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Severe Thunderstorm and Heavy Rainfall Potential Continues

A low pressure center tracking across the Great Lakes and its associated cold front extending across the Southern Plains will focus occasional showers and thunderstorms through tonight. A few of these thunderstorms may become severe alongside heavy rainfall that may cause flash flooding; Portions of the Southern Plains would be the greatest threat for these hazards through tonight. Read More >

Overview

During the late afternoon and early evening of June 23, 1998, a slow-moving supercell thunderstorm produced a series of three tornadoes about 15 to 20 miles north-to-northeast of downtown Rapid City, South Dakota. Luckily, little damage was caused by these impressive tornadoes as they slowly moved eastward, to the north of I-90 and Ellsworth Air Force Base.

There also was considerable crop damage associated with this supercell as it moved through Meade County. One observer reported hen egg size hail (2") falling for over an hour as the storm continuously re-developed over the same area.

This page briefly outlines the meteorological conditions and radar imagery associated with this event.

Track Map
Map of the three tornado locations on June 23, 1998

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