Rapid City, SD – Severe thunderstorms are expected to strike Rapid City and western South Dakota on Tuesday evening, with damaging winds and hail posing serious risks. The National Weather Service has warned that storms will develop in the late afternoon and intensify into the night, peaking between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.
According to the NWS, wind gusts could reach up to 75 mph, accompanied by lightning and hail as large as one inch. Residents are urged to secure loose objects and stay indoors as conditions deteriorate. Travel may become hazardous due to downed trees and power lines. Storms are expected to weaken as they move into central South Dakota by midnight.
Coinciding with the storm activity is a partial lunar eclipse and Supermoon, with the eclipse beginning at 8:41 p.m. and peaking at 10:44 p.m. While the eclipse offers a celestial spectacle, safety remains the priority during the severe weather event.
