Alert archive / Kansas / Tornado Warnings in 2026
Tornado Warning 33, NWS Springfield, MO
NWS Springfield, MO issued this tornado warning at Apr 26, 2026, 9:38 PM CDT for Cherokee County, Kansas. It was in force for 52 min. 2 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
- Apr 26, 2026, 9:38 PM CDT (02:38 UTC)
- Expired
- Apr 26, 2026, 10:30 PM CDT
- In force
- 52 min
- Issued by
- NWS Springfield, MO
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Tornado
- Observed
- Hail
- 1.75 in
County Cherokee County, KS
The radar
The Tulsa radar (KINX), 125 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 02:40 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 26, 9:43 PM CDT | TORNADO | Hallowell, KS | Rating EF1. Estimated peak wind 105 miles. Path Length 4.37 miles. Path width 500 yards. Several trees uprooted or snapped, empty rail cars overturned, grain bins significantly damaged. Outbuildings were destroyed. Numerous power poles bent, snapped, and broke |
| Apr 26, 9:49 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | Hallowell, KS | Multiple trees downed including tress on houses. |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
Did it verify
Verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow matched one storm report to this tornado warning; the first came 5 minutes after it went out.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 26, 3:22 PM CDT | Tornado Watch | SPC | 8 hr |
The nearest sounding before it
Springfield, MO (KSGF), launched 00:00Z, 2.6 hours before the alert went out and 108 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
- 1115 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -60 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 1306 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 52 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 128 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 227 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.8
- Supercell composite
- 7.1
The text
As transmitted.
606
WFUS53 KSGF 270238
TORSGF
KSC021-270330-
/O.NEW.KSGF.TO.W.0033.260427T0238Z-260427T0330Z/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Springfield MO
938 PM CDT Sun Apr 26 2026
The National Weather Service in Springfield has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
Central Cherokee County in southeastern Kansas...
* Until 1030 PM CDT.
* At 937 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located near Oswego, moving
east at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Damaging tornado and golf ball size hail.
SOURCE...Weather spotters confirmed tornado.
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.
* Locations impacted include...
Baxter Springs, Columbus, Sherman, Scammon, West Mineral, Neutral,
Riverton, Skidmore, Hallowell, Sherwin, Faulkner, Stippville, and
Crestline.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. 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.
Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to
flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3727 9508 3728 9463 3700 9473 3700 9481
3712 9508 3724 9508 3724 9507 3725 9508
TIME...MOT...LOC 0237Z 275DEG 23KT 3722 9501
TORNADO...OBSERVED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.75 IN
$$
Camden2 follow-up statements
309
WWUS53 KSGF 270251
SVSSGF
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Springfield MO
951 PM CDT Sun Apr 26 2026
KSC021-270330-
/O.CON.KSGF.TO.W.0033.000000T0000Z-260427T0330Z/
Cherokee KS-
951 PM CDT Sun Apr 26 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1030 PM CDT FOR CENTRAL
CHEROKEE COUNTY...
At 951 PM CDT, a confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado was
located near Columbus, moving east at 20 mph.
This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. TAKE COVER NOW!
HAZARD...Damaging tornado.
SOURCE...Radar confirmed tornado.
IMPACT...You are in a life-threatening situation. Flying debris may
be deadly to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes
will be destroyed. Considerable damage to homes,
businesses, and vehicles is likely and complete destruction
is possible.
Locations impacted include...
Baxter Springs, Columbus, Neutral, Skidmore, Hallowell, Sherwin,
Riverton, Faulkner, Stippville, and Crestline.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
To repeat, a large, extremely dangerous and potentially deadly
tornado is on the ground. To protect your life, TAKE COVER NOW! Move
to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.
Heavy rainfall may hide this tornado. Do not wait to see or hear the
tornado. TAKE COVER NOW!
&&
LAT...LON 3725 9507 3728 9463 3700 9473 3700 9481
3712 9508 3724 9508 3724 9507 3725 9508
TIME...MOT...LOC 0251Z 270DEG 15KT 3719 9491
TORNADO...OBSERVED
TORNADO DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
MAX HAIL SIZE...2.00 IN
$$
Camden314
WWUS53 KSGF 270317
SVSSGF
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Springfield MO
1017 PM CDT Sun Apr 26 2026
KSC021-270330-
/O.CON.KSGF.TO.W.0033.000000T0000Z-260427T0330Z/
Cherokee KS-
1017 PM CDT Sun Apr 26 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1030 PM CDT FOR EASTERN
CHEROKEE COUNTY...
