South Dakota Tornado and Severe Weather Warnings: What You Need to Know

Current Tornado Alerts

As of 9 p.m., parts of Lincoln and Union counties are currently under a tornado warning, impacting the areas of Beresford and Alcester. The Beresford Police Department has announced via their Facebook post that the city’s tornado shelter has been opened for residents seeking safety.

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings

In addition to tornado warnings, cities in Minnehaha County, including Sioux Falls and Harrisburg, are under a severe thunderstorm warning until 9:30 p.m. This system poses winds up to 70 miles per hour and the possibility of penny-sized hail. Earlier updates indicated that Minnehaha and McCook counties faced severe thunderstorm warnings until 9:15 p.m., covering areas such as Salem, Hartford, Tea, and Baltic.

Storm Development Timeline

The National Weather Service (NWS) has reported several severe thunderstorm warnings stretching from Gregory to Watertown. Although storms have yet to arrive in the Sioux Empire, multiple warnings were in effect earlier. A tornado warning was issued for Wagner, Lake Andes, and Marty until 7:45 p.m., while another warning affected Plankinton, White Lake, and Stickney until 7:30 p.m.

Recent Tornado Sightings

The NWS has been monitoring two severe supercells moving southeast, one of which may contain a rain-wrapped tornado near Pickstown. Notably, Reed Timmer, a prominent storm chaser, captured footage of a tornado and wildfire, reporting that he had seen three tornadoes and extreme hail in the vicinity of Hamlin.

Wind and Thunderstorm Risks

Potential Damage from High Winds

As storms escalate, conditions are ripe for a derecho—a widespread windstorm linked to rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms. In Sioux Falls, there’s a 45% chance the area may encounter winds exceeding 80 mph, posing serious risks of damage akin to that of tornadoes. Furthermore, the NWS has warned of localized heavy rainfall of 1-2 inches, with isolated pockets potentially receiving up to 3 inches.

Heat Advisory

An extreme heat warning remains in effect until 8 p.m., with heat indices potentially exceeding 105°F in various areas.

Future Outlook

While the storms are expected to evolve with various severe weather risks, Sioux Falls faces a marginal risk of further storms returning on the evening of July 29. The specifics regarding timing and severity are yet to be confirmed, but residents are advised to remain vigilant.

Conclusion

As the severe weather system affects South Dakota, residents are encouraged to take precautions and stay updated through reliable weather channels. With the potential for both tornadoes and destructive winds, ensuring your safety and preparedness is paramount during this stormy season.

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As a news editor, I find it crucial to balance urgency with clarity in reporting severe weather updates. Ensuring that key details are accessible not only informs the public effectively but also aids in their preparedness to face such potentially dangerous conditions.