Tornadoes and Hail in South Dakota, July 17, 2015

Name: Tornadoes and Hail in South Dakota, July 17, 2015
Start: 2015-07-17T15:30
End: 2015-07-17T21:10
Location: South Dakota

July 17, 2015 · NWS ABR · 100 events in 13 counties and zones

A surface low pressure area moving across South Dakota combined with a warm front lifting north and a cold front moving east brought many severe thunderstorms to northeast South Dakota. Large hail up to the size of baseballs, damaging winds up to 100 mph, along with a few tornadoes affected much of northeast South Dakota.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 100

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS ABR wrote it up.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Aberdeen, SD wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jul 17, 3:05 PM CST, 25 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jul 17, 3:05 PM CST, 25 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION...UPDATED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ABERDEEN SD
405 PM CDT FRI JUL 17 2015

.UPDATE...
ISSUED AT 401 PM CDT FRI JUL 17 2015

UPDATED PRODUCTS FOR THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH.

&&

.SHORT TERM...(THIS EVENING THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT)
ISSUED AT 214 PM CDT FRI JUL 17 2015

CURRENTLY...TEMPERATURES OUT AHEAD OF SLOW-MOVING COLD FRONT ARE
WARMING THROUGH THE 80S INTO THE LOW 90S. BEHIND THE
FRONT...TEMPERATURES ARE NOTABLY COOLER WITH READINGS RANGING FROM
THE UPPER 60S TO THE LOW 80S. THE ATMOSPHERE OUT AHEAD OF THIS COLD
FRONT COULD BE CHARACTERIZED AS BECOMING RATHER UNSTABLE...WITH
MLCAPE VALUES OFF SPC'S MESO-PAGE SHOWING A BULLS-EYE OF OVER
2500J/KG. AT THE SAME TIME...THE DEEP LAYER SHEAR HAS INCREASED TO
45 TO 50 KNOTS. THESE TWO INDICES/PARAMETERS ALONE SUGGEST
SIGNIFICANTLY STRONG/SEVERE STORMS ARE POSSIBLE.

THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE TONIGHT...ALL THE AVAILABLE MODEL
GUIDANCE /INCLUDING CAM OUTPUT/ SEEMS TO SUGGEST THERE WILL BE AT
LEAST SCATTERED COVERAGE OF PRECIPITATION OVER THE CWA. THE
RECURRING THEME IN THE HRRR...ARW...NMM...NAMDNG5...NSSL WRF AND
LOCAL WRF IS THAT THERE COULD BE TWO ROUNDS OF STRONG TO SEVERE
THUNDERSTORMS OVER THE NEXT 12 HOURS OR SO. ONE ROUND OF SEVERE
STORMS IS EXPECTED TO FIRE OFF THIS SLOW MOVING COLD FRONT BY LATE
THIS AFTERNOON...AFFECTING MAINLY NORTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA WITH
DISCRETE SUPERCELL THUNDERSTORMS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING VERY LARGE
HAIL...DAMAGING WINDS AND BY EARLY THIS EVENING PERHAPS EVEN A
TORNADO OR TWO. A SECOND ROUND OF STRONG TO PERHAPS SEVERE STORMS
COULD BE MOVING INTO THE SOUTHERN /I-90 CORRIDOR/ FORECAST AREA
LIFTING EAST-NORTHEAST BETWEEN ROUGHLY 01Z AND 06Z. THIS SECOND
ROUND OF STORMS...WHILE NOT AFFIXED TO OR OUT AHEAD OF THIS COLD
FRONT...WILL HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO ORGANIZE INTO A FORWARD
PROPAGATING SQUALL LINE/BOWING LINE SEGMENT AND PRODUCE SEVERE
STRAIGHT LINE WIND DAMAGE GIVEN THE AMOUNT OF CLOUD-BEARING SHEAR
THAT WILL BE AROUND THROUGH LATE THIS EVENING INTO THE OVERNIGHT
HOURS.

ONCE THESE CONVECTION CHANCES GO AWAY LATE TONIGHT...THE REST OF THE
SHORT TERM FORECAST IS DRY AND COOL WITH SURFACE HIGH PRESSURE
INFLUENCING THE FORECAST AREA. EXPECT TEMPERATURES THE NEXT COUPLE
OF DAYS TO BE CLOSER TO NORMAL...AND NOT SO UNCOMFORTABLY MUGGY.

