NEBRASKA — A severe weather outbreak is expected today, May 17, 2026, with the background environment strongly supporting EF-2 tornadoes especially across eastern Nebraska and western Iowa including the Sioux Falls area. Very large hail and destructive straight line winds will also be common occurrences with today’s storms across the outlined risk zone. Have radios and multiple ways to receive warnings active immediately.
Strong EF2 Tornadoes Most Likely Across Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa Core Zone
The dashed red circle centered over the Grand Island, Omaha, Sioux City, and Sioux Falls corridor represents the best chance for strong EF-2 tornado development today. The atmospheric environment across this zone provides the instability and wind shear needed to support violent and long-track tornado potential during the afternoon and evening hours…