Tornadoes and Flash Flood in Iowa, May 17, 2026

Name: Tornadoes and Flash Flood in Iowa, May 17, 2026
Start: 2026-05-17T16:18
End: 2026-05-17T20:16
Location: Iowa

May 17, 2026 · NWS FSD · 54 events in 11 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 54

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS FSD wrote it up.

An approaching mid-level disturbance broke a weak cap and allowed storms to erupt during the afternoon along a slow moving frontal boundary. These storms rapidly organized into short bowing segments and then became highly linear across northwest Iowa and southwest Minnesota during the evening. Initial supercell storms produced large hail with as much as 2000-3000 J/kg MLCAPE, but DCAPE of around 750-1000 J/kg allowed for the development of organized cold pools and an increasing wind threat. Several brief and highly visible tornadic spin-ups developed along the line of storms by late afternoon and evening across far eastern South Dakota, northwest Iowa and southwest Minnesota.

In addition, repeated thunderstorms brought as much as 2-4 inches of rain in a short period of time to portions of Plymouth and southern Sioux County in northwest Iowa. This same area had also received locally heavy rainfall during the previous days, resulting in spotty flooding of already saturated locations.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Sioux Falls, SD wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 17, 12:20 PM CST, 3 hours 58 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

There is high confidence that severe thunderstorms will develop this afternoon and evening, producing large hail, destructive straight-line winds, and a few tornadoes. An Enhanced Risk (level 3 of 5) of severe storms is in place.
A transitioning storm mode will shift hazards from large hail and tornadoes initially, to widespread wind damage as an intense line of storms tracks east of Interstate 29 this evening.
A lower risk of severe weather exists late Monday afternoon and evening, mainly over northwest IA, before quieter weather moves in for the mid-week period.

Area forecast discussion, May 17, 12:20 PM CST, 3 hours 58 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
Issued by National Weather Service Lincoln IL
120 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- There is high confidence that severe thunderstorms will
  develop this afternoon and evening, producing large hail,
  destructive straight-line winds, and a few tornadoes. An
  Enhanced Risk (level 3 of 5) of severe storms is in place.

- A transitioning storm mode will shift hazards from large hail
  and tornadoes initially, to widespread wind damage as an
  intense line of storms tracks east of Interstate 29 this
  evening.

- A lower risk of severe weather exists late Monday afternoon
  and evening, mainly over northwest IA, before quieter weather
  moves in for the mid-week period.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 120 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026

The short-term convective outlook presents a highly volatile
spring severe weather setup. Latest surface analysis shows a
complex pattern, anchored by a strong 994 mb low over northwest
KS. An inverted trough extended north of the low through
central SD, while a well-defined warm front stretched northeast
of the low into east central NE. A weaker low was also noted in
north central NE. Visible satellite imagery revealed stable
wave clouds advancing northeast over far northeast NE and
extreme SE SD, ahead of the advancing warm front. Regional
radar imagery showed a complex of strong to severe storms over
north central NE. This storm complex is forecast by short range
guidance to continue tracking east this afternoon, intensifying
as interacts with the richer low- level moisture pool near and
south of the warm front.

Moderate to strong instability will be in place over the
southern to eastern CWA by late afternoon with MLCAPE nearing
3000 J/kg. In addition, deep layer shear will increase to around
50 kt, coincident with a mid level speed max ejecting from the
deep upper trough to our west. As the system evolves over the
next several hours, it appears the ingredients for a significant
severe weather event will be most favored over the southern to
eastern CWA. Ahead of the main convective line, some CAMs show
supercell development along the northward advancing warm front.
These storms would present a risk of very large hail (2"+) and
tornadoes. Given the amount of low level SRH/curved hodographs
present, a couple strong tornadoes are possible. The convective
cluster currently entering our far southwest CWA should
strengthen as it shifts east, with an initial hail and tornado
threat transitioning to a damaging straight line wind threat
(70+ MPH) as it grows upscale into a squall line/QLCS. Some
line-embedded QLCS tornadoes are possible, especially for any
line segments that become oriented north/south or
northwest/southeast, given southwesterly 0-3 km shear vectors.
Timing from latest high-res guidance suggests this activity
exits to the east of our CWA late this evening.

