Alert archive / Kansas / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Warning 404, NWS Topeka, KS
NWS Topeka, KS issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Sep 19, 2026, 6:29 PM CDT for Clay County, Cloud County, Ottawa County, Kansas. It was in force for 31 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
- Sep 19, 2026, 6:29 PM CDT (23:29 UTC)
- Expired
- Sep 19, 2026, 7:00 PM CDT
- In force
- 31 min
- Issued by
- NWS Topeka, KS
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Hail
- 1.25 in
- Wind
- 60.0 mph
Counties Clay County, KS, Cloud County, KS, Ottawa County, KS
The radar
The Topeka radar (KTWX), 111 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 23:30 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 19, 6:40 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 3 Sw Miltonvale, KS | Several tree limbs down. Estimated 60-70 mph winds and small hail. |
| Sep 19, 6:54 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | 2 Sw Idana, KS | Machine shed Outbuilding was destroyed by damaging thunderstorm winds. Time was just before 7pm based on radar and resident description. Estimates of 70-80 mph winds with this storm. |
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 2 storm reports to this severe thunderstorm warning; the first came 11 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 19, 3:22 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Watch | SPC | 8 hr |
The nearest sounding before it
Topeka, KS (KTOP), launched 12:00Z, 11.5 hours before the alert went out and 160 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
- 2166 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 26 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 3 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 53 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
390
WUUS53 KTOP 192329
SVRTOP
KSC027-029-143-200000-
/O.NEW.KTOP.SV.W.0404.260919T2329Z-260920T0000Z/
BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Topeka KS
629 PM CDT Sat Sep 19 2026
The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Northeastern Ottawa County in north central Kansas...
Southwestern Clay County in north central Kansas...
Southeastern Cloud County in north central Kansas...
* Until 700 PM CDT.
* At 629 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 4 miles southwest
of Miltonvale, moving east at 35 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
to roofs, siding, and trees.
* Locations impacted include...
Miltonvale, Oak Hill, and Idana.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Prepare immediately for large hail and damaging winds. People outside
should move immediately to shelter inside a strong building. Stay
away from windows.
&&
LAT...LON 3926 9761 3940 9761 3945 9719 3919 9722
TIME...MOT...LOC 2329Z 267DEG 31KT 3931 9751
HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.25 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH
$$1 follow-up statement
691
WWUS53 KTOP 192344
SVSTOP
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Topeka KS
644 PM CDT Sat Sep 19 2026
KSC027-029-143-200000-
/O.CON.KTOP.SV.W.0404.000000T0000Z-260920T0000Z/
Ottawa-Clay-Cloud-
644 PM CDT Sat Sep 19 2026
...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 700 PM CDT
FOR NORTHEASTERN OTTAWA...SOUTHWESTERN CLAY AND SOUTHEASTERN CLOUD
COUNTIES...
At 643 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 4 miles northwest of
Oak Hill, moving east at 35 mph.
HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Trained weather spotters. At 640 PM CDT, a spotter
estimated damaging winds with gusts up to e 70 MPH
along with some wind damage just west of Miltonvale.
IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect considerable
tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes,
roofs, and outbuildings.
Locations impacted include...
Miltonvale, Oak Hill, and Idana.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Prepare immediately for large hail and damaging winds. People outside
should move to a shelter, inside a strong building and away from
windows.
&&
LAT...LON 3925 9756 3941 9749 3945 9719 3919 9722
TIME...MOT...LOC 2343Z 268DEG 28KT 3930 9739
THUNDERSTORM DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...70 MPH
$$What forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this severe thunderstorm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Topeka, KS wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at Sep 19, 2:18 PM CDT, 4 hours 11 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- -Scattered strong to severe storms are expected to develop along a front late this afternoon/early this evening. -Shower/storm chances linger through the night, but the severe threat should largely diminish after dark. -A dramatic temperature swing occurs between today and early in the upcoming workweek. Below average temperatures stick around through the week.
Area forecast discussion, Sep 19, 2:18 PM CDT, 4 hours 11 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Topeka KS
218 PM CDT Sat Sep 19 2026
.KEY MESSAGES...
-Scattered strong to severe storms are expected to develop along a
front late this afternoon/early this evening.
-Shower/storm chances linger through the night, but the severe threat
should largely diminish after dark.
