Weather
Sioux Falls, SD Storm Alert: Ping Pong Hail, 60 MPH Winds Oct. 28
Sioux Falls, SD — Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms could develop across southeastern South Dakota, southwestern Minnesota and northwestern Iowa Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 28, with a small p
By Claire Benton · 2026-10-28T11:50:08.950Z
Sioux Falls, SD — Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms could develop across southeastern South Dakota, southwestern Minnesota and northwestern Iowa Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 28, with a small possibility of severe storms producing ping pong ball sized hail and wind gusts reaching 60 mph.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, scattered showers are expected to develop throughout Wednesday before a few thunderstorms potentially form during the afternoon and early evening.
The primary thunderstorm risk extends from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday , with the strongest storms capable of producing hail approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
Forecasters say damaging wind gusts reaching 60 mph are also possible if stronger thunderstorms develop.
However, the National Weather Service emphasizes that severe weather development remains conditional.
Most communities are not expected to experience thunderstorms , and the probability of a storm becoming severe is estimated at only 5% to 10% if one develops.
The greatest hail concern is focused on southwestern Minnesota, where atmospheric conditions may become more favorable for stronger storms later in the afternoon.
Storm Development Remains Uncertain
Forecast radar illustrations show scattered showers and thunderstorms potentially moving across the region between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Communities around Sioux Falls, Brookings, Marshall, Minnesota, and Spencer, Iowa, should monitor changing conditions as showers develop.
Forecasters indicate storms may struggle to strengthen until they move farther east, limiting the overall severe weather threat across much of southeastern South Dakota.
Despite the relatively low probability, any isolated severe thunderstorm could produce hazardous hail or damaging wind gusts.
Residents planning afternoon or evening outdoor activities should remain weather aware and have access to reliable alerts.
The National Weather Service advises moving indoors whenever thunder is heard or lightning is visible.
Drivers should also remain alert for localized downpours and rapidly changing conditions.
For official forecasts and warnings, visit weather.gov/fsd.