Hail in South Dakota, May 1, 2018

Name: Hail in South Dakota, May 1, 2018
Start: 2018-05-01T21:18
End: 2018-05-01T21:19
Location: South Dakota

May 1, 2018 · NWS FSD · 1 event in 1 county or zone

Isolated storms developed behind a strong cold front within the zone of drying aloft during the evening, producing hail up to nickel size.

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: 1

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 FSD wrote it up.

Isolated storms developed behind a strong cold front within the zone of drying aloft during the evening, producing hail up to nickel size.

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 Sioux Falls, SD wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 1, 5:12 PM CST, 4 hours 6 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 1, 5:12 PM CST, 4 hours 6 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
612 PM CDT Tue May 1 2018

.SHORT TERM...(This evening through Wednesday)
Issued at 245 PM CDT Tue May 1 2018

The main focus in the short term is on convective trends and
potential later this afternoon and evening.  A bit of a messy
satellite presentation this afternoon, but mesoscale GOES-East
sector is assisting in picking out where the surface front is
located early this afternoon. At 2pm, the front had stalled just
southeast of Sioux City stretching to the northwest of Cherokee and
pivoting just north of the Spencer, IA area.  To the south of this
boundary, temperatures have risen into the 70s, with dew points
pooling into the 60s, with analysis from the RAP/HRRR indicating
upwards of 1500 J/KG MLCAPE.

Aloft, also seeing an elongated band of agitated low-level clouds
stretching from Yankton to Sioux Falls to Marshall, likely
indicative of the positioning of the 850 mb boundary. Between
these two zones, an area of MUCAPE approaching 700 to 1200 J/KG
will develop (highest near the sfc frontal boundary) by late
afternoon.

High-resolution models suggest a multi-faceted scenario playing out
into the evening hours. As as upper wave over western KS/NE begins
to slide eastward into the Mid-Missouri river valley later this
afternoon (3-5pm), should start to see scattered convection break
out along the frontal boundary from Storm Lake to Onawa to Columbus
to Hastings, likely beginning first on the southwestern portions of
this line. Multi-cell clusters with embedded supercells will begin
to move northeast along this front, slowly edging eastward as cold
pools develop.  A secondary area of multi-cell elevated convection
may form further northwest between the 850 front and surface front
(5-8pm). Gradually as the upper wave moves east of the area early
this evening, this should push the risk of any strong convection
away from the area.

Hazards:  Along and south of the frontal boundary the main risks
will be large hail, along with damaging winds given pocket of dry
air aloft and development of upwards of 1000 J/KG DCAPE.  The
tornadic risk is fairly low, but will need to watch for any backing
of the surface winds, mainly in the Storm Lake vicinity.   Further
northwest, given a more stable boundary layer the main risk will be
marginally severe hail given the steepening mid-level lapse rates
with the arrival of the short wave.

.LONG TERM...(Wednesday night through Tuesday)
Issued at 245 PM CDT Tue May 1 2018

Wednesday-Thursday:  Temporary shortwave ridging should push the
highest chances for rain south of the area for Wednesday.  However,
with the upper wave starting to move further into the Plains by
Thursday, expectations are for a return of showers and isolated
thunderstorms to the area by Thursday and continuing into Thursday
night. The highest chances will be south of I-90.

Friday-Sunday: Dry weather returns for Friday into Saturday as the
upper pattern shifts towards a bit more northwesterly flow aloft.
Temperatures in the 70s on Friday will cool only slightly on
Saturday as a shortwave moves through the northwesterly flow. No
large scale severe weather risks for the region into early next
week.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 00Z TAFS through 00Z Wednesday evening)
Issued at 609 PM CDT Tue May 1 2018

Showers and thunderstorms will remain a threat at KFSD and KSUX
through the late evening. Winds will be light with a northerly
component through the TAF period.

&&

.FSD WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
SD...None.
MN...None.
IA...None.
NE...None.
&&

SHORT TERM...Dux
LONG TERM...Dux
AVIATION...JM

Hazardous weather outlook, May 1, 1:19 PM CST, 7 hours 59 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
219 PM CDT Tue May 1 2018

IAZ014-021-022-031-032-021930-
Clay IA-Cherokee-Buena Vista-Woodbury-Ida-
219 PM CDT Tue May 1 2018

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of northwest Iowa
and west central Iowa.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight

Scattered showers and thunderstorms will redevelop late this
afternoon and evening. A few storms may become severe, mainly
between 4 pm and 8 pm. Hail to the size of half dollars and wind
gusts to 70 mph would be the primary threats.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday

Additional showers and thunderstorms are possible through late
Thursday, although at this time, are not expected to be severe.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will be needed between 4 and 9pm this evening.

