Iowa Severe Thunderstorm Warning | Effective 05/17/2026 20:01

Headline: 
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued May 17 at 10:01PM CDT until May 17 at 10:30PM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
Event: 
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Urgency: 
Immediate
Effective: 
May 17, 2026 - 8:01pm
Expires: 
May 17, 2026 - 8:30pm
Description: 
At 1000 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 4 miles northwest of Frost to Miller to Webster City, moving east at 65 mph. HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts and nickel size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Expect considerable tree damage. Damage is likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings. Locations impacted include... Forest City, Garner, Belmond, Lake Mills, Britt, Emmons, Elm Lake, Union Slogh, Clear Lake, Eagle Lake, Mason City Municipal Airport, Rice Lake, Buffalo Center, Ventura, Kanawha, Swea City, Latimer, Klemme, Thompson, and Titonka. This includes Interstate 35 between mile markers 167 and 218.
Instruction: 
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 100 AM CDT for north central Iowa. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Intense thunderstorm lines can produce brief tornadoes and widespread significant wind damage. Although a tornado is not immediately likely, it is best to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. These storms may cause serious injury and significant property damage.
Area Description: 
Cerro Gordo, IA; Franklin, IA; Hancock, IA; Humboldt, IA; Kossuth, IA; Winnebago, IA; Worth, IA; Wright, IA
Forcast Office: 
NWS Des Moines IA