Rapid City, South Dakota – A wide swath of South Dakota is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 7 a.m. Sunday, as dangerous storms sweep across the state with damaging wind gusts, hail, and the risk of isolated tornadoes overnight.
According to the Storm Prediction Center, the watch—officially labeled Severe Thunderstorm Watch 597—includes 28 counties, stretching from Butte and Pennington in the west to Brown and Spink in the northeast. Residents across central and western South Dakota are urged to remain alert as strong storms track through the area overnight.
Cities including Rapid City, Pierre, Spearfish, and Aberdeen may experience wind gusts over 60 mph, frequent lightning, and hail up to the size of quarters. Drivers should avoid unnecessary travel and stay off open highways during active storms. Mobile home residents and those in rural housing are advised to secure loose items and have emergency plans in place.
This system follows a day of intense daytime heating and unstable atmospheric conditions, fueling storm development late Saturday night.
The thunderstorm threat is expected to diminish after sunrise, but additional weather statements may follow depending on storm evolution.
