Severe weather has been the story of the summer across KELOLAND, as June and July turned up the intensity with a staggering number of storm warnings, record-breaking rainfall, and massive damage to communities.
This blog post delves into the key weather events of these two months, examining what made them extraordinary and what it could mean for the future of the region.
From an EF-3 tornado to record-setting July rainfall, the weather’s impact on KELOLAND has been nothing short of historic.
The Summer Storm Surge: Comparing June and July
The summer months of 2023 have been a whirlwind for residents in KELOLAND, as severe weather dominated both June and July.
Combined, the two months saw a remarkable 771 weather warnings, with alerts ranging from severe thunderstorms to tornadoes and floods.
July clearly overshadowed June in its impact, especially for certain areas like northeast South Dakota and northwest Iowa.
June: A Prelude to Destruction
June may have started below average in terms of rainfall, but the month was anything but mild when it came to severe weather.
A total of 323 severe weather warnings were issued throughout the month, with significant storms wreaking havoc on multiple communities.
The most notable event was an EF-3 tornado near Gary, South Dakota.
This tornado underscored the season’s capacity for destruction and served as a harbinger of July’s even more severe weather patterns.
Flooding, though present, was not as widespread in June due to below-average precipitation.
Brief, isolated instances of flash flooding kept emergency services active, reminding residents of the region’s susceptibility to rapid water accumulation with each storm.
July: A Month for the Weather Record Books
July raised the stakes, becoming the summer’s most intense chapter for KELOLAND’s weather.
The number of weather warnings climbed dramatically to 448, a sharp increase of 125 from June.
Flood warnings doubled, with standing water becoming a recurring issue, particularly in northwest Iowa.
Cities such as Storm Lake and Spencer were inundated with more than 12 inches of rain, putting July rainfall miles above normal levels.
What fueled this surge in warnings were slow-moving thunderstorms capable of unleashing large quantities of precipitation in short timeframes.
This dynamic not only saturated soils across the region but also marked a sharp contrast to June’s drier conditions.
In cities like Aberdeen and Rapid City, rainfall volumes nearly doubled their monthly averages, further contributing to the widespread flooding.
The Regional Impact: From Tornadoes to Torrential Rains
Weather irregularities such as those seen in June and July are more than just statistics—they have widespread real-world impacts.
The EF-3 tornado near Gary, South Dakota, inflicted structural damage and left scars on both land and community.
Repeated rounds of severe rainfall in northwest Iowa tested the capacity of local drainage systems, impacted crops, and disrupted daily life.
The Watertown area became one of July’s focal points, receiving multiple waves of severe storms.
Damage assessments from these storms are ongoing, but residents described harrowing experiences of winds, hail, and rapid flooding threatening their homes and livelihoods.
- Preparedness: The events of June and July reaffirm the importance of staying alert during severe weather seasons, as conditions can change rapidly.
- Infrastructure Concerns: Repeated flooding highlights the need for investment in modern drainage systems, especially in vulnerable areas like northwest Iowa.
- Climate Considerations: While not directly linked to climate change, the frequency and severity of extreme weather events may hint at larger, long-term shifts in atmospheric dynamics.
Looking Ahead: What Does August Hold?
As KELOLAND steps into August, the region appears to be catching its breath with a temporary lull in severe weather activity. However, meteorologists warn that this could be a brief reprieve.
Forecast models suggest that the active weather pattern could soon return. Communities remain on high alert for potential storms.
Now would be an ideal time for residents to review their emergency preparedness plans. Ensuring homes are storm-ready and staying up to date with the latest weather alerts is crucial.
Here is the source article for this story: June vs July: how severe has the weather been?