Sioux Falls, South Dakota – Scattered severe thunderstorms are expected to erupt across central South Dakota and Nebraska after 7 p.m. Friday, bringing damaging winds, large hail, and a low-end tornado risk through early Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, the greatest threat for severe weather begins around 5 p.m. in central counties such as Chamberlain and Mitchell, intensifying toward the I-29 corridor—including Sioux Falls and Yankton—by midnight. Hail up to two inches in diameter and wind gusts up to 70 mph are possible. Storms are expected to weaken by 2 a.m. Saturday but may still pose a threat to parts of southwest Minnesota.
Saturday will turn dangerously hot and humid, with heat index values near 100°F across much of southeastern South Dakota. Afternoon storms could redevelop, especially near Yankton and Le Mars, and bring renewed severe weather risks into Saturday evening.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, and remain weather-aware if traveling along I-29 or I-90 tonight. This marks the region’s most significant severe threat since early June.
Scattered storm chances continue into Sunday, though the threat shifts south and weakens.
