by Pierre, SD – Severe thunderstorms prompted alerts for nearly 5,000 people on Monday afternoon, with National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists warning that anyone caught outdoors—including pets—could be injured as the storms moved through the area.
High Winds and Hail Pose Serious Hazards
The severe thunderstorms, producing wind gusts up to 60 mph, have the potential to snap large tree limbs, topple entire trees, and send unsecured objects airborne. These conditions create hazards for people, vehicles, and structures. The NWS Rapid City office in South Dakota issued a warning highlighting the risks of “ping pong ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts,” noting that both could cause injury and infrastructure damage.
Storm Details and Affected Areas
The warning was first issued just after 2 p.m. MDT on Monday. At that time, the storm was located three miles northwest of Nemo and 13 miles south of Sturgis, moving southeast at 15 mph.
Residents were urged to move indoors immediately, as large hail and lightning strikes posed serious dangers. The alert advised: “People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”
Impacted locations included Black Hawk, Johnson Siding, Nemo, Silver City, Hisega, Pactola Reservoir, Dalton Lake, Roubaix Lake, and Sheridan Lake. Residents were instructed to seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of a building until the storm passed.
Warnings Continue as Storm Intensifies
The initial warning was set to remain in effect until 3 p.m. MDT. However, another severe thunderstorm warning was issued after 3 p.m. as the storm continued producing hail measuring up to 3.25 inches in diameter. NWS meteorologist Scott Rudge said that thunderstorms in South Dakota could continue throughout the evening.
Earlier on Monday, NWS Rapid City meteorologists had warned of possible strong to severe storms, posting on X: “There is a chance for a few isolated storms today, some storms may be strong to severe. Highs will be in the 80s to 90s. Drier Tues through Thurs with highs in the 80s to 90s Tuesday and in the 90s to low 100s for Wednesday and Thursday.”
Other States Also at Risk
In addition to South Dakota, similar severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for parts of Illinois, Missouri, Louisiana, and Mississippi on Monday afternoon.
Safety Recommendations
Authorities advised residents to continue monitoring local weather updates and move indoors if a storm develops. Seeking shelter and avoiding outdoor activity remain the safest precautions as the storm system moves through the region.
