282 9722
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.50 IN
$$
Wood343
WWUS53 KOAX 020159
SVSOAX
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley Nebraska
859 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026
NEC027-020209-
/O.EXP.KOAX.TO.W.0053.000000T0000Z-260902T0200Z/
Cedar NE-
859 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026
...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTHEASTERN CEDAR COUNTY WILL EXPIRE AT
900 PM CDT...
The storm which prompted the warning has moved out of the area.
Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire. However, gusty
winds are still possible with this thunderstorm.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM CDT for
northeastern Nebraska.
Remember, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning still remains in effect for
northeastern Cedar through 9:15 PM.
&&
LAT...LON 4273 9735 4287 9741 4287 9738 4285 9736
4287 9731 4285 9729 4285 9722 4281 9721
4280 9716 4277 9713 4276 9702 4271 9701
TIME...MOT...LOC 0159Z 269DEG 33KT 4282 9709
$$
WoodWhat 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 Sep 1, 5:49 PM CDT, 2 hours 38 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- 40-70% chance for storms after 8 PM across northeast Nebraska. Storms could be severe with large hail, damaging winds, and a small risk for a tornado.
- Hot and humid weather with heat index values in the low 100s across southeast Nebraska. A heat advisory is in effect for Wednesday through at least Thursday.
- Hot and humid weather continues across the region into the weekend along with some small chances for nightly storms. Warm lows in the 70s will provide little relief.
Area forecast discussion, Sep 1, 5:49 PM CDT, 2 hours 38 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley NE
549 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026
.KEY MESSAGES...
- 40-70% chance for storms after 8 PM across northeast
Nebraska. Storms could be severe with large hail, damaging
winds, and a small risk for a tornado.
- Hot and humid weather with heat index values in the low 100s
across southeast Nebraska. A heat advisory is in effect for
Wednesday through at least Thursday.
- Hot and humid weather continues across the region into the
weekend along with some small chances for nightly storms. Warm
lows in the 70s will provide little relief.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 1249 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026
A hot and humid day is ahead of us, one of many for the
foreseeable. Looking at water vapor imagery, a shortwave trough
over the central Rockies is beginning to approach the region. At
the surface, a quasi-stationary boundary is noted near the
Nebraska and South Dakota border. The remainder of this
afternoon we can expect to see mostly sunny skies as temperatures
climb well into the 90s with dewpoints in the 60s and 70s.
Widespread heat index values in the upper 90s and low 100s will
be a concern for the area.
As the aforementioned trough moves closer to the area this
evening, storms are expected to develop over portions of north-
central Nebraska and south-central South Dakota. A belt of
enhanced mid-level winds will result in sufficient wind shear
for strong to severe storms. Large hail, damaging winds, and a
low chance of a tornado will all be possible. These storms are
forecast to follow along the quasi-stationary boundary towards
our area late this evening. As these storms approach, a gradual
evolution into a complex of storms is anticipated. These storms
are expected to move across portions of northeast Nebraska
after 8 PM, before exiting shortly after midnight. With the
complex of storms, damaging winds is the primary hazard, but
large hail and an isolated tornado remains possible. Showers and
storms may linger into early Wednesday morning, but these
should not pose a severe weather threat. With cloud cover over
much of the area and south winds, expect temperatures to
struggle to cool into the 70s.
The heat slowly worsens on Wednesday. Temperatures are forecast
to climb into the mid to upper 90s across most of the area.
Across east-central and southeast Nebraska, the combination of
limited relief from the heat at night, and afternoon heat index
values in the low 100s is leading to cumulative heat stress. A
Heat Advisory has been issued for these locations as a result of
this. The Heat Advisory runs into Thursday with similar
temperatures to Wednesday expected. The streak of overnight low
temperatures well into the 70s and high temperatures well into
the 90s closes out the week. With the heat not subsiding, an
extension or expansion of the Heat Advisory is possible. Outside
of the heat, there will continue to be a low chance (10-30%) of
showers and thunderstorms most nights, but this remains largely
confined to northeast Nebraska.
The heat continues into the weekend, but eases slightly. The
worst of the heat could linger into Saturday, but Sunday onward
sees a slow, but steady decrease in temperatures each day. Highs
back in the 80s may be something to look forward to by Monday
next week. Continued nightly showers and thunderstorm chances
remain during this time. Above-normal temperatures hold into
next week as the large-scale weather pattern remains stagnant.
