South Dakota deals with some of the country’s most dangerous weather every year. Cold air from Canada collides with warm, humid Gulf air here, setting the stage for wild storms, tornadoes, and huge temperature swings.
If you take time to understand weather risks, you can cut down on fear, property damage, and injuries during extreme weather. Folks who prep early with emergency plans and supplies usually stay safer when storms hit.
From powerful derechos with 80+ mph winds to tornadoes and sudden flooding, South Dakota weather can flip in minutes. This guide breaks down the basics for prepping for each type of extreme weather, building emergency networks, and bouncing back after storms.
Understanding South Dakota’s Extreme Weather Risks
South Dakota gets hammered by all sorts of severe weather, from tornadoes and hail in spring and summer to blizzards and ice storms in winter. Living in the Great Plains brings its own set of unpredictable weather patterns.
Common Severe Weather Threats
Tornadoes are probably the biggest worry for most South Dakotans. The state sees about 35 tornadoes a year, mostly from May to July.
Most tornadoes spin up in the late afternoon or early evening. They can form out of nowhere from supercell storms.
Severe thunderstorms aren’t just about thunder and lightning. They often bring:
- Hail bigger than golf balls
- Straight-line winds over 80 mph
- Flash floods from sudden downpours
Winter storms can turn deadly fast. Blizzards create whiteouts with 35+ mph winds and heavy snow.
Ice storms coat everything in slick, dangerous ice. These storms can leave people without power for days and make roads unusable.
Derechos are rare but nasty, long-lived windstorms that can sweep across the state. They leave damage like inland hurricanes.
Regional Weather Patterns and Hotspots
Eastern South Dakota gets hit hardest by tornadoes. Sioux Falls and Brookings sit right in a spot where warm southern air collides with cold northern air.
The James River Valley, including Huron, often sees severe thunderstorms. The low valley channels storms and can make them worse.
Central South Dakota, around Pierre, faces its own weather quirks. The Missouri River can ramp up storms in odd ways.
Western South Dakota doesn’t get as many tornadoes but has a bigger wildfire problem. Dry, hot, and windy weather makes fires more likely.
The Black Hills have their own microclimates. Sudden storms and quick temperature swings are common because of the elevation.
Southwest Minnesota often shares the same severe weather as eastern South Dakota. Folks in this border region face similar threats.
Historical Extreme Weather Events
The Spencer tornado on May 30, 1998, was one of the worst in state history. That F4 tornado killed six people and nearly wiped out the town.
The Halloween Blizzard of 1991 dumped over three feet of snow in some areas. Winds topped 70 mph, making travel impossible.
Several derechos have swept across South Dakota in the last few decades. These windstorms have wrecked crops and property, costing millions.
The 2019 Missouri River flooding broke records in central South Dakota. Pierre and nearby towns saw water levels never recorded before.
Severe hailstorms keep causing big losses for farmers and homeowners. The largest hailstone ever found here was a whopping 4.5 inches across.
All these events show just how wild and unpredictable South Dakota’s weather can be.
How to Prepare for Severe Storms and Tornadoes
You’ve got to stay on your toes during storm season in South Dakota. Knowing where to shelter and keeping supplies ready can save your life when severe storms roll in with tornadoes, giant hail, or heavy rain.
Recognizing National Weather Service Alerts
The National Weather Service sends out different alerts depending on how bad and how close the storm is. A watch means severe weather could develop soon. A warning means it’s happening right now or about to.
Tornado watches cover big areas where tornadoes might form. These give you time to get ready and keep an eye on the sky. Tornado warnings mean someone has spotted a tornado or radar picked one up.
Severe thunderstorm warnings mean storms have winds over 58 mph or hail bigger than an inch. That kind of hail can smash cars and windows in no time.
| Alert Type | What It Means | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Watch | Conditions are right for severe weather | Stay alert and monitor updates |
| Warning | Dangerous weather is happening now | Take shelter immediately |
Sign up for weather alerts on your phone if you haven’t already. Towns like Sioux Falls and Brookings have outdoor sirens, but those don’t always work if the power’s out.
Identifying Safe Shelter Areas
If a tornado’s coming, get to a basement or storm cellar. Head for the lowest level and stay away from windows. Interior rooms are safer since more walls can shield you.
Mobile homes just aren’t safe in tornadoes. Find a sturdy building nearby, like a school or community center. Never try to outrun a tornado in your car.
In apartments or offices, avoid elevators and big open rooms like gyms. Small interior rooms on the lowest floor are better bets. Closets and bathrooms often have strong walls.
Best shelter spots:
- Basement or storm cellar
- Interior room on the lowest floor
- Away from windows and doors
- Under stairs or in small closets
Practice tornado drills with your family. Everyone should know exactly where to go when the sirens go off.
