Sioux Falls, South Dakota – Residents across eastern South Dakota, southwest Minnesota, northwest Iowa and northeast Nebraska should stay alert for the potential of severe thunderstorms Sunday evening into the overnight hours, even as forecasters caution that uncertainty remains regarding exactly where storms will develop.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, a conditional severe weather risk is in place for Sunday evening through the overnight hours. The greatest concern is east of Interstate 29, where the environment may support severe thunderstorms if they are able to form.
Communities including Sioux Falls, Brookings, Yankton, Vermillion, Spencer, Storm Lake, Worthington and surrounding areas should be prepared for rapidly changing weather Sunday night. Areas along and east of I-29 face a Level 2 out of 5 severe weather risk, while locations closer to the interstate are under a Level 1 out of 5 risk.
If storms develop, the primary hazards include damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph, large hail up to half-dollar size, and torrential rainfall capable of causing localized flooding. Because the threat extends into the overnight hours, residents are urged to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings that do not rely solely on outdoor warning sirens.
Forecast confidence in storm coverage and timing remains limited, but the National Weather Service will continue refining the outlook through the weekend. Additional severe thunderstorm watches or warnings could be issued quickly if confidence increases or storms begin to develop Sunday evening.