IAZ001>003-012-013-020-MNZ080-081-089-090-097-098-NEZ013-014-
SDZ062-066-067-069>071-021930-
Lyon IA-Osceola-Dickinson-Sioux-O'Brien-Plymouth-Murray-
Cottonwood-Nobles-Jackson-Pipestone-Rock-Dixon-Dakota-Minnehaha-
Turner-Lincoln SD-Yankton-Clay SD-Union-
219 PM CDT Tue May 1 2018

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of northwest Iowa,
southwest Minnesota, northeast Nebraska, and southeast South
Dakota.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight

Scattered showers and thunderstorms will be possible late this
afternoon and evening. A few storms may become strong to
potentially severe, mainly between 5 pm and 8 pm.  A few of the
stronger storms could produce hail to the size of quarters.

Minor to moderate flooding will continue along many rivers and
streams.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday

Minor to moderate flooding is forecast to continue through mid to
late week on many rivers and streams.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not anticipated at this time.

MNZ071-072-SDZ038>040-050-052>061-063>065-068-021930-
Lincoln MN-Lyon MN-Beadle-Kingsbury-Brookings-Gregory-Jerauld-
Sanborn-Miner-Lake-Moody-Brule-Aurora-Davison-Hanson-McCook-
Charles Mix-Douglas-Hutchinson-Bon Homme-
219 PM CDT Tue May 1 2018

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southwest
Minnesota, central South Dakota, east central South Dakota, south
central South Dakota, and southeast South Dakota.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight

Scattered showers and thunderstorms will be possible late this
afternoon and evening. Small hail could be possible in a few
storms this evening.

Minor to moderate flooding will continue  along many rivers and
streams.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday

Minor to moderate flooding is forecast to continue through mid to
late week on many rivers and streams.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not anticipated at this time.

In the hours before

Local storm report, May 1, 7:05 PM CST, 2 hours 13 minutes before

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Local storm report, May 1, 7:39 PM CST, 1 hour 39 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SIOUX FALLS SD
839 PM CDT TUE MAY 1 2018

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0726 PM     HAIL             2 S MELVIN              43.25N 95.61W
05/01/2018  E0.88 INCH       O'BRIEN            IA   PUBLIC

&&

AF

Local storm report, May 1, 8:23 PM CST, 55 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...SUMMARY
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SIOUX FALLS SD
923 PM CDT TUE MAY 1 2018

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0530 PM     HAIL             3 WSW MARATHON          42.85N 95.03W
05/01/2018  E1.75 INCH       BUENA VISTA        IA   TRAINED SPOTTER

0534 PM     HAIL             2 WSW MARATHON          42.85N 95.01W
05/01/2018  E1.50 INCH       BUENA VISTA        IA   TRAINED SPOTTER

            QUARTER TO PING PONG BALL HAIL.

0436 PM     HAIL             AURELIA                 42.71N 95.44W
05/01/2018  M1.50 INCH       CHEROKEE           IA   PUBLIC

            REPORT VIA SOCIAL MEDIA WITH PICTURE. TIME
            ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.

0500 PM     HAIL             5 NW TRUESDALE          42.78N 95.25W
05/01/2018  E1.50 INCH       BUENA VISTA        IA   PUBLIC

0423 PM     HAIL             3 NE QUIMBY             42.66N 95.60W
05/01/2018  M1.50 INCH       CHEROKEE           IA   PUBLIC

0515 PM     HAIL             2 NNE REMBRANDT         42.85N 95.15W
05/01/2018  E1.25 INCH       BUENA VISTA        IA   TRAINED SPOTTER

            HAIL COVERING THE ROAD.

0535 PM     HAIL             1 S MARATHON            42.85N 94.98W
05/01/2018  E1.25 INCH       BUENA VISTA        IA   PUBLIC

            SOCIAL MEDIA REPORT.

0440 PM     HAIL             AURELIA                 42.71N 95.44W
05/01/2018  M1.25 INCH       CHEROKEE           IA   BROADCAST MEDIA

            BROADCAST MEDIA RELAYED PUBLIC REPORT WITH
            PICTURE. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.