.LONG TERM...(MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY)
ISSUED AT 214 PM CDT FRI JUL 17 2015

THERE IS A REASONABLE AGREEMENT AMONG MODELS WITH THE UPPER
LEVEL FLOW PATTERN ACROSS THE CONUS THROUGH THE PERIOD. THERE IS
FAIRLY GOOD SIGNAL FOR WIDESPREAD PCPN CHANCES LATE TUESDAY
NIGHT/WEDNESDAY AS A FAIRLY STRONG SHORTWAVE CROSSES THE REGION.
BEYOND WEDNESDAY...PCPN CHANCES ARE A BEST GUESS AS THE GFS SHOWS AN
AREA OF LOW PRESSURE SITUATED WEST OF THE CWA THROUGH THE REST OF
THE PERIOD. WHILE THERE WILL BE DECENT CAPE VALUES...THERE WILL ALSO
BE A FAIRLY STRONG CAP IN PLACE WITH 700 MB TEMPS OF +12 TO +14.

&&

.AVIATION...(FOR THE 18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SATURDAY AFTERNOON)
ISSUED AT 1249 PM CDT FRI JUL 17 2015

A COLD FRONT CROSSING THE REGION WILL BRING SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON...MAINLY FOR THE TERMINALS OF
KABR/KATY. CONDITIONS MAY BRIEFLY FALL TO MVFR WITH HEAVIER
THUNDERSTORMS. ADDITIONAL STORMS ARE POSSIBLE LATER TONIGHT AS A
SECONDARY FRONTAL BOUNDARY CROSSES THE REGION. KPIR AND PERHAPS
KATY WILL HAVE THE BEST POTENTIAL OF SEEING THUNDERSTORMS WITH THE
SECOND FRONT. GUSTY NORTHWESTERLY WINDS ARE EXPECTED ON
SATURDAY...ALONG WITH VFR CONDITIONS.

&&

.ABR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
SD...NONE.
MN...NONE.
&&

UPDATE...DORN
SHORT TERM...DORN
LONG TERM...SD
AVIATION...SD

Hazardous weather outlook, Jul 17, 3:09 AM CST, 12 hours 21 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ABERDEEN SD
409 AM CDT FRI JUL 17 2015

MNZ039-046-SDZ004>011-016>023-180915-
TRAVERSE-BIG STONE-CAMPBELL-MCPHERSON-BROWN-MARSHALL-ROBERTS-
WALWORTH-EDMUNDS-DAY-POTTER-FAULK-SPINK-CLARK-CODINGTON-GRANT-
HAMLIN-DEUEL-
409 AM CDT FRI JUL 17 2015

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF WEST CENTRAL
MINNESOTA...NORTH CENTRAL SOUTH DAKOTA AND NORTHEAST SOUTH
DAKOTA.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT

THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING. THEY WILL
INITIATE ALONG A FRONTAL BOUNDARY ACROSS NORTH CENTRAL SOUTH
DAKOTA LATE IN THE AFTERNOON...AND THEN TRACK FROM WEST TO EAST
ACROSS THE REGION. SOME STORMS MAY BECOME SEVERE WITH LARGE HAIL
AND DAMAGING WINDS THE MAIN THREAT...HOWEVER...CANNOT RULE OUT AN
ISOLATED TORNADO AS WELL.

ALTHOUGH A MUCH LESSER CHANCE...THERE MAY BE AN SECOND ROUND OF
THUNDERSTORMS THAT TRACK ACROSS THE REGION OVERNIGHT. STRONG WINDS
WILL BE THE MAIN THREAT WITH THESE STORMS.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS LIKELY TODAY AND TONIGHT.

SDZ003-015-180915-
CORSON-DEWEY-
409 AM CDT FRI JUL 17 2015

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF NORTH CENTRAL
SOUTH DAKOTA.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT

SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED TO MOVE FROM WEST TO EAST
ACROSS THE REGION LATER THIS MORNING AND EARLY AFTERNOON. THESE
STORMS ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN BELOW SEVERE LIMITS. HOWEVER...THERE
MAY BE A SECOND ROUND OF THUNDERSTORMS THAT TRACK ACROSS THE
REGION OVERNIGHT. IF THEY DEVELOP...STRONG WINDS WILL BE THE MAIN
THREAT.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION MAY BE NEEDED TONIGHT.

