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Multiple Days of Severe Weather from Thunderstorms and Wildfires

Active spring pattern across the center of the nation with several rounds of severe thunderstorms in the forecast through the weekend. The regions under the greatest threats are the southern Plains into the Mississippi Valley. Meanwhile, dry and breezy conditions with dry fuels are aiding in wildfires across the western High Plains and the Southeast. Wind and some snow for northern Rockies. Read More >

Overview

Late in the evening on Wednesday, May 11, thunderstorms moved across south central South Dakota, while others developed over the Black Hills and moved northeast overnight. Portions of the western South Dakota plains were hit by multiple thunderstorms overnight, which brought damaging winds and large hail. The most severe wind damage occurred in the Red Owl area, where several outbuildings were substantially damaged or completely destroyed. A damage survey determined the damage was caused by very strong straight-line winds, not a tornado. While the highest measured wind gust was 76 mph, the structure damage indicated wind gusts were higher than 80 mph. 

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