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Severe Weather and Flash Flooding From the Upper Midwest to Mid-Atlantic; Heat Continues in the Central and Southeast U.S.

Scattered severe thunderstorms are expected tonight across parts of the Upper Midwest to western Great Lakes. Additional severe storms will also be possible in parts of the northern Plains, central Appalachians, and Mid-Atlantic. Extreme heat is expected to intensify across much of the Southeast and Tennessee Valley, continuing through much of this week. Read More >

Overview

Two tornadoes touched down in Ziebach County, South Dakota Tuesday evening, May 12.  Scott Olson of Brookings, South Dakota witnessed the first tornado west of Red Elm (see image to the right).  National Weather Service meteorologists confirmed a second tornado occurred after conducting a damage survey the following day.

Based on observed damage, the second tornado touched down about five miles west of Dupree and traveled eight miles, with damage ending about three miles northeast of Dupree.  Damage included several barns and grain bins, semi-trailers, small mobile homes, and a toppled communications tower.  Based on the type of damage, winds were estimated between 100 and 110 mph, giving the second tornado a rating of EF1 on a scale of EF0 to EF5 of the Enhanced Fujita Scale

First tornado west of Red Elm around 528 pm MDT.  No damage was reported with this tornado. Photo by Scott Olson.
First tornado west of Red Elm around 528 pm MDT. No damage was reported with this tornado.
Photo by Scott Olson
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