SDZ033>037-045-048-051-180915-
STANLEY-SULLY-HUGHES-HYDE-HAND-JONES-LYMAN-BUFFALO-
409 AM CDT FRI JUL 17 2015

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL SOUTH
DAKOTA.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT

THERE IS A SLIGHT CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS THIS
AFTERNOON...ALTHOUGH THE STRONGEST STORMS APPEAR AS THOUGH THEY
WILL REMAIN NORTH OF THE REGION. HOWEVER...THERE MAY BE A SECOND
ROUND OF THUNDERSTORMS THAT TRACK ACROSS THE REGION OVERNIGHT. IF
THEY DEVELOP...STRONG WINDS WILL BE THE MAIN THREAT.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION MAY BE NEEDED TONIGHT.

SERR

The radar

The Aberdeen radar (KABR), 64 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 21:27 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

80 hail, 14 thunderstorm wind, 4 funnel cloud, 2 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 3:30 PM CST to 3:45 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 0.72 mi SSE of Britton
Measured: 2.5 in hail
Reported by: SHAVE Project
Coordinates: 45.790, -97.746

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 3:30 PM CST to 3:45 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 2.5 mi E of Britton Muni Arpt
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: SHAVE Project
Coordinates: 45.820, -97.678

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 3:30 PM CST to 3:45 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 4.16 mi SE of Britton
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: SHAVE Project
Coordinates: 45.762, -97.683

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 3:45 PM CST to 4:00 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 6.69 mi ESE of Britton Muni Arpt
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: SHAVE Project
Coordinates: 45.790, -97.598

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 3:49 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 0.69 mi S of Britton
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 45.790, -97.750

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 3:55 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 2.81 mi S of Britton
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.760, -97.740

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 3:55 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 0.84 mi SW of Britton
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.790, -97.760

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 3:56 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 0.69 mi S of Britton
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.790, -97.750

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 3:58 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 0.69 mi S of Britton
Measured: 2.5 in hail
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 45.790, -97.750

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 3:58 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 1.45 mi E of Britton
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.800, -97.720

Thunderstorm Wind, Marshall

When: July 17, 3:58 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 0.69 mi S of Britton
Measured: 58 kt (67 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 45.790, -97.750

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 4:00 PM CST to 4:15 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 1.59 mi NE of Britton Muni Arpt
Measured: 2.5 in hail
Reported by: SHAVE Project
Coordinates: 45.835, -97.705

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 4:00 PM CST to 4:05 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 2.14 mi SSE of Kidder
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: SHAVE Project
Coordinates: 45.850, -97.709

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 4:00 PM CST to 4:30 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 8.08 mi ESE of Britton
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: SHAVE Project
Coordinates: 45.740, -97.606

Hail, McPherson

When: July 17, 4:00 PM CST to 4:20 PM CST
Where: McPherson County, 2.78 mi NW of Leola
Measured: 2.5 in hail
Reported by: SHAVE Project
Coordinates: 45.746, -98.994

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 4:00 PM CST to 4:10 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 4.81 mi NW of Spain
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: SHAVE Project
Coordinates: 45.734, -97.813

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 4:03 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 2 mi NE of Britton Muni Arpt
Measured: 2.5 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.840, -97.700

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 4:05 PM CST to 4:15 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 1.9 mi S of Britton
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: SHAVE Project
Coordinates: 45.773, -97.750

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 4:06 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 6.6 mi ESE of Britton Muni Arpt
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.790, -97.600

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 4:06 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 2.41 mi E of Britton Muni Arpt
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.820, -97.680

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 4:11 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 4.37 mi ESE of Kidder
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.850, -97.640

Hail, Edmunds

When: July 17, 4:15 PM CST
Where: Edmunds County, 9.99 mi SSW of Craven
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.290, -99.010

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 4:15 PM CST to 4:30 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 5.11 mi ESE of Britton Muni Arpt
Measured: 2.5 in hail
Reported by: SHAVE Project
Coordinates: 45.805, -97.626

Hail, McPherson

When: July 17, 4:15 PM CST to 4:35 PM CST
Where: McPherson County, 0.36 mi ENE of Leola
Measured: 2.75 in hail
Reported by: SHAVE Project
Coordinates: 45.722, -98.943

Hail, Edmunds

When: July 17, 4:15 PM CST to 4:18 PM CST
Where: Edmunds County, 15.35 mi NNE of Beebe
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: SHAVE Project
Coordinates: 45.665, -99.120

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 4:16 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 5.01 mi ESE of Britton Muni Arpt
Measured: 2.5 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.800, -97.630

Hail, McPherson

When: July 17, 4:19 PM CST
Where: McPherson County, 3.45 mi WSW of Leola
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.710, -99.020

