Rapid City, South Dakota – Heavy downpours threaten to trigger flash flooding across northwestern and central South Dakota through 9 p.m. Friday, as thunderstorms stall over the region and dump more than 2 inches of rain per hour in some spots.
According to the National Weather Service, a Flood Watch is in effect until Friday night for Harding, Perkins, Ziebach, Meade, Haakon, Hughes, Hyde, Stanley, Sully, Corson, Dewey, Potter, and Walworth counties—including communities like Rapid City, Pierre, Buffalo, Faith, Mobridge, and Gettysburg. Slow-moving storms will cause excess runoff, putting local rivers, creeks, and low-lying areas at risk of sudden flooding.
Motorists should avoid travel on flooded roads, especially rural highways and bridges near the Cheyenne and Missouri rivers. In Pierre, Fort Pierre, and Faith, local officials warn of street closures if downpours continue through the evening commute. Emergency management advises residents to move to higher ground if water levels rise, and to charge phones and check weather alerts throughout the afternoon.
Today’s storms could deliver the region’s heaviest summer rainfall yet, rivaling flash flood events seen in 2021. Rain is expected to taper after 9 p.m., but any additional showers may renew the flood threat overnight.
Flood Watch remains in effect until 9 p.m. MDT/10 p.m. CDT. Monitor local alerts for updates and possible warnings.
