Alert archive / Kansas / Tornado Warnings in 2026
Tornado Warning 7, NWS Topeka, KS
NWS Topeka, KS issued this tornado warning at Apr 17, 2026, 3:58 PM CDT for Coffey County, Osage County, Kansas. It was in force for 19 min. 3 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 17, 2026, 3:58 PM CDT (20:58 UTC)
- Expired
- Apr 17, 2026, 4:17 PM CDT
- In force
- 19 min
- Issued by
- NWS Topeka, KS
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Tornado
- Radar indicated
- Hail
- 1.0 in
Counties Coffey County, KS, Osage County, KS
The radar
The Topeka radar (KTWX), 75 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:58 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 17, 4:05 PM CDT | TSTM WND GST 70 | Lebo, KS | Tree damage. |
| Apr 17, 4:07 PM CDT | TORNADO | Olivet, KS | A short-lived tornado impacted Olivet, Kansas and produced damage consistent with a EF1 tornado. Several outbuildings were badly damaged with metal siding, framing and roofing debris lofted several hundred yards to the northeast of Olivet. |
| Apr 17, 4:08 PM CDT | TSTM WND DMG | Olivet, KS | Damage reported to outbuildings around Olivet. |
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 9 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 17, 1:40 PM CDT | Tornado Watch | SPC | 7 hr |
The nearest sounding before it
Topeka, KS (KTOP), launched 12:00Z, 9.0 hours before the alert went out and 64 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
- 2338 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -172 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 934 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 44 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 379 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 354 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.8
- Supercell composite
- 16.5
The text
As transmitted.
861
WFUS53 KTOP 172058
TORTOP
KSC031-139-172130-
/O.NEW.KTOP.TO.W.0007.260417T2058Z-260417T2130Z/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Topeka KS
358 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
Southern Osage County in east central Kansas...
Northern Coffey County in east central Kansas...
* Until 430 PM CDT.
* At 357 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located over Lebo, moving northeast at 60 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado and quarter 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.
* Locations impacted include...
Lyndon, Lebo, Waverly, Melvern, Olivet, Beto Junction, and Melvern
Lake.
This includes Interstate 35 between mile markers 144 and 166.
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 3830 9588 3839 9595 3847 9595 3866 9567
3845 9551 3843 9551
TIME...MOT...LOC 2057Z 241DEG 50KT 3843 9587
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
$$
Griesemer3 follow-up statements
576
WWUS53 KTOP 172105
SVSTOP
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Topeka KS
405 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
KSC031-139-172130-
/O.CON.KTOP.TO.W.0007.000000T0000Z-260417T2130Z/
Osage-Coffey-
405 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 430 PM CDT FOR
SOUTHEASTERN OSAGE AND NORTHEASTERN COFFEY COUNTIES...
At 404 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Beto Junction, moving northeast at 45 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
Locations impacted include...
Lyndon, Waverly, Melvern, Olivet, Melvern Lake, and Beto Junction.
This includes Interstate 35 between mile markers 150 and 166.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.
&&
LAT...LON 3833 9579 3844 9585 3849 9588 3866 9567
3845 9551 3843 9551
TIME...MOT...LOC 2104Z 247DEG 41KT 3844 9577
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
$$
Griesemer211
WWUS53 KTOP 172113
SVSTOP
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Topeka KS
413 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
KSC031-139-172130-
/O.CON.KTOP.TO.W.0007.000000T0000Z-260417T2130Z/
Osage-Coffey-
413 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 430 PM CDT FOR
SOUTHEASTERN OSAGE AND NORTHEASTERN COFFEY COUNTIES...
At 413 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located over Melvern, moving northeast at 55 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado and quarter 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.
Locations impacted include...
Waverly and Melvern.
This includes Interstate 35 between mile markers 158 and 167.