Hail, McPherson

When: July 17, 4:21 PM CST
Where: McPherson County, 2.83 mi NW of Leola
Measured: 2.5 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.750, -98.990

Hail, McPherson

When: July 17, 4:24 PM CST
Where: McPherson County, 0.48 mi E of Leola
Measured: 2.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.720, -98.940

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 4:25 PM CST to 5:20 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 4.24 mi WNW of Lake City
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: SHAVE Project
Coordinates: 45.747, -97.499

Hail, McPherson

When: July 17, 4:30 PM CST
Where: McPherson County, 0.48 mi E of Leola
Measured: 2.75 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.720, -98.940

Hail, McPherson

When: July 17, 4:30 PM CST
Where: McPherson County, 2.37 mi E of Leola
Measured: 2.75 in hail
Reported by: SHAVE Project
Coordinates: 45.723, -98.901

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 4:30 PM CST to 4:35 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 5.92 mi W of Hillhead
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: SHAVE Project
Coordinates: 45.819, -97.522

Hail, McPherson

When: July 17, 4:31 PM CST
Where: McPherson County, 2.41 mi E of Leola
Measured: 2.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.720, -98.900

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 4:38 PM CST to 4:58 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 0.98 mi NNE of Lake City
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: SHAVE Project
Coordinates: 45.733, -97.412

Hail, McPherson

When: July 17, 4:41 PM CST
Where: McPherson County, 2.76 mi S of Leola
Measured: 2.5 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.680, -98.950

Hail, Brown

When: July 17, 4:43 PM CST
Where: Brown County, Warner
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.320, -98.500

Hail, McPherson

When: July 17, 4:43 PM CST
Where: McPherson County, 7.06 mi NNE of Wetonka
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.720, -98.750

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 4:45 PM CST to 5:45 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 3.37 mi ESE of Hillhead
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: SHAVE Project
Coordinates: 45.805, -97.340

Hail, McPherson

When: July 17, 4:48 PM CST to 4:58 PM CST
Where: McPherson County, 3.21 mi WSW of Leola
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: SHAVE Project
Coordinates: 45.710, -99.015

Large hail broke a house window.

Hail, Brown

When: July 17, 4:49 PM CST
Where: Brown County, 6.75 mi W of Barnard
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 45.730, -98.640

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 4:49 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 4.38 mi WNW of Lake City
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.750, -97.500

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 4:50 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 6.14 mi WSW of Hillhead
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 45.800, -97.520

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 4:51 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 5.79 mi W of Lake City
Measured: 3 in hail
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 45.720, -97.540

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 4:52 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 6.73 mi NW of Lake City
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.780, -97.530

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 4:55 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 1.46 mi NNW of Lake City
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.740, -97.430

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 4:55 PM CST to 5:15 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 1.38 mi NW of Lake City
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: SHAVE Project
Coordinates: 45.732, -97.443

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 4:57 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 1.19 mi NW of Lake City
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.730, -97.440

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 5:00 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 5.79 mi W of Lake City
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.720, -97.540

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 5:00 PM CST to 5:10 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 6.37 mi NW of Lake City
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: SHAVE Project
Coordinates: 45.776, -97.525

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 5:00 PM CST to 5:30 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 0.55 mi NW of Lake City
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: SHAVE Project
Coordinates: 45.725, -97.429

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 5:00 PM CST to 5:10 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 4.53 mi NNW of Lake City
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: SHAVE Project
Coordinates: 45.775, -97.471

Thunderstorm Wind, Brown

When: July 17, 5:03 PM CST
Where: Brown County, Westport
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.650, -98.500

Seventy mph winds downed a tree which snapped a power line west of Westport.

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 5:05 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 0.84 mi NE of Lake City
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.730, -97.410

Hail, Brown

When: July 17, 5:06 PM CST
Where: Brown County, 6.75 mi W of Barnard
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 45.730, -98.640

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 5:10 PM CST to 5:20 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 4.3 mi E of Lake City
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: SHAVE Project
Coordinates: 45.722, -97.331

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 5:17 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 3.56 mi SE of Hillhead
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.800, -97.340

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 5:18 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 4.36 mi SE of Lake City
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.680, -97.350

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 5:20 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 4.34 mi E of Lake City
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.720, -97.330

Thunderstorm Wind, Brown

When: July 17, 5:21 PM CST
Where: Brown County, 3.49 mi N of Columbia
Measured: 63 kt (72 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 45.670, -98.310

Hail, Brown

When: July 17, 5:25 PM CST
Where: Brown County, 2.93 mi NNE of Stratford
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.360, -98.300

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 5:25 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 6.27 mi E of Lake City
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.720, -97.290

Hail, Marshall

When: July 17, 5:30 PM CST to 5:40 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 6.46 mi E of Lake City
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: SHAVE Project
Coordinates: 45.721, -97.286

Hail, Faulk

When: July 17, 5:47 PM CST
Where: Faulk County, 2.81 mi N of Chelsea
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.210, -98.740

A large area of crops were damaged from golf ball size hail.

