Iowa Severe Thunderstorm Warning | Effective 05/18/2026 16:05

Headline: 
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued May 18 at 6:05PM CDT until May 18 at 6:30PM CDT by NWS Des Moines IA
Event: 
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Urgency: 
Immediate
Effective: 
May 18, 2026 - 4:05pm
Expires: 
May 18, 2026 - 4:30pm
Description: 
At 605 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Bedford Municipal Airport, or near Bedford, moving east at 45 mph. HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts and ping pong ball size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings. Locations impacted include... Bedford, New Market, Gravity, Sharpsburg, Conway, Athelstan, Lake Of Three Fires State Park, and Bedford Municipal Airport.
Instruction: 
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for southwestern Iowa. Remain alert for a possible tornado! Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the basement or small central room in a sturdy structure. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.
Area Description: 
Adams, IA; Taylor, IA
Forcast Office: 
NWS Des Moines IA
Sender: 
w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov