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Heavy to Excessive Rainfall in the Central Appalachians; Severe Weather in the Mid-South; Hot Weather in Southern California

Heavy to excessive rainfall may lead to flooding today over southwest Pennsylvania into northern West Virginia, and western Maryland. Severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evening in the Mid-South and across Eastern North Carolina. An extended period of hot weather is forecast for parts of coastal southern California including Los Angeles from today through Thursday. Read More >

Overview

On May 17th, 2018 storms initially formed along a boundary across parts of north central South Dakota. The slow moving storms trained along this boundary and produced significant flooding, large hail and gusty winds. Anywhere from 4 to 9 inches of rain has been estimated along a line extending from Selby, SD to Long Lake, SD. Many roads were over topped with water and barricades were setup. Several reports of basement flooding were noted.

Additional wind producing storms developed over western South Dakota and moved along the I-90/Pierre area. Wind gusts ranging from 60 to 80 mph were reported. Damage included a semi truck tipped over, sheet metal blown off roofs and significant tree damage. 

The heavy rain also aided in the failure of the Hiddenwood Dam at Hiddenwood State Park about 4 miles northeast of Selby, SD during the early morning hours of May 18th, 2018. Water from that break resulted in significant overland flooding and many county and secondary roads went under water. 

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Flooding in Long Lake, SD. Photo courtesy of Sandy Chapman. 
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