Yankton, SD – Drivers and residents along the South Dakota-Nebraska border are urged to stay alert this evening as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. Tuesday, threatening damaging winds, large hail, and power outages.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, this watch covers multiple counties in southeast South Dakota—Aurora, Bon Homme, Brule, Charles Mix, Clay, Davison, Douglas, Gregory, Hanson, Hutchinson, McCook, Turner, and Yankton—as well as Nebraska’s Boyd, Cedar, Holt, Keya Paha, Knox, and Rock counties. Thunderstorms may develop quickly, with the greatest risk expected between 6 and 10 p.m., and could impact major highways including U.S. 81 and U.S. 18.
Residents in towns like Yankton, Vermillion, and O’Neill should prepare for sudden downpours, gusty winds, and potential hail. Outdoor plans should be rescheduled, and vehicles moved indoors where possible. Emergency managers recommend securing loose items, staying away from windows, and charging cell phones and flashlights in case of power loss.
Storms like these often bring rapid changes, and road conditions may deteriorate quickly. Drivers should monitor local alerts and be ready for possible detours or road closures.
The severe weather threat will taper after 10 p.m., but further watches or warnings are possible if storms persist into the overnight hours.