&&
.AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z THURSDAY/...
Issued at 549 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026
Thunderstorms are observed across north central Nebraska early
this afternoon. These will merge into a line and track east
northeast. There is still some uncertainty on if storms will
enter the KOFK terminal or track just to the north after 05z:
chances remain at 30 to 35% at this time, so have left mentions
out but will continue to monitor and make potential amendments
as needed. Elsewhere, should see continued VFR conditions for
the duration of the period. Surface winds remain just under 12
kts from the south, but could see a brief switch to
northwesterly at KOFK around 05z. Finally, LLWS will affect the
KOMA and KLNK terminals after 05z lasting into the early morning
hours as a low level jet overspreads the area.
&&
.OAX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NE...Heat Advisory from 1 PM Wednesday to 7 PM CDT Thursday for
NEZ051>053-066>068-089>093.
IA...Heat Advisory from 1 PM Wednesday to 7 PM CDT Thursday for
IAZ069-079-080-090-091.
&&
DISCUSSION...Chehak
AVIATION...CastilloIn the hours before
Local storm report, Sep 1, 7:44 PM CDT, 43 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley NE
744 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0741 PM Hail 2 WSW Niobrara 42.74N 98.06W
09/01/2026 M1.00 Inch Knox NE Trained Spotter
Report of nickels with a few quarters mixed
in.
&&
JCLocal storm report, Sep 1, 7:49 PM CDT, 38 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley NE
749 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0745 PM Hail Niobrara 42.75N 98.03W
09/01/2026 M1.25 Inch Knox NE Public
Report of quarters with half dollars at the
corner of Walnut Street and Spruce Avenue.
&&
JCLocal storm report, Sep 1, 8:02 PM CDT, 25 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley NE
802 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0744 PM Hail Niobrara 42.75N 98.03W
09/01/2026 M2.75 Inch Knox NE Emergency Mngr
Report of baseball size hail resulting in
vehicle with broken windshield in Niobrara,
relayed by EM via NWSChat. Time estimated
from radar.
&&
JCLocal storm report, Sep 1, 8:16 PM CDT, 11 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley NE
816 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0758 PM Hail Santee 42.84N 97.85W
09/01/2026 M1.75 Inch Knox NE Public
Public report of various hail sizes with
largest around golf ball size. Time
estimated via radar.
&&
JCLocal storm report, Sep 1, 8:19 PM CDT, 8 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley NE
819 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0757 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg Santee 42.84N 97.85W
09/01/2026 Knox NE Emergency Mngr
Camper being towed was blown over. Report
relayed by emergency management. Time
estimated via radar.
&&
JCLocal storm report, Sep 1, 8:26 PM CDT, 1 minute before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Omaha/Valley NE
826 PM CDT Tue Sep 1 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0823 PM Tstm Wnd Gst 4 SW Crofton 42.70N 97.56W
09/01/2026 E60 MPH Knox NE Trained Spotter
Trained spotter reported strong wind gusts
of 60 mph with trees bending. Also lost
power.
&&
JCThe office that day
Everything else NWS Omaha, NE issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 1, 7:04 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | OAX | Antelope, Knox | 56 min |
| Sep 1, 7:43 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | OAX | Antelope, Knox | 47 min |
| Sep 1, 7:59 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | OAX | Cedar, Knox | 31 min |
| Sep 1, 8:02 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | OAX | Antelope | 43 min |
| Sep 1, 8:17 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | OAX | Cedar, Knox | 58 min |
| Sep 1, 8:46 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | OAX | Knox | 25 min |
| Sep 1, 8:51 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | OAX | Antelope, Pierce | 54 min |
| Sep 1, 9:17 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | OAX | Antelope, Cedar, Knox, Pierce | 43 min |
| Sep 1, 9:49 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | OAX | Cedar, Pierce, Wayne | 25 min |
| Sep 1, 10:13 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | OAX | Knox | 20 min |
| Sep 1, 11:57 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | OAX | Antelope, Madison, Pierce | 22 min |
Nearby
Tornado Warnings in Nebraska, 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.