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Heat Wave Expands to the East Coast; Flash Flooding Likely in the Central Plains into the Midwest; Severe Thunderstorms in the Northeast

Dangerous, prolonged heat is ongoing in the Mid-South to Mid-Mississippi Valley and heat expands into the Northeast for a brief period today. Widely scattered instances of flash flooding due to heavy rains are forecast from northeast Kansas to much of Indiana. Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possible across parts of New England, northern Mid-Atlantic, and North Dakota. Read More >

Overview

Two tornadoes touched down in Ziebach County, South Dakota Tuesday evening, May 12.  Scott Olson of Brookings, South Dakota witnessed the first tornado west of Red Elm (see image to the right).  National Weather Service meteorologists confirmed a second tornado occurred after conducting a damage survey the following day.

Based on observed damage, the second tornado touched down about five miles west of Dupree and traveled eight miles, with damage ending about three miles northeast of Dupree.  Damage included several barns and grain bins, semi-trailers, small mobile homes, and a toppled communications tower.  Based on the type of damage, winds were estimated between 100 and 110 mph, giving the second tornado a rating of EF1 on a scale of EF0 to EF5 of the Enhanced Fujita Scale

First tornado west of Red Elm around 528 pm MDT.  No damage was reported with this tornado. Photo by Scott Olson.
First tornado west of Red Elm around 528 pm MDT. No damage was reported with this tornado.
Photo by Scott Olson
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