(Omaha/Valley) The National Weather Service in Omaha,/Valley Nebraska, reports five tornadoes swept through portions of southwest Iowa on June 11.
Storms formed over south-central Nebraska in the early morning hours of June 11 and quickly grew into clusters that swept across southeast Nebraska and southwest Iowa, impacting the NWS Omaha coverage area from around 3:00 to 6:30 a.m. Very strong winds, areas of flooding, large hail, and tornadoes all occurred with them. Reports of 80-mph wind gusts were measured near Silver City, Iowa, and Murray, NE, with estimates of 90-mph winds near Essex, IA. The largest hail that fell was over 3 inches in diameter near Clarinda, IA
In total, NWS Omaha issued 27 warnings—6 tornado warnings, 17 severe thunderstorm warnings, and 4 flash flood warnings.
Four Miles West of Thurman in Fremont County:
A brief but damaging tornado touched down near the Missouri River four miles west of Thurman in Fremont County during the early morning hours of June 11, 2026, producing EF1 damage before dissipating just two minutes later. According to storm survey findings, the tornado developed at approximately 5:29 a.m. just east of the Missouri River. Initially, the tornado caused minor tree damage as it moved eastward toward Interstate 29. As the tornado approached Interstate 29, it strengthened and reached its peak intensity. The most significant damage occurred at a residence along Western Avenue, where EF1 winds estimated at 110 mph lifted most of the roof from the home. Additional tree damage was reported in the area. The tornado then crossed Interstate 29, continuing to damage trees along the interstate corridor before dissipating at approximately 5:31 a.m. The tornado was rated EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, with an estimated peak wind speed of 110 mph. It traveled approximately 1.5 miles and reached a maximum width of 30 yards. No injuries or fatalities were reported as a result of the tornado.
Tabor, Iowa, in Montgomery County:
A brief tornado touched down north of Tabor during the early morning hours of June 11, 2026, causing minor tree damage before dissipating after a short eastward track. The tornado developed at approximately 5:33 a.m. north of Tabor and moved east across rural areas. As it traveled, the tornado produced sporadic tree damage near the intersection of 235th Street and Pathfield Road. Based on the observed damage, wind speeds were estimated to be around 65 mph. Shortly after the damage occurred, meteorologists observed a tornadic debris signature on KOAX radar, providing additional confirmation of the tornado’s presence. A debris signature occurs when radar detects debris lofted into the air by a tornado. The tornado remained relatively small, reaching an estimated maximum width of 20 yards. It dissipated at approximately 5:35 a.m., ending a brief two-minute lifespan. No injuries or fatalities were reported. The tornado’s short duration and limited damage kept impacts minimal, though it served as another example of the rapidly evolving severe weather that affected portions of southwest Iowa during the early morning hours.
Coburg, Iowa, in Montgomery County:
A tornado touched down just east of Coburg in Montgomery County during the morning hours of June 11, 2026, producing damage to trees and farm buildings as it tracked across rural portions of the area. The tornado developed at approximately 5:58 a.m. near the intersection of 105th Street and K Avenue, just east of Coburg, and moved east-southeast. Initial damage consisted of sporadic tree damage, with estimated wind speeds of around 70 mph. As the tornado continued eastward, generally paralleling 110th Street, it strengthened and caused additional damage along its path. Numerous trees sustained damage, and several farm outbuildings were impacted. Based on the observed damage, peak winds were estimated at 90 mph, placing the tornado in the low-end EF1 category on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. The tornado remained on the ground for approximately ten minutes before dissipating near the intersection of 110th Street and R Avenue at around 6:08 a.m.Surveyors estimated the tornado reached a maximum width of approximately 100 yards during its lifespan. Despite the damage to trees and agricultural structures, no injuries or fatalities were reported.
Viking Lake Near Stanton, in Montgomery County:
A tornado touched down east of Stanton, Iowa, during the morning of June 11, 2026, carving a northeastward path through the Viking Lake area and producing damage to trees, homes, outbuildings, and power infrastructure before dissipating approximately eight minutes later. The tornado developed at approximately 6:08 a.m. near the intersection of 230th Street and Q Avenue, east of Stanton, and initially moved northeast toward Viking Lake. On the west side of the lake, the tornado caused widespread tree damage, including numerous large broken limbs and several uprooted trees. Damage indicators in this area suggested wind speeds ranging from 70 to 85 mph. Crossing to the east side of Viking Lake, the tornado continued to intensify. Survey teams found two uprooted trees, numerous downed large limbs, and minor damage to the siding and roof of a residence near 230th Street and Raspberry Drive. Additional damage occurred near S Avenue and Aldersgate Drive, where approximately 10 pine tree trunks were snapped. Based on the severity of the damage, wind speeds in this area were estimated at around 90 mph. The tornado strengthened further as it continued northeast. Near the intersection of U.S. Highway 24 and T Avenue, the tornado collapsed the walls of an outbuilding, snapped another tree trunk, and brought down power lines. Damage assessments in this area indicated peak winds of approximately 105 mph, placing the tornado in the upper range of the EF1 category on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. One of the more notable effects of the storm occurred near the end of its path, when debris from grain bins was lofted and carried more than a mile before being deposited near the interchange of Highway 71 and Highway 34. The long-distance transport of the debris highlighted the strength of the circulation despite the tornado remaining relatively narrow. The tornado continued northeast before dissipating at approximately 6:16 a.m. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
Near Villisca:
A brief tornado touched down south of Villisca during the morning hours of June 11, 2026, causing damage to trees and farm structures before dissipating near the county line. The tornado developed at approximately 6:11 a.m. and tracked eastward along 110th Street between V Avenue and Willow Avenue. Despite its short lifespan, the tornado produced several areas of damage along its path. Survey teams found numerous damaged trees and structural damage to agricultural buildings. A farm outbuilding lost a portion of its roof and one wall as the tornado passed through the area. In addition, a nearby carport was completely destroyed. Based on the observed damage, peak wind speeds were estimated at 90 mph, resulting in an EF1 rating on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. The tornado reached an estimated maximum width of approximately 50 yards. The tornado remained on the ground for about two minutes before dissipating near the county line at approximately 6:13 a.m. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