Precipitation amounts will vary significantly based on convective
tracks, though NBM guidance and HREF probability match mean
fields project a widespread 0.50 to 1.50 inches of rainfall,
particularly across northwest Iowa and southwest Minnesota. On
Monday, the cold front finally pushes into the area. Instability
and shear are forecast to be much lower than today, however,
there will be a conditional risk of severe storms over the
eastern CWA during the late afternoon to evening, if the airmass
can destabilize sufficiently ahead of the front. SPC's Day 2
outlook indicates as Marginal Risk (level 1 of 5), for our MN
and IA counties.

Behind the departing upper wave, quasi-zonal flow sets up for
Tuesday and Wednesday, yielding quiet conditions and seasonally
cool high temperatures moderating from the upper 50s Tuesday to
mid-upper 60s Wednesday.

The next upper wave moves in for the Thursday to Friday period,
however Gulf moisture remains cutoff ahead of this system.
Evaluating the ECMWF Extreme Forecast Index (EFI) reveals no
significant climatological anomalies for precipitation or wind
across the upper Midwest during this period, reinforcing the
the idea of a low-impact system for our area. The current
forecast sticks closely to the NBM consensus, maintaining broad
20-30 percent probabilities for light rain for late Thursday
into Saturday.

By late this week and especially this weekend, temperatures
will embark on a steady upward trajectory, as the mid level flow
backs west, then southwest. The Climate Prediction Center (CPC)
6-10 day outlook favors above-normal temperatures across the
Northern Plains and Upper Midwest, which supports blended
guidance high temperatures reaching well into the 80s on
Sunday.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z MONDAY/...
Issued at 1248 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026

Showers and storms move through the region this afternoon into
tonight. Intermittent MVFR/IFR conditions will be possible throughout
this timeframe, especially in heavier rain. TSRA was included at
least in PROB30 groups, but is expected to be the dominant weather
type at times. Widespread MVFR/IFR cigs setting in overnight for much
of Monday.

&&

.FSD WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
SD...None.
MN...None.
IA...None.
NE...None.

&&

DISCUSSION...ILX/25
AVIATION...DYE

Hazardous weather outlook, May 17, 12:29 PM CST, 3 hours 49 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
Issued by National Weather Service Lincoln IL
129 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026

IAZ001>003-012>014-020>022-031-032-MNZ071-072-080-081-089-090-097-
098-NEZ013-014-SDZ038>040-050-052>071-181830-
Lyon-Osceola-Dickinson-Sioux-O'Brien-Clay-Plymouth-Cherokee-
Buena Vista-Woodbury-Ida-Lincoln-Murray-Cottonwood-Nobles-Jackson-
Pipestone-Rock-Dixon-Dakota-Beadle-Kingsbury-Brookings-Gregory-
Jerauld-Sanborn-Miner-Lake-Moody-Brule-Aurora-Davison-Hanson-McCook-
Minnehaha-Charles Mix-Douglas-Hutchinson-Turner-Bon Homme-Yankton-
Union-
129 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northwest Iowa, west central
Iowa, southwest Minnesota, northeast Nebraska, central South
Dakota, east central South Dakota, south central South Dakota and
southeast South Dakota.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

A significant severe weather event is possible this afternoon and
evening. Very large hail, damaging wind gusts, and tornadoes are all
possible. If you have outdoor plans know where your nearest shelter
is located. Please ensure you have multiple ways to receive warnings.
Have a plan to take shelter and act immediately if your area comes
under a severe weather warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

Strong to severe storms are possible again Monday afternoon and
evening, particularly over northwest Iowa and southwest Minnesota.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will likely be needed this afternoon and evening.

In the hours before

Local storm report, May 17, 3:37 PM CST, 41 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
437 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026

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

0432 PM     Hail             5 W Sioux Falls         43.53N 96.84W
05/17/2026  E1.00 Inch       Minnehaha          SD   Public

            Report from mPING.

&&

ak

Local storm report, May 17, 3:40 PM CST, 38 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
440 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026

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

0417 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     2 ENE Chancellor        43.39N 96.94W
05/17/2026  M70 MPH          Turner             SD   Public

            Via personal weather station. Exact time
            estimated via radar.