Hail, Brown

When: July 17, 5:48 PM CST
Where: Brown County, 2.07 mi N of Ferney
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.360, -98.100

Hail, McPherson

When: July 17, 5:49 PM CST
Where: McPherson County, 2.83 mi S of Leola
Measured: 2.5 in hail
Reported by: SHAVE Project
Coordinates: 45.679, -98.952

Hail, Spink

When: July 17, 5:50 PM CST
Where: Spink County, 6.02 mi WSW of Mansfield
Measured: 0.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.210, -98.680

Thunderstorm Wind, Brown

When: July 17, 5:50 PM CST
Where: Brown County, 2.13 mi SSE of Claremont
Measured: 70 kt (81 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 45.640, -98.010

A machine shed was destroyed by eighty mph winds.

Hail, Roberts

When: July 17, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Roberts County, 0.69 mi S of Sisseton
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 45.660, -97.050

Hail, Spink

When: July 17, 6:00 PM CST
Where: Spink County, 6.24 mi N of Frankfort
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.960, -98.310

Thunderstorm Wind, Day

When: July 17, 6:00 PM CST to 6:10 PM CST
Where: Day County, Bristol
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 45.350, -97.770

Seventy mph winds or higher dented a grain bin and caused the structure to buckle pulling one edge out from the ground supports. There was also moderate damage to a gas station roof canopy. Much of the corn crop in the area was also completely stripped from large hail.

Hail, Spink

When: July 17, 6:05 PM CST
Where: Spink County, 3.01 mi WSW of Athol
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.010, -98.680

Hail, Roberts

When: July 17, 6:10 PM CST
Where: Roberts County, 2.76 mi N of Sisseton
Measured: 2.5 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.710, -97.050

Thunderstorm Wind, Day

When: July 17, 6:10 PM CST
Where: Day County, 0.97 mi E of Bristol
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.350, -97.750

Seventy mph winds damaged the canopy at a gas station.

Tornado, Marshall

When: July 17, 6:10 PM CST to 6:15 PM CST
Where: Marshall County, 3.87 mi ENE of Langford to 4.29 mi ENE of Langford
Rating: EF0
Path length: 0.42 mi
Path width: 50 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 45.615, -97.753

A tornado touched down east northeast of Langford. The tornado damaged a cornfield and moved many hay bales.

Hail, Day

When: July 17, 6:23 PM CST
Where: Day County, 1.46 mi NNE of Webster
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 45.350, -97.520

Hail broke out some car windows at the intersection of Highway 12 and County Road 25 causing some injuries.

Hail, Roberts

When: July 17, 6:25 PM CST
Where: Roberts County, 2.05 mi ESE of Sisseton Arpt
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.660, -96.940

Large hail caused some crop damage.

Hail, Spink

When: July 17, 6:25 PM CST
Where: Spink County, 2.07 mi S of Gallup
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 45.040, -98.500

Tornado, Day

When: July 17, 6:47 PM CST to 6:52 PM CST
Where: Day County, 2.63 mi ESE of Grenville to 4.24 mi ESE of Grenville
Rating: EF0
Path length: 1.68 mi
Path width: 100 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 45.457, -97.349

A tornado touched down southeast of Grenville damaging several trees in a couple shelter belts along with some corn. Near the end of its path, a horse trailer was rolled, a barn suffered significant roof damage, and numerous branches were downed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Day

When: July 17, 6:48 PM CST
Where: Day County, 3.47 mi WNW of Waubay
Measured: 78 kt (90 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 45.340, -97.390

Thunderstorm Wind, Day

When: July 17, 6:50 PM CST to 7:05 PM CST
Where: Day County, 0.63 mi NE of Waubay to 3.37 mi SE of Waubay
Measured: 87 kt (100 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 45.336, -97.311

One hundred mph winds or higher caused significant damage from Waubay to nearly three miles southeast of Waubay. Many trees and branches were downed along the path of high winds. More significant damage occurred at the Bitter Lake Lodge campground where several campers were rolled and destroyed. Significant damage occurred at a farm with a barn roof damaged with partially collapsed walls. Empty grain bins were completely destroyed with other outbuildings sustaining damage. Also, much of the wheat and corn crop along the way was destroyed by large hail.