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 3837 9567 3842 9567 3851 9576 3862 9564
3861 9563 3845 9551 3843 9551
TIME...MOT...LOC 2113Z 245DEG 49KT 3850 9565
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
$$
Griesemer204
WWUS53 KTOP 172117
SVSTOP
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Topeka KS
417 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
KSC031-139-172127-
/O.CAN.KTOP.TO.W.0007.000000T0000Z-260417T2130Z/
Osage-Coffey-
417 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR SOUTHEASTERN OSAGE AND NORTHEASTERN COFFEY
COUNTIES IS CANCELLED...
The tornado threat has diminished and the Tornado Warning has been
cancelled. However, large hail and damaging winds remain likely and a
Severe Thunderstorm Warning remains in effect for the area.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 900 PM CDT for east central
Kansas.
Remember, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning still remains in effect for
Osage and Coffey Counties
&&
LAT...LON 3837 9567 3842 9567 3851 9576 3862 9564
3861 9563 3845 9551 3843 9551
TIME...MOT...LOC 2116Z 241DEG 50KT 3853 9558
$$
GriesemerWhat 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 Topeka, KS wrote its last area forecast discussion before this tornado warning went out at Apr 17, 12:42 PM CDT, 3 hours 16 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- Severe thunderstorms expected (50-90% chance) this afternoon into early this evening, mainly in east-central Kansas. Locally heavy rainfall also possible, mainly in far southeastern areas.
- Fire danger into elevated levels Saturday and Sunday along Highway 81 in north-central Kansas.
- Low temperatures close to freezing Saturday and Sunday mornings, with frost potential Sunday morning.
Area forecast discussion, Apr 17, 12:42 PM CDT, 3 hours 16 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Topeka KS 1242 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026 .KEY MESSAGES... - Severe thunderstorms expected (50-90% chance) this afternoon into early this evening, mainly in east-central Kansas. Locally heavy rainfall also possible, mainly in far southeastern areas. - Fire danger into elevated levels Saturday and Sunday along Highway 81 in north-central Kansas. - Low temperatures close to freezing Saturday and Sunday mornings, with frost potential Sunday morning. && .DISCUSSION... Issued at 1242 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026 Volatile situation setting up over eastern and southern portions of the state this afternoon with upper low moving east along the central Canadian border with associated trough in at least one piece south-southwest into the Four Corners impinging on a moist and very unstable atmosphere over the Plains. Cold front had passed through north-central Kansas by noon, lagging a bit more to the southwest to a surface low over northeast Oklahoma. 16Z MLCAPE analysis already had values around 2500 J/kg with over 3000 J/kg quite possible by mid afternoon with effective shear of 40-50 knots. Low-level wind fields will likely keep some veering, however tornadic potential remains with any more isolated storms early then possibly in QLCS activity later in the event, so very large hail and potent straight-line winds will be the main concerns. Main area of concern looks to be east-central Kansas where instability will be the greatest and the front come in the latest. Severe thunderstorm activity should peak by late afternoon and exit the area by 8 PM, though some training could linger mainly along and southeast of I-35 as the effective front becomes more parallel to the upper flow and could lead to a few rounds of heavy rainfall into the late evening. Concerns late tonight into Sunday turn to more of a early to mid spring variety with fire weather and growing season impacts. Northwest winds keep some speed Saturday but back off Sunday when the driest air is in place. Fire weather partners indicate only limited grassland response in the far western counties that could still support some very active wildfires and, even going slightly windier for Saturday, still only brings fire danger indicies into the Very High category. These winds Saturday keep frost in check with much weaker winds Sunday morning supporting some frost. Most guidance keeps lows above freezing for even the coldest areas in north-central Kansas. Temperatures return to above normal levels early next week with the next chance for precipition late in the week. && .AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SATURDAY/... Issued at 1219 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026 Thunderstorm potential is the main concern. Storms are highly likely to be east of MHK but could form around TOP and FOE through 22Z, but latest trends are for a faster end of storms so trimmed them a bit. North-northwest winds behind the front should diminish late. && .FIRE WEATHER... Issued at 1242 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026 Not much change to previous forecast. Saturday brings the stronger winds but RH only dropping to around 20 percent for a few hours. Sunday looks drier but much weaker winds. Saturday will likely be more concerning but confidence in Red Flag conditions remains too low for any headlines. && .TOP WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... None. && DISCUSSION...Poage AVIATION...Poage FIRE WEATHER...Poage
Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 17, 2:35 AM CDT, 13 hours 23 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Topeka KS 235 AM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026 KSZ008>012-020>024-026-034>040-054>056-058-059-180745- Republic-Washington-Marshall-Nemaha-Brown-Cloud-Clay-Riley- Pottawatomie-Jackson-Jefferson-Ottawa-Dickinson-Geary-Morris- Wabaunsee-Shawnee-Douglas-Lyon-Osage-Franklin-Coffey-Anderson- 235 AM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Kansas, east central Kansas, north central Kansas and northeast Kansas. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Thunderstorms are expected to develop over northeast and east central Kansas this afternoon and continue into the evening. Large hail, damaging winds, and a tornado or two are possible with these storms. Areas along and east of a line from Abilene to Marysville have the better chances of seeing severe storms. Heavy rain could also lead to flash flooding for areas along and southeast of Interstate 35. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER MESSAGE Weather spotters are encouraged to relay reports of hail, damaging wind, tornadoes, and flooding. && More detailed information can be found at: www.weather.gov/media/top/DssPacket.pdf
In the hours before
Special weather statement, Apr 17, 2:06 PM CDT, 1 hour 52 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Topeka KS
206 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
KSZ026-171915-
Jefferson-
206 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN JEFFERSON COUNTY
THROUGH 215 PM CDT...
At 206 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Winchester, moving northeast at 50 mph.
HAZARD...Half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Minor damage to vegetation is possible.
Locations impacted include...
Nortonville and Winchester.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 900 PM CDT for northeastern
Kansas.
&&
LAT...LON 3924 9525 3936 9538 3942 9532 3942 9518
3929 9518
TIME...MOT...LOC 1906Z 223DEG 42KT 3937 9523
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH
GriesemerLocal storm report, Apr 17, 2:19 PM CDT, 1 hour 39 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Topeka KS
219 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0218 PM Hail Eskridge 38.86N 96.10W
04/17/2026 E0.88 Inch Wabaunsee KS Trained Spotter
&&
smbLocal storm report, Apr 17, 2:57 PM CDT, 1 hour 1 minute before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Topeka KS
257 PM CDT Fri Apr 17 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0229 PM Hail 1 E Valley Falls 39.34N 95.44W
04/17/2026 M1.00 Inch Jefferson KS Trained Spotter
&&
smbThe office that day
Everything else NWS Topeka, KS issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 17, 2:06 PM CDT | Special Weather Statement | TOP | Jefferson | 9 min |
| Apr 17, 2:13 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TOP | Jackson, Jefferson | 32 min |
| Apr 17, 2:30 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TOP | Lyon, Morris | 45 min |
| Apr 17, 3:10 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TOP | Lyon, Osage, Shawnee, Wabaunsee | 35 min |
| Apr 17, 3:23 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TOP | Coffey, Lyon | 37 min |
| Apr 17, 3:41 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TOP | Douglas, Franklin, Osage, Shawnee | 34 min |
| Apr 17, 3:52 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TOP | Coffey, Lyon, Osage | 23 min |
| Apr 17, 4:11 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TOP | Douglas | 34 min |
| Apr 17, 4:12 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TOP | Anderson, Coffey, Franklin, Osage | 33 min |
| Apr 17, 4:22 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TOP | Anderson, Franklin, Osage | 23 min |
| Apr 17, 4:42 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TOP | Anderson, Franklin | 16 min |
| Apr 17, 4:43 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TOP | Douglas | 17 min |
| Apr 17, 5:39 PM CDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TOP | Anderson | 21 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.