Emergency Kit Essentials
Pack enough supplies to last three days. Tornadoes and heavy rain can knock out power and block roads for a while. Water tops the list—one gallon per person per day.
Basic emergency supplies:
- Water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable food for three days
- Battery-powered radio
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications
- Cash in small bills
Families with babies need diapers, formula, and baby food. Pet owners should remember food, water, and carriers for their animals. Keep important papers like insurance info in waterproof bags.
A battery-powered weather radio keeps you in the loop if the power goes out. Don’t forget cell phone chargers and backup batteries. Check your batteries twice a year.
Store your emergency kit in your safe room so you can grab it fast.
Flood Preparation and Response Strategies
Flooding is a real risk in South Dakota thanks to heavy rain, snowmelt, and big storm systems. Knowing the warning signs, securing your home, and having an escape plan are musts if you want to stay safe.
Understanding Flood Watches and Warnings
The National Weather Service uses a few types of alerts for floods. A flood watch means flooding could happen soon.
A flood warning means flooding is already happening or will start very soon. Take action right away if you hear this.
Flash flood warnings are the most dangerous. Flash floods can hit in minutes, sometimes with almost no warning. Dry creek beds can turn into raging rivers before you know it.
Sign up for local warning systems. The Emergency Alert System sends messages to phones, radios, and TVs. NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts flood alerts 24/7.
Check out FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center to see if your home is at risk. Knowing your flood zone helps you prep better.
Protecting Your Home Against Floods
You can do a lot to reduce flood damage before storms hit. Avoid building in floodplains unless you raise and reinforce your home.
Install check valves in your sewer lines to keep floodwater from backing up into your drains. This stops sewage from flooding your basement.
Flood prep checklist:
- Move valuables to higher floors
- Shut off electricity in flood-prone areas
- Fill bathtubs with clean water for emergencies
- Tie down outdoor furniture and gear
- Clear gutters and storm drains
Sandbags can help steer water away from your house. Stack them tight around doors and low windows.
Never walk or drive through floodwater. Six inches can knock you off your feet, and two feet can float your car.
Evacuation Planning for Flood-Prone Areas
If you live in a flood zone, have an evacuation plan ready long before storms roll in. Know more than one route to higher ground since floods can block main roads.
Every family member should know where to meet if you get separated. Pick a spot on high ground, far from flood zones.
Emergency kit must-haves:
- Three days’ worth of water and food
- Battery-powered radio
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Important documents in waterproof bags
- Cash in small bills
Practice your evacuation plan with everyone—including kids. Children need to know what to do if adults aren’t home when flooding starts.
Line up a friend or family member outside the flood zone where you can stay. Hotels and shelters fill up fast during big floods.
Don’t forget pets in your evacuation plans. Many shelters won’t take animals, so have a backup for them.
Wildfire and Earthquake Readiness
South Dakotans have to prep for wildfires and earthquakes, too. Creating defensible space and knowing basic earthquake safety can make a huge difference.
Reducing Fire Risk Around Your Property
Clear brush, dead plants, and anything flammable within 100 feet of your house to create defensible space. This buffer slows fires down and gives firefighters a fighting chance.
Immediate Zone (0-5 feet from home):
- Remove dead plants and grass
- Clean pine needles from gutters and roofs
- Store firewood at least 30 feet away
- Plant fire-resistant stuff like native grasses
Intermediate Zone (5-30 feet):
- Thin out bushes and trees
- Prune tree branches 6-10 feet up
- Get rid of “ladder fuels” that let fire climb
- Keep lawns green and trimmed if you can
Use fire-resistant building materials when possible. Metal roofs, cement siding, and double-pane windows help keep embers out.
Clean gutters every month during fire season. Swap wood chips for gravel or concrete walkways right next to your house.
Earthquake Safety Basics
Central South Dakota gets the occasional earthquake, so it pays to be ready. The state sits near fault zones that can shake things up.
When the ground shakes, Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Drop to your knees, get under sturdy furniture, and hang on until it stops.
If you’re outside, move away from buildings, trees, and wires. In a car, pull over and stay put until the shaking ends.
Home prep tips:
- Bolt heavy furniture to walls
- Add latches to cabinets
- Keep breakables on low shelves
- Know safe spots in every room
Keep emergency supplies handy. A battery-powered radio, flashlight, and first aid kit are crucial if the power goes out.
Run earthquake drills with your family. Kids should know what to do at school and at home.
Evacuation Procedures for Wildfires
Wildfire evacuations call for quick choices and planning ahead. Set up multiple escape routes since fires can block main roads.
Before you go:
- Pack emergency supplies ahead of time
- Pick meeting spots outside your neighborhood
- Plan for pets and livestock
- Sign up for local alerts
If officials tell you to leave, don’t wait. The longer you stay, the riskier it gets.