Hail, Spink

When: July 17, 7:00 PM CST
Where: Spink County, 6.24 mi N of Frankfort
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.960, -98.310

Thunderstorm Wind, Day

When: July 17, 7:00 PM CST
Where: Day County, 0.49 mi E of Waubay
Measured: 78 kt (90 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 45.330, -97.310

Ninety mph winds downed trees all over town, damaged some homes, outbuildings, grain bins, overturned and damaged numerous campers, and downed some power lines. There were also a few fires caused by the downed power lines.

Funnel Cloud, Clark

When: July 17, 7:13 PM CST
Where: Clark County, 0.85 mi NW of Bradley
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 45.090, -97.640

Thunderstorm Wind, Clark

When: July 17, 7:15 PM CST
Where: Clark County, 0.85 mi NW of Bradley
Measured: 61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 45.090, -97.640

Seventy mph winds damaged some power lines.

Thunderstorm Wind, Day

When: July 17, 7:23 PM CST
Where: Day County, 0.49 mi E of Waubay
Measured: 78 kt (90 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.330, -97.310

Ninety mph winds downed several large trees in Waubay and also damaged several structures.

Hail, Clark

When: July 17, 7:26 PM CST
Where: Clark County, 3.48 mi ENE of Bradley
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 45.090, -97.560

Hail, Roberts

When: July 17, 7:28 PM CST
Where: Roberts County, 0.49 mi W of Summit
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.300, -97.040

Thunderstorm Wind, Grant

When: July 17, 7:28 PM CST
Where: Grant County, 7.11 mi WNW of Marvin
Measured: 80 kt (92 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 45.300, -97.060

Hail, Codington

When: July 17, 7:29 PM CST
Where: Codington County, 2.81 mi S of Wallace
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 45.040, -97.480

Hail, Grant

When: July 17, 7:30 PM CST
Where: Grant County, 5.69 mi NE of Hiland
Measured: 2 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.240, -97.120

Hail, Grant

When: July 17, 7:41 PM CST
Where: Grant County, 1.47 mi SSW of Twin Brooks
Measured: 1.5 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.180, -96.810

Funnel Cloud, Codington

When: July 17, 7:54 PM CST
Where: Codington County, 0.69 mi N of South Shore
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.110, -96.920

Hail, Codington

When: July 17, 7:55 PM CST
Where: Codington County, 0.49 mi W of Henry
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.880, -97.460

Funnel Cloud, Codington

When: July 17, 7:59 PM CST
Where: Codington County, 1.69 mi SW of (Aty)watertown Arpt
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.900, -97.170

Funnel Cloud, Grant

When: July 17, 8:12 PM CST
Where: Grant County, 4.03 mi SW of Revillo
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 44.980, -96.640

Thunderstorm Wind, Deuel

When: July 17, 8:24 PM CST
Where: Deuel County, 2.29 mi NNW of Tunerville
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Storm Chaser
Coordinates: 44.910, -96.690

Sixty-five mph winds were estimated.

Hail, Codington

When: July 17, 8:33 PM CST
Where: Codington County, 0.98 mi W of Foley
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 44.830, -97.170

Thunderstorm Wind, Deuel

When: July 17, 8:44 PM CST
Where: Deuel County, 7.36 mi W of Clear Lake
Measured: 84 kt (97 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 44.750, -96.830

Hail, Hamlin

When: July 17, 9:10 PM CST
Where: Hamlin County, 2.02 mi SE of Castlewood
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 44.700, -97.000

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.
Funnel Cloud: A rotating column of cloud extending from a thunderstorm that did not reach the ground.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in South Dakota in 2015 Every state in 2015 This day in weather history The tornado archive for South Dakota, 2015 Warnings in South Dakota, July 2015

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 595670, 595672, 595695, 595673, 593877, 593878, 593879, 593880, 593881, 593882, 593935, 595674, 595675, 595676, 595680, 595694, 593883, 593955, 593884, 593885, 593886, 593887, 595671, 595678, 595697, 593888, 593889, 593890, 593891, 595677, 593892, 595679, 595696, 593893, 595685, 593894, 593895, 593896, 595688, 595681, and more.