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Severe Storms Trigger Tornado Warnings Across Five States

4/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

On April 17, 2026, severe storms triggered tornado warnings across five Central and Midwestern states, affecting about 142,000 people.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued warnings for Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, citing life-threatening tornadoes and damaging winds.
In northwestern Illinois, a confirmed tornado prompted shelter alerts.
Warnings extended to Trempealeau, Buffalo, and Wood counties in Wisconsin, plus parts of Iowa and Missouri, with officials warning of mobile-home damage.

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Story summary

On April 17, 2026, severe storms triggered tornado warnings across five Central and Midwestern states, affecting about 142,000 people.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued warnings for Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, citing life-threatening tornadoes and damaging winds.
In northwestern Illinois, a confirmed tornado prompted shelter alerts.
Warnings extended to Trempealeau, Buffalo, and Wood counties in Wisconsin, plus parts of Iowa and Missouri, with officials warning of mobile-home damage.