05/18/2026
⚠️ VANDER VORTEX WEATHER ALERT ⚠️
SUNDAY MAY 17, 2026
A severe band of thunderstorms will move into the area from the west this evening, bringing the potential for a couple of tornadoes and scattered damaging wind gusts of 60-80 mph.
A few embedded supercells may develop across southwestern portions of the watch area, which could also produce large hail and isolated tornadoes. As storms push east overnight, the threat is expected to transition primarily into damaging straight-line winds, though a brief embedded tornado risk may continue.
📍 Tornado Watch Area:
Approximately along and 70 miles east and west of a line from near Fort Dodge, Iowa, to south of Lamoni, Iowa.
⏰ Timing:
Storms are expected to intensify this evening and continue through the overnight hours.
🌪 Main Threats:
• Damaging winds up to 80 mph
• Isolated tornadoes
• Large hail possible in stronger supercells
• Dangerous overnight severe weather
Please stay weather aware tonight, have multiple ways to receive warnings, and be prepared to take shelter quickly if warnings are issued