0748 PM     HAIL             6 ENE SIOUX CENTER      43.12N 96.08W
05/01/2018  E0.88 INCH       SIOUX              IA   TRAINED SPOTTER

0726 PM     HAIL             2 S MELVIN              43.25N 95.61W
05/01/2018  E0.88 INCH       O'BRIEN            IA   PUBLIC

0720 PM     HAIL             3 WNW SIOUX CENTER      43.09N 96.24W
05/01/2018  E0.88 INCH       SIOUX              IA   TRAINED SPOTTER

&&

AF

Local storm report, May 1, 8:56 PM CST, 22 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SIOUX FALLS SD
956 PM CDT TUE MAY 1 2018

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0719 PM     HAIL             3 W SIOUX CENTER        43.08N 96.24W
05/01/2018  E1.00 INCH       SIOUX              IA   PUBLIC

            SOCIAL MEDIA REPORT. TIME ESTIMATED FROM
            RADAR.

&&

AF

Local storm report, May 1, 8:57 PM CST, 21 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SIOUX FALLS SD
957 PM CDT TUE MAY 1 2018

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0726 PM     HAIL             3 SSW MELVIN            43.24N 95.63W
05/01/2018  E0.88 INCH       O'BRIEN            IA   TRAINED SPOTTER

            TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.

&&

AF

Local storm report, May 1, 9:01 PM CST, 17 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...SUMMARY
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SIOUX FALLS SD
1001 PM CDT TUE MAY 1 2018

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0530 PM     HAIL             3 WSW MARATHON          42.85N 95.03W
05/01/2018  E1.75 INCH       BUENA VISTA        IA   TRAINED SPOTTER

0534 PM     HAIL             2 WSW MARATHON          42.85N 95.01W
05/01/2018  E1.50 INCH       BUENA VISTA        IA   TRAINED SPOTTER

            QUARTER TO PING PONG BALL HAIL.

0423 PM     HAIL             3 NE QUIMBY             42.66N 95.60W
05/01/2018  M1.50 INCH       CHEROKEE           IA   PUBLIC

0436 PM     HAIL             AURELIA                 42.71N 95.44W
05/01/2018  M1.50 INCH       CHEROKEE           IA   PUBLIC

            REPORT VIA SOCIAL MEDIA WITH PICTURE. TIME
            ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.

0500 PM     HAIL             5 NW TRUESDALE          42.78N 95.25W
05/01/2018  E1.50 INCH       BUENA VISTA        IA   PUBLIC

0535 PM     HAIL             1 S MARATHON            42.85N 94.98W
05/01/2018  E1.25 INCH       BUENA VISTA        IA   PUBLIC

            SOCIAL MEDIA REPORT.

0515 PM     HAIL             2 NNE REMBRANDT         42.85N 95.15W
05/01/2018  E1.25 INCH       BUENA VISTA        IA   TRAINED SPOTTER

            HAIL COVERING THE ROAD.

0440 PM     HAIL             AURELIA                 42.71N 95.44W
05/01/2018  M1.25 INCH       CHEROKEE           IA   BROADCAST MEDIA

            BROADCAST MEDIA RELAYED PUBLIC REPORT WITH
            PICTURE. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.

0719 PM     HAIL             3 W SIOUX CENTER        43.08N 96.24W
05/01/2018  E1.00 INCH       SIOUX              IA   PUBLIC

            SOCIAL MEDIA REPORT. TIME ESTIMATED FROM
            RADAR.

0720 PM     HAIL             3 WNW SIOUX CENTER      43.09N 96.24W
05/01/2018  E0.88 INCH       SIOUX              IA   TRAINED SPOTTER

0748 PM     HAIL             6 ENE SIOUX CENTER      43.12N 96.08W
05/01/2018  E0.88 INCH       SIOUX              IA   TRAINED SPOTTER

0726 PM     HAIL             2 S MELVIN              43.25N 95.61W
05/01/2018  E0.88 INCH       O'BRIEN            IA   PUBLIC

0726 PM     HAIL             3 SSW MELVIN            43.24N 95.63W
05/01/2018  E0.88 INCH       O'BRIEN            IA   TRAINED SPOTTER

            TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.

&&

AF

The radar

The Sioux Falls radar (KFSD), 10 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 03:18 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

1 hail. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Lincoln

When: May 1, 9:18 PM CST to 9:19 PM CST
Where: Lincoln County, 2.3 mi SSE of Sioux Falls
Measured: 0.88 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 43.500, -96.710

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in South Dakota in 2018 Every state in 2018 This day in weather history Warnings in South Dakota, May 2018

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 2026-09-30. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 760395.