2nd highest wind gust in state history recorded in Highmore
Drone footage shows extensive damage after a 131-mph gust struck near Highmore, where severe winds ripped apart buildings and homes, CNN reported.
- On Monday, June 29, a 131-mph wind gust struck near Holabird, South Dakota, with drone footage revealing extensive damage to Highmore and surrounding infrastructure.
- If confirmed, the 211 km/h gust would rank as the 15th strongest thunderstorm wind event ever recorded in the United States, rivaling a 1983 microburst at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland.
- The Aberdeen Office of the NWS surveyed destruction across an 8.66 km corridor, documenting dented grain bins and metal buildings, while emergency managers received two unconfirmed tornado reports from Andover and Pierpont.
- Despite widespread destruction, no injuries or fatalities were reported; damage in Highmore included a partially split ceiling at the Catholic Church and sections of roofing torn away.
- Investigators confirmed the damage resulted from straight-line winds rather than a tornado, though meteorologists continue evaluating data from multiple networks with varying site exposures for final verification.
14 Articles
14 Articles
131-Mph windstorm snaps wind turbines in half across South Dakota
An early morning storm ripped through Highmore, South Dakota, about 220 miles east of Rapid City, producing a reported 131 mph wind gust that, if sustained, would fall within Category 4 hurricane strength on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Local KELOLAND meteorologists Scot Mundt and Brian Karstens were absolutely stunned by the wind speed, which reached 131 mph.
S.D. Governor Rhoden observes damage from early Monday morning storm
HIGHMORE, S.D. – South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden was in Highmore, S.D., Monday to observe storm damage that resulted from a severe thunderstorm early Monday morning. “Today, I traveled to Highmore to assess the damage firsthand and lend a hand however I could,” he posted on Facebook. “I’m grateful to the first responders, utility crews, volunteers, and neighbors working tirelessly to help their communities recover.” According to Rhoden’s offi…
“Unbelievable Damage”: 131-Mph Windstorm Snaps Wind Turbines In Half Across South Dakota
“Unbelievable Damage”: 131-Mph Windstorm Snaps Wind Turbines In Half Across South Dakota An early morning storm ripped through Highmore, South Dakota, about 220 miles east of Rapid City, producing a reported 131 mph wind gust that, if sustained, would fall within Category 4 hurricane strength on the Saffir-Simpson scale. The South Dakota Mesonet station at...
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