Hail and Damaging Winds in South Dakota, May 17, 2018

Name: Hail and Damaging Winds in South Dakota, May 17, 2018
Start: 2018-05-17T14:46
End: 2018-05-17T16:30
Location: South Dakota

May 17, 2018 · NWS UNR · 6 events in 3 counties and zones

A cluster of severe thunderstorms developed over northwestern South Dakota and tracked across northern Meade, southern Perkins, and Ziebach Counties. The storms produced large hail initially, then strong winds as they moved into central 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: 6

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 UNR 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 Rapid City, SD wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 17, 1:10 PM MST, 1 hour 36 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 17, 1:10 PM MST, 1 hour 36 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion For Western SD and Northeastern WY
National Weather Service Rapid City SD
210 PM MDT Thu May 17 2018

.DISCUSSION...(This Evening Through Thursday)
Issued at 205 PM MDT Thu May 17 2018

An upper level trough covers the western CONUS, and a
weak wave is pushing through the northern plains. Showers and
thunderstorms have developed across parts of far western SD.
Surface trough is moving into the CWA, and winds ahead of the
trough are breezy across west central SD. Temperatures are rising
into the 80s, and dew points are in the 50s and lower 60s.

A potent shortwave associated with the upper trough will cross the
CWA this afternoon and evening, sparking thunderstorms across much
of the area. MLCAPE is already 1500-2000 J/kg over much of the area,
and 0-6 km shear is 30-40 kts across northwestern SD. Hi-res
convective models are showing thunderstorms expanding around the
SD/WY border early this afternoon, forming an MCS as the wave shifts
eastward. Inverted-V soundings support strong wind gusts, and large
hail will also be a possibility. PW values of 150-200% of normal
suggest heavy rain, and flooding may be a concern, especially for
areas that have recently received plentiful moisture. Storms will
shift into eastern SD after midnight.

Low-level trough will linger over the region Friday. Cooler air will
start to push into the CWA from the northwest with a cold front,
while southerly flow across southern and central SD will keep
temperatures warm, allowing instability to redevelop. Another round
of thunderstorms is expected along and southeast of the front.
Decent CAPE and shear will allow for a few marginally strong storms,
especially across southwestern to central SD.

Showers will persist across mainly the southeastern half of the CWA
Saturday, as the low very slowly transitions from eastern CO into KS
and eastern NE. As cold air wraps into the low, highs Saturday will
be only in the 50s, with lows Saturday night dipping into the 30s
and 40s.

The low finally starts moving out of the region Sunday, and a
warming trend will begin as ridging develops. Meanwhile, another
strong low pressure system will develop over the western states,
which will bring more storm activity to the region towards the
middle of next week.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 18Z TAFS Through 18Z Friday)
Issued At 1131 AM MDT Thu May 17 2018

Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop
through the early afternoon hours and will become numerous over
western South Dakota and northeast Wyoming through the late
afternoon into the evening. Some strong to severe thunderstorms
are expected, with large hail and damaging wind gusts. Outside of
the showers and thunderstorms, VFR conditions are expected.

&&

.UNR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
SD...None.
WY...None.
&&

DISCUSSION...Pojorlie
AVIATION...13

Hazardous weather outlook, May 17, 3:04 AM MST, 11 hours 42 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Rapid City SD
404 AM MDT Thu May 17 2018

SDZ001-002-012>014-024>026-028-029-072>074-WYZ056>058-071-181300-
Harding-Perkins-Butte-Northern Meade Co Plains-Ziebach-
Northern Black Hills-Northern Foot Hills-Rapid City-
Central Black Hills-Southern Black Hills-
Sturgis/Piedmont Foot Hills-Southern Meade Co Plains-
Hermosa Foot Hills-Western Crook-Wyoming Black Hills-Weston-
Northeastern Crook-
404 AM MDT Thu May 17 2018

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of northwestern
South Dakota...southwestern South Dakota...the Black Hills of
South Dakota...northeast Wyoming...and the Black Hills of
Wyoming.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

Scattered severe thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and
evening. The main threats will be large hail and damaging winds.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday

There is a chance for thunderstorms on Friday and then again early next
week. Widespread severe weather is not expected, but a stronger
storm or two is possible with gusty winds and hail.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will not be needed today.

&&

Stay tuned to NOAA weather radio for further updates...or check
our web site at weather.gov/rapidcity

SDZ027-030>032-041>044-046-047-049-181300-
Southern Foot Hills-Custer Co Plains-Pennington Co Plains-Haakon-
Fall River-Oglala Lakota-Jackson-Bennett-Mellette-Todd-Tripp-
404 AM MDT Thu May 17 2018 /504 AM CDT Thu May 17 2018/

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of south central
South Dakota...and southwestern South Dakota.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

Scattered severe thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and
evening. The main threats will be large hail and damaging winds.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday

There is a chance for additional severe storms on Friday. Some of
these storms may contain large hail and strong winds. Otherwise,
the next chance for thunderstorms will be early next week.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will not be needed today.