-A dramatic temperature swing occurs between today and early in the
upcoming workweek. Below average temperatures stick around through
the week.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 206 PM CDT Sat Sep 19 2026
The main focus in the short-term is on thunderstorm chances from this
afternoon into tonight, and whether storms will reach severe
thresholds. At 18Z, a cold front was moving into north central KS. A
few agitated cu had grown tall enough to produce isolated, small
showers ahead of the boundary. SBCAPE has increased to 2000-3000 J/kg
ahead of the boundary and DCAPE is over 1000 J/kg, but deep layer
shear is less impressive at around 25 kts. This environment is
developing as expected and continues to indicate downburst wind
potential with any storms that form today. CAMs still do not show a
lot of agreement on timing and location of the more robust
convection, but thinking is that coverage of storms will increase
after 23Z with initiation likely occurring along a line extending
from near Sabetha to Manhattan to Herington. Initial updrafts could
congeal into clusters as the entire system progresses eastward across
the area this evening. Severe potential should begin to diminish in
the hours after sunset in far eastern KS as CIN increases. Most CAMs
then show another cluster of showers and storms moving into central
KS overnight in response to a shortwave ahead of a main wave aloft.
Models show those storms producing some gusty winds in central KS and
weakening with eastward extent.
Rain showers may linger into the early morning hours of Sunday with
chances decreasing after sunrise. The cold front should be south of
the area by midday tomorrow, so with low clouds and north winds,
temperatures will be noticeably cooler (following a six day stretch
of 90+ highs). Will maintain at least slight chance POPs in east-
central areas through the afternoon with rain possibly clipping the
area from the south near the stalled H85 boundary.
A cooler air mass fully settles into the area with a surface ridge
early next week. NBM has high temperatures ranging from the mid 60s
in far northern KS to the mid 70s near I-35 Monday afternoon in part
due to limited insolation from lingering cloud cover. Tuesday could
be the coolest day of the period with highs in the 60s nearly area-
wide (this is cooler than recent nighttime lows). Temperatures slowly
creep back up, but stay on the cool side of average through the
workweek. POPs return later in the week when longer range models show
the next shortwave aloft possibly impacting the region. Confidence
is not currently high on that possible round of wet weather.
&&
.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SUNDAY/...
Issued at 1237 PM CDT Sat Sep 19 2026
The main challenge this period is on thunderstorm chances and timing.
Storms look to develop near a cold front this evening, likely around
23Z/00Z near KMHK. However, there remains some level of uncertainty
with a lack of good agreement between high resolution models. Once
storms develop they will progress eastward and impact the Topeka
terminals late this evening. Storms could produce damaging wind gusts
and hail. Additional showers could develop later in the night, which
is also when MVFR CIGS become likely. Rain chances decrease Sunday
morning, but low stratus could linger into midday.
&&
.CLIMATE...
Issued at 229 AM CDT Sat Sep 19 2026
Saturday 9/19:
Forecast High Record High (year)
Topeka: 96 99 (set in 2022)
&&
.TOP WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
None.
&&
DISCUSSION...Teefey
AVIATION...Teefey
CLIMATE...GriesemerHazardous weather outlook, Sep 19, 2:24 PM CDT, 4 hours 5 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Topeka KS 224 PM CDT Sat Sep 19 2026 KSZ008>012-020>024-026-034>040-054>056-058-059-201930- Republic-Washington-Marshall-Nemaha-Brown-Cloud-Clay-Riley- Pottawatomie-Jackson-Jefferson-Ottawa-Dickinson-Geary-Morris- Wabaunsee-Shawnee-Douglas-Lyon-Osage-Franklin-Coffey-Anderson- 224 PM CDT Sat Sep 19 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Kansas, east central Kansas, north central Kansas and northeast Kansas. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms could occur late this afternoon and this evening. Storms are likely to develop along a cold front located east of a line from Marysville to Minneapolis after 5 PM. Damaging wind gusts will be the main hazard but small hail and heavy rain could also occur. Storms should weaken into the nighttime hours in eastern Kansas. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. && More detailed information can be found at: www.weather.gov/media/top/DssPacket.pdf
In the hours before
Special weather statement, Sep 19, 5:40 PM CDT, 49 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Topeka KS
540 PM CDT Sat Sep 19 2026
KSZ020-034-192330-
Cloud-Ottawa-
540 PM CDT Sat Sep 19 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN OTTAWA AND
SOUTHWESTERN CLOUD COUNTIES THROUGH 630 PM CDT...