While evacuating:
- Shut all windows and doors
- Turn off the gas
- Leave lights on so firefighters can see
- Take only what you need
Stay tuned to local radio and official social media for updates. Never go back until authorities give the all-clear.
If you can’t evacuate, call 911 and shelter in place. Clear flammable stuff from around your home and fill containers with water just in case.
Community and Regional Emergency Resources
South Dakota communities depend on coordinated emergency management systems. Local agencies, regional shelters, and weather monitoring services all play a part. They try to protect residents during severe weather by planning, communicating, and offering direct help.
Local Emergency Plans and Agencies
Every South Dakota county has its own emergency management office. These offices coordinate disaster response and create plans based on local weather risks like tornadoes, blizzards, and flooding.
Cities like Sioux Falls, Huron, and Brookings have emergency management coordinators on staff. These folks work with fire departments, police, and medical services to respond quickly when weather emergencies hit.
Local agencies run regular training exercises to test their plans. They team up with state officials to make sure resources will be there when needed.
Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) offer free disaster training to residents. They show people how to help neighbors during emergencies. CERT volunteers learn basic disaster response skills, which honestly, everyone should probably know.
Emergency managers keep warning systems running, like sirens and emergency broadcasts. They choose when to activate these systems by watching weather conditions and public safety threats.
Regional Shelters and Assistance
Schools, community centers, and churches open as emergency shelters during severe weather. These places give people a safe spot if they have to leave home.
Central South Dakota communities often share shelter resources when big emergencies happen. If one town’s shelters fill up, nearby towns help house displaced residents.
Red Cross chapters across South Dakota run emergency shelters and hand out disaster relief supplies. They work with local emergency managers to figure out where shelters should go and how many people they can handle.
Regional assistance programs help out after severe weather causes damage. These programs step in with temporary housing, food, and cleanup supplies for people who need it.
State emergency officials coordinate sharing resources between regions. That way, communities hardest hit by storms get help from those less affected.
Role of the National Weather Service
The National Weather Service sends out weather watches and warnings that kick off local emergency responses. Their forecasters monitor conditions around the clock from regional offices.
Weather watches mean severe conditions might develop. These alerts give communities time to get ready and look over emergency plans.
Weather warnings signal that dangerous conditions are happening or will happen soon. Local agencies use these warnings to set off sirens, open shelters, and notify residents to take action.
NWS meteorologists talk directly with emergency managers in places like Sioux Falls and Brookings. They give detailed briefings about expected weather and possible impacts.
The service also runs Severe Weather Preparedness Week activities. During this week, they help communities practice emergency procedures and test warning systems.
After the Storm: Recovery and Resilience
Recovering from severe weather in South Dakota takes quick damage assessment, attention to health risks, and connecting with available resources. Communities really have to come together to rebuild stronger.
Assessing Damage and Insurance Claims
Property owners should take photos of all damage before making repairs. Snap pictures from different angles and get close-ups of specific problems.
Call your insurance company within 24 hours after the storm. Many insurers have mobile apps now, which makes filing claims faster.
Key documentation needed:
- Photos of all damaged areas
- Video walkthrough of property
- List of damaged personal items
- Receipts for emergency repairs
Keep records of every storm-related expense. Save all receipts for temporary housing, food spoilage, and emergency supplies.
Insurance adjusters might take a few days to reach your area after a major storm. Starting the claims process early helps avoid delays.
Don’t toss out damaged items until the adjuster checks them. Store ruined belongings somewhere safe for inspection.
Health and Safety Considerations
Floodwater in South Dakota often has harmful bacteria and chemicals. Never walk or drive through standing water after storms, no matter how tempting it looks.
Check drinking water before using it. Boil water for at least a minute if local officials say so.
Common health risks after severe weather:
- Contaminated water sources
- Mold in damp areas
- Carbon monoxide from generators
- Cuts from debris cleanup
Always use generators outside and away from windows. Carbon monoxide poisoning kills several people each year during recovery, which is tragic and avoidable.
Look for mold within 48 hours after flooding. Get rid of wet materials fast to stop mold from growing.
If you get cuts or wounds during cleanup, seek medical attention. You might need a tetanus shot for deep cuts from debris.
Community Recovery Resources
South Dakota Emergency Management steps in to coordinate disaster response across the state. They connect communities with federal aid programs and volunteer organizations.
Local churches and community centers often turn into emergency shelters and resource hubs. These spots offer meals, supplies, and updates about available help.
Common recovery resources:
- FEMA disaster assistance programs
- Red Cross emergency aid
- Salvation Army mobile kitchens
- Local volunteer cleanup crews
In small towns, people really depend on each other during recovery. Folks organize cleanup days and supply drives, usually without much formal planning.
County extension offices give advice about agricultural recovery after storms. They help farmers look at crop damage and connect them with disaster loan programs.
The state has a network of emergency management coordinators in every county. These officials know the area and can point residents toward the right resources.