&&

ak

Local storm report, May 17, 3:41 PM CST, 37 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
441 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026

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

0414 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     1 S Chancellor          43.36N 96.99W
05/17/2026  M60 MPH          Turner             SD   Public

            Via personal weather station. Exact time
            estimated via radar.

&&

ak

Local storm report, May 17, 3:44 PM CST, 34 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
444 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026

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

0436 PM     Hail             4 NW Harrisburg         43.48N 96.75W
05/17/2026  M1.00 Inch       Lincoln            SD   Emergency Mngr

            Report from 85th and Western of quarter size
            hail.

&&

ak

Local storm report, May 17, 3:49 PM CST, 29 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
449 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026

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

0438 PM     Hail             Tea                     43.45N 96.84W
05/17/2026  M1.00 Inch       Lincoln            SD   Public

&&

TH

Local storm report, May 17, 3:52 PM CST, 26 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
452 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026

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

0447 PM     Hail             4 SSE Sioux Falls       43.49N 96.71W
05/17/2026  M1.50 Inch       Lincoln            SD   Trained Spotter

&&

MM

The radar

The Sioux Falls radar (KFSD), 38 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 22:21 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

31 thunderstorm wind, 16 tornado, 6 hail, 1 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Lyon

When: May 17, 4:18 PM CST to 4:21 PM CST
Where: Lyon County, 4.07 mi E of Lester
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 43.460, -96.290

Picture with coin provided for size comparison.

Hail, Sioux

When: May 17, 4:51 PM CST to 4:55 PM CST
Where: Sioux County, Rock Vly
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 43.200, -96.300

Hail, Osceola

When: May 17, 5:33 PM CST to 5:37 PM CST
Where: Osceola County, 1.22 mi NE of Sibley
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 43.410, -95.750

Hail, Plymouth

When: May 17, 5:43 PM CST to 5:45 PM CST
Where: Plymouth County, 3.27 mi SW of Craig
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 42.870, -96.350

Hail, Plymouth

When: May 17, 5:50 PM CST to 5:53 PM CST
Where: Plymouth County, 0.51 mi W of Craig
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 42.900, -96.310

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodbury

When: May 17, 6:23 PM CST to 6:26 PM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 0.86 mi SE of Sioux City
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 42.490, -96.370

Wind gusts downed several tree branches of 10 to 12 inches in diameter.

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodbury

When: May 17, 6:26 PM CST to 6:29 PM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 3.85 mi SW of Salix
Measured: 74 kt (85 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 42.282, -96.335

Several very large cottonwood trees were uprooted at Snyder Bend Park.

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodbury

When: May 17, 6:27 PM CST to 6:30 PM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 2.49 mi WSW of Salix
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 42.305, -96.324

Thunderstorm wind gusts ripped metal roof panels off an outbuilding and scattered the debris to the northeast.

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodbury

When: May 17, 6:27 PM CST to 6:30 PM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 1.62 mi W of Salix
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 42.316, -96.311

Thunderstorm winds ripped a section of roof panels from a large outbuilding. An irrigation pivot was also tipped eastward.

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodbury

When: May 17, 6:27 PM CST to 6:30 PM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 1.27 mi SW of Salix
Measured: 83 kt (96 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 42.308, -96.299

Thunderstorm winds destroyed an outbuilding and uprooted several pine trees across the street.

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodbury

When: May 17, 6:27 PM CST to 6:30 PM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 1.16 mi SSW of Salix
Measured: 83 kt (96 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 42.306, -96.291

Four electrical transmission poles were tipped and large tree limbs removed by thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodbury

When: May 17, 6:28 PM CST to 6:31 PM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 0.85 mi SSW of Salix
Measured: 78 kt (90 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 42.308, -96.286

Two empty grain bins and a shed were collapsed by thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodbury

When: May 17, 6:28 PM CST to 6:31 PM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 1.77 mi NW of Salix
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 42.337, -96.306

Thunderstorm winds flipped an irrigation pivot.