At 1016 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located 8 miles east of Columbus, moving east at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado and two inch 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.
Locations impacted include...
Baxter Springs, Riverton, and Crestline.
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 3727 9476 3728 9463 3702 9472 3703 9478
TIME...MOT...LOC 0316Z 270DEG 24KT 3719 9469
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...2.00 IN
$$
CamdenWhat 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 Springfield, MO wrote its last area forecast discussion before this tornado warning went out at Apr 26, 6:23 PM CDT, 3 hours 15 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- Increasing chances for severe thunderstorms as early as late afternoon but more likely this evening through the overnight hours. Several rounds/clusters of thunderstorms are possible. Thunderstorms hazards include potential for hail up to lime size (2 in diameter), damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph and tornadoes. Highest severe potential is along and north of Interstate 44 however uncertainty remains with storm mode.
- Severe thunderstorm redevelopment likely Monday afternoon and evening for locations east of Highway 65, with a greater Enhanced (3 of 5) Risk east of Highway 63. Large hail to the size of baseballs, damaging winds to 70 mph, and tornadoes are all possible.
- Marginal (1 of 5) Risk for severe thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon in far south-central Missouri. Large hail is the main hazard.
- Localized flooding may occur with any training storms this weekend into Tuesday. A corridor of slightly higher flooding potential could develop along and north of Highway 54 tonight into Monday.
- Mostly dry with cooler than average temperatures Wednesday and onward.
Area forecast discussion, Apr 26, 6:23 PM CDT, 3 hours 15 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Springfield MO 623 PM CDT Sun Apr 26 2026 .KEY MESSAGES... - Increasing chances for severe thunderstorms as early as late afternoon but more likely this evening through the overnight hours. Several rounds/clusters of thunderstorms are possible. Thunderstorms hazards include potential for hail up to lime size (2 in diameter), damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph and tornadoes. Highest severe potential is along and north of Interstate 44 however uncertainty remains with storm mode. - Severe thunderstorm redevelopment likely Monday afternoon and evening for locations east of Highway 65, with a greater Enhanced (3 of 5) Risk east of Highway 63. Large hail to the size of baseballs, damaging winds to 70 mph, and tornadoes are all possible. - Marginal (1 of 5) Risk for severe thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon in far south-central Missouri. Large hail is the main hazard. - Localized flooding may occur with any training storms this weekend into Tuesday. A corridor of slightly higher flooding potential could develop along and north of Highway 54 tonight into Monday. - Mostly dry with cooler than average temperatures Wednesday and onward. && .SHORT TERM /THROUGH MONDAY NIGHT/... Issued at 130 PM CDT Sun Apr 26 2026 Current Conditions and Synoptic Overview: Water vapor and upper air analysis shows a weak shortwave moving through northern Kansas with stronger energy seen moving through Colorado and New Mexico. The synoptic pattern remains very complex with a nearly stationary north to south front across central Kansas. The warm front with significantly higher surface dews/instability was beginning to lift north through southern Oklahoma. The 12z KSGF sounding, meso trends and satellite data still supports a capped airmass across southwest Missouri with limited low level cloud cover. In response, temps have warmed into the middle and upper 70s. As of early afternoon, storms have formed across central Kansas and were likely elevated in nature mostly, however the southern end is becoming more surface based. Thunderstorm Potential This evening - Overnight/Monday Morning: A messy and complicated forecast exists with the potential for multiple clusters/rounds of storms. There seems to a growing trend that as stronger lift moves east this afternoon, storms across central Kansas will continue to move east and expand in coverage and intensity. These storms could clip locations along and north of Highway 54 by late afternoon and evening. Large hail to 2 inches in diameter is the most likely hazard given the elevated nature. If they become more surface based then the damaging wind threat would increase. The other focus area to watch this evening will be across southern Kansas into Oklahoma, especially near the triple point as that warm front will continue to lift north. The low level jet will continue to increase this evening into the overnight hours and should force the development of supercells. CAMS suggest that these could congeal into clusters and move northeast into southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri through the overnight hours. Instability and wind shear will actually increase further through the overnight (especially elevated CAPE), therefore large hail to 2 inches in diameter and damaging wind gusts to 70mph will be the most likely hazards. The tornado threat remains uncertain. Any supercells that can remain close to that warm front (which will be moving towards the area) will have the potential for a tornado, with locations across southeast Kansas and western Missouri in a conditional intensity 1 category for strong tornadoes, if a tornado where to form. Forecast STP (significant tornado parameter) values across the west look to get to 1-3, therefore we will need to monitor the environment closely tonight. With lift continuing overnight and the mean flow out of the west/southwest, we could see multiple rounds of thunderstorms, especially along and north of Interstate 44. The further south of I-44 it remains uncertain how much we will see. If the warm front is slower to move in then storms could move in further south than forecast. This will likely be an evolving situation with additional updates likely through this evening. Flooding Potential: Some of the more recent CAMS suggest a corridor of training thunderstorms along and north of Highway 54. Confidence is low on how this will evolve however if this does occur, a corridor of 2-3 inches of rainfall could occur which would cause flooding. Will continue to monitor this potential this afternoon and any potential need for any short fuse Flood Watches. Thunderstorm Potential Monday Afternoon/Evening: Thunderstorm clusters may be ongoing Monday morning, especially north of I-44. This creates a complicated thermodynamic environment for afternoon/evening storm redevelopment. There is enough consensus in 12z HREF data to support thunderstorm redevelopment as the strong lift moves into Missouri, however it should be noted that most of the strongest lift will be north of the area. Forecast soundings for Springfield and points east for the afternoon hours support a very unstable and highly sheared airmass. Strong southerly winds with gusts to 35mph will pump in surface dews in the 60s with high temps in the 80s. Mean SB CAPEs may reach 3000j/kg with 0-6km shear of 50-60kts. Forecast large hail parameters from the RAP suggest values as high as 20 which would allow for hail larger than baseballs. The low level flow helicity not be particularly strong in the afternoon with the surface winds out of the southwest however it does increase in the evening. Therefore the tornado threat should increase as storms move east, especially east of Highway 63 where strong tornadoes are possible if storms don't congeal and SRH is high enough. There remains uncertainty how early and how far west storms redevelop. Most guidance does not show storms along or west of I-49 however most seem to want to develop them near the Highway 65 corridor (in the 3-6pm window) and then really increase the strength as they go east. This will be a rapidly evolving situation across the eastern half of the area with additional updates likely. && .LONG TERM /TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY/... Issued at 130 PM CDT Sun Apr 26 2026 Additional Storm Potential Tuesday: There is a continued trend that highlights the front lifting north Tuesday, back into southern Missouri. Additional energy will move into the area and could force another round of thunderstorms. Most of the storms may remain elevated north of the front with large hail the main concern. However if the front lifts any farther north (closer to I-44), then we will need to monitor for additional hazards as storms could try to become more surface based. Pattern Change Mid/Late Week: A split flow pattern then develops for mid to late week with northwest flow aloft over the area and a cut off low south of California. While confidence in rain chances in this pattern is low, confidence is high that temperatures will drop back to or perhaps below average with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s. && .AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z TUESDAY/... Issued at 623 PM CDT Sun Apr 26 2026 Thunderstorms are developing from northern Missouri into central Oklahoma this evening. This activity will continue to develop and track east across the area this evening into tonight. MVFR to IFR conditions will occur with the storms. Gusty southeasterly winds will occur tonight and will become southwesterly Monday morning and afternoon and be gusty. A cold front will move across the area on Monday and additional storms will be possible Monday afternoon and evening. && .SGF WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... KS...None. MO...None. && SHORT TERM...Burchfield LONG TERM...Burchfield AVIATION...Wise
Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 26, 8:07 PM CDT, 1 hour 31 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Springfield MO 807 PM CDT Sun Apr 26 2026 KSZ073-097-101-MOZ055>058-066>071-077>083-088>098-101>106-280115- Bourbon-Crawford-Cherokee-Benton-Morgan-Miller-Maries-Vernon- St. Clair-Hickory-Camden-Pulaski-Phelps-Barton-Cedar-Polk-Dallas- Laclede-Texas-Dent-Jasper-Dade-Greene-Webster-Wright-Newton- Lawrence-Christian-Douglas-Howell-Shannon-McDonald-Barry-Stone- Taney-Ozark-Oregon- 807 PM CDT Sun Apr 26 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of the Missouri Ozarks and extreme southeast Kansas. .DAY ONE...Tonight. Weather hazards expected... Slight tornado risk. Enhanced hail risk. Enhanced thunderstorm wind damage risk. Elevated lightning risk. Elevated excessive rainfall risk Limited non thunderstorm wind risk. DISCUSSION... Thunderstorms have developed from central Missouri to the southeast into southeastern Kansas/Northeastern Oklahoma this evening. This activity will continue to move east across the area this evening into the overnight hours. Large hail up to the size of baseballs, damaging winds up to 70mph, and a few tornadoes. Locally heavy rainfall and localized flooding will also be possible with storms that track across the same locations this evening and tonight. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday. Additional strong to severe thunderstorms are likely Monday. All modes of severe storms will be possible on Monday. There is the potential for significant severe weather hazards along and east of Highway 63 Monday afternoon and evening. Wind gusts will also increase to 30-35 mph Monday. A lingering Marginal (1 of 5) Risk for severe storms exists across portions of south-central Missouri Tuesday afternoon and evening. The main hazard with these storms is large hail. Any slow-moving or training storms could result in a localized flooding risk. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will likely be needed across the entire area this evening into tonight. && More detailed information can be accessed at: http://www.weather.gov/sgf/dsspacket This product in graphical format...along with other weather... hydrological and climate information...at http://www.weather.gov/sgf Wise
In the hours before
Local storm report, Apr 26, 7:35 PM CDT, 2 hours 3 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Springfield MO
735 PM CDT Sun Apr 26 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0732 PM Hail 3 WSW Cane Hill 37.57N 93.78W
04/26/2026 E1.00 Inch Dade MO Emergency Mngr
Dade county line on Stockton lake.
&&
MBLocal storm report, Apr 26, 7:39 PM CDT, 1 hour 59 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Springfield MO
739 PM CDT Sun Apr 26 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0735 PM Hail 4 SW Pittsburg 37.81N 93.36W
04/26/2026 E2.00 Inch Polk MO Public
Report from mPING - Hen Egg (2.00 in.).
&&
MBLocal storm report, Apr 26, 7:46 PM CDT, 1 hour 52 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Springfield MO
746 PM CDT Sun Apr 26 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0742 PM Hail 1 S Arcola 37.53N 93.87W
04/26/2026 E1.75 Inch Dade MO 911 Call Center
&&
MBLocal storm report, Apr 26, 7:53 PM CDT, 1 hour 45 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Springfield MO
753 PM CDT Sun Apr 26 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0658 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg Collins 37.89N 93.63W
04/26/2026 St. Clair MO Emergency Mngr
Damage to a brick building in Collins.
&&
MBLocal storm report, Apr 26, 8:08 PM CDT, 1 hour 30 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Springfield MO
808 PM CDT Sun Apr 26 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0807 PM Hail Walnut Grove 37.41N 93.55W
04/26/2026 M1.75 Inch Greene MO Fire Dept/Rescue
&&
EWLocal storm report, Apr 26, 8:39 PM CDT, 59 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Springfield MO
839 PM CDT Sun Apr 26 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0817 PM Hail Morrisville 37.48N 93.43W
04/26/2026 E1.75 Inch Polk MO Emergency Mngr
&&
EWThe office that day
Everything else NWS Springfield, MO issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 26, 8:44 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | SGF | Cherokee | 61 min |
| Apr 26, 9:14 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | SGF | Cherokee, Crawford | 46 min |
| Apr 26, 9:30 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | SGF | Cherokee, Crawford | 45 min |
| Apr 26, 9:51 PM CDT | Flash Flood Warning | SGF | Cherokee, Crawford | 6 hr |
| Apr 26, 10:02 PM CDT | Tornado Warning | SGF | Cherokee | 43 min |
| Apr 26, 10:37 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | SGF | Cherokee | 38 min |
| Apr 26, 11:17 PM CDT | River Flood Warning | SGF | Bourbon | 17 hr |
| Apr 27, 2:10 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | SGF | Bourbon | 35 min |
| Apr 27, 2:40 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | SGF | Bourbon | 21 min |
| Apr 27, 4:15 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | SGF | Bourbon | 60 min |
Nearby
Tornado Warnings in Kansas, 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.