&&

Stay tuned to NOAA weather radio for further updates...or check
our web site at weather.gov/rapidcity

WYZ054-055-181300-
Northern Campbell-Southern Campbell-
404 AM MDT Thu May 17 2018

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of northeast
Wyoming.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

Isolated thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evening.
Widespread severe storms are not expected, but small hail and
gusty winds are possible with stronger storms.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday

Daily chances for showers and thunderstorms are expected through
next week. At this time, the threat for severe thunderstorms
looks to be low.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will not be needed today.

&&

Stay tuned to NOAA weather radio for further updates...or check
our web site at weather.gov/rapidcity

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 17, 12:12 PM MST, 2 hours 34 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Rapid City SD
112 PM MDT THU MAY 17 2018

SDZ012-025-072-073-171945-
Butte SD-Northern Foot Hills SD-Southern Meade Co Plains SD-
Sturgis/Piedmont Foot Hills SD-
112 PM MDT THU MAY 17 2018

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHWESTERN BUTTE...WESTERN
MEADE AND NORTHWESTERN LAWRENCE COUNTIES UNTIL 145 PM MDT...

At 112 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Belle Fourche, moving east at 15 mph.

Nickel size hail and winds in excess of 30 mph will be possible with
this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Northwestern Spearfish, Belle Fourche, Nisland, Saint Onge,
Fruitdale, Arpan and Belle Fourche Reservoir.

This Includes Interstate 90 in South Dakota between Mile Markers 5
and 11.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

LAT...LON 4449 10393 4468 10404 4482 10363 4455 10347
TIME...MOT...LOC 1912Z 254DEG 15KT 4462 10385

Calderon

Local storm report, May 17, 1:10 PM MST, 1 hour 36 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RAPID CITY SD
210 PM MDT THU MAY 17 2018

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

0200 PM     HAIL             1 SSE DOWNTOWN BELLE FO 44.66N 103.84W
05/17/2018  E1.50 INCH       BUTTE              SD   SOCIAL MEDIA

&&

EAGAN

Local storm report, May 17, 1:46 PM MST, 1 hour before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RAPID CITY SD
246 PM MDT THU MAY 17 2018

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

0200 PM     HAIL             1 SSW DOWNTOWN BELLE FO 44.65N 103.86W
05/17/2018  E1.50 INCH       BUTTE              SD   SOCIAL MEDIA

&&

EAGAN

Local storm report, May 17, 1:54 PM MST, 52 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RAPID CITY SD
254 PM MDT THU MAY 17 2018

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

0227 PM     HAIL             1 SSW FRUITDALE         44.65N 103.71W
05/17/2018  E1.00 INCH       BUTTE              SD   PUBLIC

&&

AFOSCATO

Local storm report, May 17, 2:03 PM MST, 43 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RAPID CITY SD
303 PM MDT THU MAY 17 2018

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

0300 PM     HAIL             DEWEY                   43.53N 104.04W
05/17/2018  E1.00 INCH       CUSTER             SD   TRAINED SPOTTER

&&

AFOSCATO

Local storm report, May 17, 2:09 PM MST, 37 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RAPID CITY SD
309 PM MDT THU MAY 17 2018

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

0200 PM     HAIL             6 E DOWNTOWN BELLE FOUR 44.67N 103.73W
05/17/2018  E1.00 INCH       BUTTE              SD   PUBLIC

&&

POJORLIE

The radar

The Rapid City radar (KUDX), 108 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 21:43 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

4 thunderstorm wind, 2 hail. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Perkins

When: May 17, 2:46 PM MST
Where: Perkins County, 16.74 mi SW of Usta
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.040, -102.390

Hail, Perkins

When: May 17, 3:30 PM MST
Where: Perkins County, 7 mi SSE of Bison
Measured: 1.25 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.426, -102.415

Thunderstorm Wind, Meade

When: May 17, 3:43 PM MST
Where: Meade County, (D07)faith Arpt
Measured: 59 kt (68 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 45.030, -102.020

Thunderstorm Wind, Ziebach

When: May 17, 4:04 PM MST
Where: Ziebach County, 1 mi WSW of Red Elm
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 45.054, -101.809

Thunderstorm Wind, Perkins

When: May 17, 4:04 PM MST
Where: Perkins County, 7 mi SSE of Meadow
Measured: 55 kt (63 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 45.436, -102.165

Thunderstorm Wind, Ziebach

When: May 17, 4:30 PM MST
Where: Ziebach County, 11.64 mi E of Glad Valley
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 45.400, -101.540

Wind gusts were estimated around 60 mph.

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.

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 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 747355, 747356, 747357, 747358, 747361, 747360.