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodbury

When: May 17, 6:28 PM CST to 6:31 PM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 0.71 mi NNE of Salix
Measured: 83 kt (96 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 42.330, -96.277

Numerous wooden electrical transmission poles were tipped by thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodbury

When: May 17, 6:29 PM CST to 6:31 PM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 2.47 mi SW of Salix
Measured: 60 kt (69 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 42.300, -96.320

Wind gust was measured by a personal weather station.

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodbury

When: May 17, 6:29 PM CST to 6:32 PM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 1.19 mi WNW of Luton
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 42.336, -96.252

Thunderstorm winds damaged several outbuildings and a grain bin.

Tornado, Woodbury

When: May 17, 6:31 PM CST to 6:34 PM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 2.5 mi S of Sergeant Bluff to 1.94 mi ESE of Sergeant Bluff
Rating: EF0
Path length: 2.53 mi
Path width: 75 yd
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 42.364, -96.349

Several social media postings documented a tornado as it developed south of the Sergeant Bluff Rest Area along Interstate 29 and moved to the northeast across open fields before downing several large tree limbs along 220th Street. The tornado lifted shortly thereafter. The tornado was rated EF0 with an estimated peak wind of 75 mph and an average path width was 50 yards.

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodbury

When: May 17, 6:32 PM CST to 6:36 PM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 2.31 mi SSE of Sioux City
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 42.470, -96.360

Large tree branches were downed in the Morningside neighborhood.

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodbury

When: May 17, 6:36 PM CST to 6:39 PM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 4.51 mi SE of Sioux City
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 42.460, -96.310

Wind gust measured by a personal weather station.

Tornado, Woodbury

When: May 17, 6:37 PM CST to 6:42 PM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 3.01 mi NE of Sergeant Bluff to 2.76 mi NW of Bronson
Rating: EF1
Path length: 3.85 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 42.431, -96.309

A tornado touched down near the intersection of Glen Ellen Rd. and County Home Rd. and moved northeast for less than one mile before damaging several buildings along Old Highway 141. The tornado continued northeast for a couple minutes across open fields before damaging roof panels on an outbuilding along the south side of 180th Street. Across the road, a garage attached to a single family home was destroyed and several large branches snapped. The tornado then crossed Charles Ave. north of 180th St. before lifting in the adjacent field to the east. The tornado was rated EF1 with an estimated peak wind of 90 mph and an average path width was 75 yards.

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodbury

When: May 17, 6:48 PM CST to 6:51 PM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 0.51 mi W of Lawton
Measured: 58 kt (67 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 42.480, -96.190

Wind gust measured by a personal weather station.

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodbury

When: May 17, 6:49 PM CST to 6:50 PM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 0.86 mi SE of Moville
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 42.490, -96.060

Wind gust measured by a personal weather station.

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodbury

When: May 17, 6:50 PM CST to 6:54 PM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 0.86 mi SE of Moville
Measured: 67 kt (77 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 42.490, -96.060

Wind gust measured by a personal weather station.

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodbury

When: May 17, 6:51 PM CST to 6:55 PM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 0.69 mi S of Moville
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 42.490, -96.070

Several videos and photos via social media showed large trees down, including some on houses or other structures.

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodbury

When: May 17, 6:54 PM CST to 6:57 PM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 3.06 mi W of Correctionville
Measured: 64 kt (74 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 42.480, -95.860

Wind gust measured by a personal weather station.

Tornado, Plymouth

When: May 17, 6:55 PM CST to 6:56 PM CST
Where: Plymouth County, 5.13 mi NW of Kingsley to 4.92 mi NW of Kingsley
Rating: EFU
Path length: 0.66 mi
Path width: 20 yd
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 42.624, -96.052

Kingsley Fire Department observed a brief tornado in an open field around 5 miles northwest of Kingsley along Dry Creek. There were no damage indicators present to derive a rating. The average path width was estimated at 20 yards based on video evidence.

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodbury

When: May 17, 6:56 PM CST to 6:59 PM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 2.46 mi NE of Moville
Measured: 65 kt (75 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 42.520, -96.030

Wind gust measured by a personal weather station.

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodbury

When: May 17, 6:57 PM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 1.38 mi S of Pierson
Measured: 64 kt (74 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 42.530, -95.880

Wind gust measured by a personal weather station.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cherokee

When: May 17, 7:03 PM CST to 7:07 PM CST
Where: Cherokee County, 6.14 mi W of Washta
Measured: 74 kt (85 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 42.580, -95.840

An outbuilding was destroyed with considerable tree damage west of Washta.

