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Snow in the Intermountain West; Critical Fire Weather Conditions in the Central U.S.

A Pacific Storm will bring colder temperatures and widespread mountain snow to much of the Intermountain West through the end of the week. Elevated to critical fire weather conditions will persist over parts of the northern and central Plains, the Great Basin, and the northern Gulf Coast Thursday where widespread Red Flag Warnings have been issued. Read More >

Overview

Mother Nature provided her own firework show this 4th of July for some, and unfortunately, severe weather as well. A few storms across southern North Dakota merged and intensified as they drifted southward from the early evening to past nightfall across/near the James River Valley. Significant damage resulted from straight-line wind gusts of 80+ mph, as well as an EF-2 tornado near Wetonka. Heavy rain, especially in Hand County, also led to flooding issues. 

Additional rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms developed the following day, on July 5th, mainly across and west of the James River Valley. Wind gusts of 70+ mph were associated with a complex of storms across Jones, Lyman and Buffalo Counties during the early evening. Numerous storms then developed from northern Brown to Walworth Counties, beginning around 7pm. Several funnel clouds were spotted with this activity, particularly around the Long Lake and Bowdle/Hoven areas. Strong winds and some hail, as well as localized flooding, also accompanied this activity at times before it all diminished in intensity by around 10pm. 

 Tree uprooted 2 miles west of Westport, SD (Kristi Burns)
Funnel cloud observed on July 5th, courtesy of Missy Munns Thomas
View of the June 6, 2020 storm reports over western South Dakota View of the June 6, 2020 storm reports over western South Dakota View of the June 7, 2020 storm reports over South Dakota View of the June 7, 2020 storm reports over South Dakota
July 4th surface weather map at 4pm July 4th storm reports across the area July 5th surface weather map at 4pm July 5th storm reports across the area
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