At 540 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 6
miles southwest of Simpson, moving east at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down small tree limbs and blow
around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to outdoor
objects and vegetation is possible.
Locations impacted include...
Glasco and Delphos.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM CDT for
north central Kansas.
&&
LAT...LON 3943 9793 3948 9782 3928 9774 3927 9793
TIME...MOT...LOC 2240Z 247DEG 16KT 3931 9800
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
FlanaganLocal storm report, Sep 19, 5:47 PM CDT, 42 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Topeka KS
547 PM CDT Sat Sep 19 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0531 PM Tstm Wnd Gst 6 NNE Woodbine 38.87N 96.90W
09/19/2026 M60 MPH Dickinson KS Mesonet
Kansas Mesonet site at Rock Springs gusted
to 60 mph.
&&
DRSpecial weather statement, Sep 19, 5:47 PM CDT, 42 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Topeka KS
547 PM CDT Sat Sep 19 2026
KSZ035-192330-
Dickinson-
547 PM CDT Sat Sep 19 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT DICKINSON COUNTY THROUGH 630 PM
CDT...
At 547 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles north of Carlton, moving east at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Strong wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to outdoor objects and
vegetation is possible.
Locations impacted include...
Abilene, Herington, Solomon, Enterprise, Hope, Woodbine, and Carlton.
This includes Interstate 70 between mile markers 267 and 281.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM CDT for
central and east central Kansas.
&&
LAT...LON 3893 9737 3896 9737 3896 9693 3861 9693
3861 9737 3891 9737 3893 9738
TIME...MOT...LOC 2247Z 264DEG 23KT 3878 9724
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
FlanaganLocal storm report, Sep 19, 5:57 PM CDT, 32 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Topeka KS
557 PM CDT Sat Sep 19 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0552 PM Tstm Wnd Gst 1 SW Abilene 38.90N 97.24W
09/19/2026 M60 MPH Dickinson KS Mesonet
Abilene airport gusted to 60 mph.
&&
DRLocal storm report, Sep 19, 6:20 PM CDT, 9 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Topeka KS
620 PM CDT Sat Sep 19 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0611 PM Tstm Wnd Gst 1 W Herington 38.67N 96.96W
09/19/2026 M65 MPH Dickinson KS Trained Spotter
Measured gust on personal anemometer.
&&
DRLocal storm report, Sep 19, 6:25 PM CDT, 4 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Topeka KS
625 PM CDT Sat Sep 19 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0619 PM Tstm Wnd Gst 2 NNE Herington 38.70N 96.93W
09/19/2026 M75 MPH Morris KS Fire Dept/Rescue
Herington Fire Chief reported measured 75
mph gust at intersection of US-77 and K-4.
Sustained winds to around 60 mph.
&&
DRThe office that day
Everything else NWS Topeka, KS issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 19, 4:57 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TOP | Geary, Riley | 48 min |
| Sep 19, 5:06 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TOP | Dickinson, Ottawa | 54 min |
| Sep 19, 5:40 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | TOP | Cloud | 50 min |
| Sep 19, 5:43 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TOP | Geary, Riley | 47 min |
| Sep 19, 5:47 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | TOP | Dickinson | 43 min |
| Sep 19, 5:50 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TOP | Dickinson | 55 min |
| Sep 19, 6:06 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TOP | Cloud, Ottawa | 39 min |
| Sep 19, 6:10 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TOP | Pottawatomie, Riley | 22 min |
| Sep 19, 6:14 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TOP | Dickinson, Geary, Morris | 46 min |
| Sep 19, 6:27 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TOP | Geary, Morris | 33 min |
| Sep 19, 6:40 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TOP | Morris, Riley, Wabaunsee | 65 min |
| Sep 19, 6:46 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TOP | Pottawatomie | 29 min |
| Sep 19, 6:54 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TOP | Pottawatomie, Riley | 51 min |
| Sep 19, 6:59 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TOP | Jackson, Marshall, Nemaha, Pottawatomie | 31 min |
Nearby
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Kansas, 2026Every severe thunderstorm warning 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.