Thunderstorm Wind, Woodbury

When: May 17, 7:03 PM CST to 7:05 PM CST
Where: Woodbury County, 0.51 mi E of Correctionville
Measured: 76 kt (87 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 42.480, -95.790

Wind gust measured by a personal weather station.

Tornado, Plymouth

When: May 17, 7:07 PM CST to 7:08 PM CST
Where: Plymouth County, 7.96 mi NNE of Kingsley to 8.54 mi NNE of Kingsley
Rating: EFU
Path length: 0.67 mi
Path width: 20 yd
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 42.680, -95.893

A brief tornado touchdown was witnessed by a trained spotter just northeast of the intersection of Sunset Avenue and 260th St. to the northeast of Kingsley. The tornado moved northeast for around one minute before lifting just west of Tamarack Avenue. There were no damage indicators present to derive a rating. The average path width was estimated at 20 yards based on video evidence.

Hail, O'Brien

When: May 17, 7:09 PM CST to 7:12 PM CST
Where: O'Brien County, 2.81 mi S of Sanborn
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 43.140, -95.660

Tornado, Cherokee

When: May 17, 7:10 PM CST to 7:11 PM CST
Where: Cherokee County, 3.3 mi ENE of Fielding to 3.66 mi ENE of Fielding
Rating: EFU
Path length: 0.37 mi
Path width: 20 yd
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 42.686, -95.739

A very brief tornado was observed in an open field around 8 miles south of Cleghorn. The tornado was estimated to touch down just east of G Avenue one-half mile south of 570th Street. The tornado tracked northeast over open fields for less than one minute before it lifted. There were no damage indicators present to derive a rating. The average path width was estimated at 20 yards based on video evidence.

Tornado, Cherokee

When: May 17, 7:11 PM CST to 7:13 PM CST
Where: Cherokee County, 5 mi NNW of Fielding to 5.21 mi N of Fielding
Rating: EFU
Path length: 0.92 mi
Path width: 20 yd
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 42.739, -95.828

A trained spotter observed a brief tornado in an open field around 7 miles south of Marcus. The tornado was estimated to touch down around one-half mile northwest of the intersection of 540th Street and C Avenue. The tornado tracked northeast for less than two minutes across open fields before lifting south of 530th Street. There were no damage indicators present to derive a rating. The average path width was estimated at 20 yards based on video evidence.

Tornado, Ida

When: May 17, 7:11 PM CST to 7:12 PM CST
Where: Ida County, 3.35 mi ENE of Battle Creek to 3.23 mi W of Ida Grove
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.45 mi
Path width: 60 yd
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 42.341, -95.541

A brief tornado touched down approximately 3 miles west of Ida Grove and moved northeast for about a half mile before lifting. The tornado impacted a farmstead along German Ave between Hillside Way and Highway 175, uprooting one tree and downing several other large limbs. The tornado was rated EF0 with an estimated peak wind of 75 mph and an estimated average width of 30 yards.

Tornado, Cherokee

When: May 17, 7:15 PM CST to 7:16 PM CST
Where: Cherokee County, 1.87 mi NNE of Mary Hill to 2.64 mi NE of Mary Hill
Rating: EFU
Path length: 0.79 mi
Path width: 20 yd
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 42.753, -95.660

Several social media videos documeted a very brief tornado around 5 miles west of Cherokee. The tornado was estimated to touch down near the intersection of 530th Street and K Avenue. The tornado tracked northeast across open fields for less than one minute before it lifted near Rock Creek south of 520th Street. There were no damage indicators present to derive a rating. The average path width was estimated at 20 yards based on video evidence.

Flash Flood, Plymouth

When: May 17, 7:16 PM CST to 8:16 PM CST
Where: Plymouth County, 0.62 mi N of Le Mars Muni Arpt to 0.82 mi SSW of Le Mars Muni Arpt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 42.789, -96.201

Dispatch center reported a couple of different flooded roads in Le Mars including portions of Holton Dr as well as 5th Ave. Several social media photos also showed significant, but localized, street flooding.

