Sioux Falls, S.D. – A severe thunderstorm moving across southeastern South Dakota early Friday is packing damaging winds and large hail, prompting warnings in Lake, Miner and McCook counties.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, radar detected the storm near Salem around 2:15 a.m., tracking southeast at 25 mph. The system is producing wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail the size of ping-pong balls, with the potential to cause roof, siding and vehicle damage.
Communities near Salem, Lake Herman State Park and rural stretches of northeastern McCook County are expected to see the heaviest impacts before 2:30 a.m. Officials are urging residents to move to interior rooms and avoid windows until the storm passes.
The weather service also warned of torrential rainfall, raising the risk of flash flooding. Drivers are advised not to cross water-covered roads, as flooding could occur quickly with rainfall rates this high.
Additional alerts may be issued overnight if storms maintain strength as they push east.
