SPC Tornado Watch 216

WW 216 TORNADO IA MN 172310Z - 180600Z URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Tornado Watch Number 216 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 610 PM CDT Sun May 17 2026 The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a * Tornado Watch for portions of Northern Iowa Southern Minnesota * Effective this Sunday night and Monday morning from 610 PM until 100 AM CDT. * Primary threats include... A few tornadoes and a couple intense tornadoes possible Widespread damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 75 mph likely Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2 inches in diameter possible SUMMARY...Scattered severe thunderstorms will move into the Watch area from the west this evening. The stronger thunderstorms will include supercells and intense thunderstorm clusters, which will yield a risk for tornadoes (perhaps a strong tornado), large hail, and scattered severe gusts. An organized band of severe thunderstorms is eventually forecast to develop and move east across the Watch later this evening. Severe gusts and a QLCS tornado are possible with this activity. The tornado watch area is approximately along and 70 statute miles east and west of a line from 20 miles east northeast of Mankato MN to 40 miles south southwest of Mason City IA. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU6). PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... REMEMBER...A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings. && OTHER WATCH INFORMATION...CONTINUE...WW 213...WW 214...WW 215... AVIATION...Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 26030. ...Smith Read more