Thunderstorm Wind, Ida

When: May 17, 7:22 PM CST to 7:25 PM CST
Where: Ida County, 0.51 mi W of Ida Grove
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 42.350, -95.480

Wind gust was measured at Iowa Road Weather Mesonet station RIGI4 near Ida Grove.

Tornado, Cherokee

When: May 17, 7:25 PM CST to 7:27 PM CST
Where: Cherokee County, 2.17 mi NE of Meriden to 3.04 mi NE of Meriden
Rating: EFU
Path length: 0.87 mi
Path width: 20 yd
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 42.819, -95.596

A brief tornado was observed in an open field by a storm chaser around 3 miles northeast of Meriden. The tornado was estimated to touch down just southeast of the intersection of N Avenue and 480th Street. The tornado tracked northeast for around two minutes before it lifted east of Mill Creek. There were no damage indicators present to derive a rating. The average path width was estimated at 20 yards based on video evidence.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cherokee

When: May 17, 7:29 PM CST to 7:32 PM CST
Where: Cherokee County, 4.84 mi N of Cleghorn
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 42.890, -95.700

Wind gust measured by a personal weather station.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cherokee

When: May 17, 7:29 PM CST to 7:32 PM CST
Where: Cherokee County, Cherokee Muni Arpt
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 42.730, -95.550

Wind gust measured by AWOS station KCKP at the Cherokee Municipal Airport.

Tornado, Clay

When: May 17, 7:31 PM CST to 7:33 PM CST
Where: Clay County, 5.44 mi WSW of Royal to 4.22 mi WSW of Royal
Rating: EFU
Path length: 1.19 mi
Path width: 20 yd
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 43.040, -95.380

Video documented a brief tornado in an open field around 5 miles west-southwest of Royal. The tornado was estimated to touch down around one-half mile east of 100th Avenue along 420th Street. The tornado tracked east-northeast for less than two minutes across open fields before lifting around one-quarter mile north of 420th Street one-half mile west of 120th Avenue. There were no damage indicators present to derive a rating. The average path width was estimated at 20 yards based on video evidence.

Thunderstorm Wind, Cherokee

When: May 17, 7:31 PM CST to 7:34 PM CST
Where: Cherokee County, Meriden
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 42.800, -95.630

Wind gust measured by a personal weather station.

Thunderstorm Wind, Buena Vista

When: May 17, 7:35 PM CST to 7:38 PM CST
Where: Buena Vista County, 1.53 mi E of Storm Lake Arpt
Measured: 51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 42.600, -95.220

Wind gust measured by the AWOS station KSLB at the Storm Lake Airport.

Tornado, Buena Vista

When: May 17, 7:42 PM CST to 7:44 PM CST
Where: Buena Vista County, 5.22 mi NNE of Sulphur Spgs to 6.34 mi SSW of Albert City
Rating: EFU
Path length: 2.2 mi
Path width: 75 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 42.688, -95.057

Copernicus Sentinel satellite imagery revealed a brief tornado track in an open field around 8 miles southwest of Albert City. The tornado was estimated to touch down near the intersection of 570th Street and 180th Avenue. The tornado tracked northeast across open fields for less than two minutes before lifting southwest of the intersection of 560th Street and 200th Avenue. There were no damage indicators present to derive a rating. The average path width was estimated at 50 yards.

Tornado, Clay

When: May 17, 7:48 PM CST to 7:49 PM CST
Where: Clay County, 2.79 mi SSE of Royal to 2.96 mi SE of Royal
Rating: EFU
Path length: 0.9 mi
Path width: 20 yd
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 43.033, -95.259

A very brief tornado was observed in an open field around 3 miles southeast of Royal. The tornado was estimated to touch down around one-half mile southwest of the intersection of 420th Street and 170th Avenue. The tornado tracked east-northeast across open fields for around one minute before lifting south of 420th Street. There were no damage indicators present to derive a rating. The average path width was estimated at 20 yards based on video evidence.

Thunderstorm Wind, Buena Vista

When: May 17, 7:48 PM CST to 7:51 PM CST
Where: Buena Vista County, 3.45 mi S of Albert City
Measured: 63 kt (72 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 42.730, -94.950

Wind gust measured by a personal weather station.

Thunderstorm Wind, Clay

When: May 17, 7:49 PM CST to 7:52 PM CST
Where: Clay County, Greenville
Measured: 78 kt (90 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 43.020, -95.150

Wind gusts caused considerable damage to the Greenville grain elevator. Numerous branches and power lines were also downed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Buena Vista

When: May 17, 7:51 PM CST to 7:54 PM CST
Where: Buena Vista County, 0.69 mi S of Albert City
Measured: 62 kt (71 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 42.770, -94.950

Wind gust measured by a personal weather station.

Tornado, Clay

When: May 17, 7:53 PM CST to 7:57 PM CST
Where: Clay County, 0.69 mi NNE of Gillett Grove to 3.8 mi SSE of Dickens
Rating: EFU
Path length: 4 mi
Path width: 75 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 43.030, -95.027

Copernicus Sentinel satellite imagery indicated a brief tornado touched down just northeast of Gillett Grove northeast of the intersection of 430th Street and 280th Avenue. The tornado tracked northeast across open fields for a couple minutes before taking a slight turn to the north-northeast for around 3 miles before it lifted near the intersection of 390th Street and 300th Avenue. There were no damage indicators present to derive a rating. The average path width was estimated at 50 yards.

Tornado, Clay

When: May 17, 8:06 PM CST to 8:08 PM CST
Where: Clay County, 6.22 mi NE of Dickens to 6.06 mi ENE of Dickens
Rating: EF0
Path length: 1.21 mi
Path width: 30 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 43.183, -94.930

A brief tornado spun up near the western shore of Lost Island Lake. Shortly after touchdown, the tornado damaged the roof on two mobile homes and downed several large tree branches. The tornado tracked north-northwest in open fields to the west of 330th Avenue before it lifted just southwest of Mud Lake. The tornado was rated EF0 with an estimated peak wind of 80 mph and an average path width was 30 yards.

Tornado, Dickinson

When: May 17, 8:08 PM CST to 8:09 PM CST
Where: Dickinson County, 2.62 mi NNW of Terril to 2.72 mi NNW of Terril
Rating: EFU
Path length: 0.61 mi
Path width: 25 yd
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 43.332, -95.007

A brief tornado was observed in an open field by a storm chaser around 2 miles northwest of Terril. The tornado was estimated to touch down northeast of the intersection of 290th Avenue and 220th Street. The tornado tracked northeast for around one minute before it lifted west of 300th Avenue. There were no damage indicators present to derive a rating. The average path width was estimated at 25 yards based on video evidence.

Tornado, Dickinson

When: May 17, 8:10 PM CST to 8:12 PM CST
Where: Dickinson County, 2.67 mi SE of Terril to 3.38 mi E of Terril
Rating: EFU
Path length: 1.52 mi
Path width: 45 yd
Continued into: Emmet, Ia (DMX)
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 43.277, -94.937

Copernicus Sentinel satellite imagery revealed a tornado track which started around 3 miles southeast of Terril one-half mile south of 250th Street along 330th Avenue. The tornado tracked to the northeast before crossing over into Emmet County around one-half mile north of 250th Street along 340th Avenue. There were no damage indicators present to derive a rating. The average path width was estimated at 30 yards.

Thunderstorm Wind, Dickinson

When: May 17, 8:12 PM CST to 8:15 PM CST
Where: Dickinson County, 1.38 mi S of Arnolds Park
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 43.350, -95.130

Wind gust measured by a personal weather station.

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.
Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Iowa in 2026 Every state in 2026 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Iowa, 2026 Warnings in Iowa, May 2026

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1343206, 1343207, 1343208, 1343209, 1343210, 1343233, 1343459, 1343460, 1343464, 1343484, 1343490, 1343496, 1343499, 1343504, 1343212, 1343508, 1343164, 1343232, 1343213, 1343171, 1343214, 1343215, 1343218, 1343231, 1343216, 1343173, 1343217, 1343219, 1343230, 1343234, 1343177, 1343211, 1343180, 1343179, 1344604, 1343181, 1328492, 1343221, 1343183, 1343222, and more.