A thunderstorm briefly became severe over far northeast Pennington County, producing wind gusts up to 70 mph.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
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.
The episode as NWS UNR wrote it up.
A thunderstorm briefly became severe over far northeast Pennington County, producing wind gusts up to 70 mph.
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 6, 10:46 AM MST, 1 hour 34 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion For Western SD and Northeastern WY
National Weather Service Rapid City SD
1146 AM MDT Mon May 6 2024
.KEY MESSAGES...
-Very windy with a slight chance of stronger thunderstorms today.
-Very strong winds possible tonight and Tues across northeast WY,
the Black Hills, and northwest SD.
-Unsettled and cool through mid week, then slowly warming.
&&
.DISCUSSION...(Today Through Sunday)
Issued at 311 AM MDT Mon May 6 2024
09Z upper level analysis has strong closed low over southwest WY
with 110kt jet rounding the base of the main trof. Showers and
isolated storms are lifting north across the area at the moment.
At the surface, low pressure is located across southeast WY with
in inverted trof extending into eastern MT. Strong southeast winds
are present across the forecast area, with temperatures in the
50s.
Vigorous and complex system will affect the area for the next
several days, as the upper low lifts across western SD, pinwheels
through western ND, then finally shifts southeast by mid week.
Cool and unsettled conditions, along with a lot of wind, will be
the main weather story for the next several days.
On the precip side of things, surface low pressure and associated
trof will swing northeast across the area today. Along the trof, a
few stronger storms are expected early this afternoon to the north
and east of the Black Hills. Modest CAPE, good shear, and low
level helicity could produce an isolated tornado with these
storms. Threat is short lived as the trof shifts quickly northeast
by late afternoon. More widespread rains will impact northeastern
WY, the western portions of the Black Hills, and northwestern SD,
as abundant moisture wraps around the backside of the low. Some
light snow will be possible across the higher elevations of the
Black Hills tonight into Tuesday night.
On the wind side of things, very windy conditions are expected
with this very dynamic system. West to southwest winds will
increase again today as the surface trof swings north of the
area. Have issued a Wind Advisory for much of the SD plains
starting at noon today with winds persisting into the evening. As
the surface low and upper low become stacked tonight, winds could
increase even more across parts of northeastern WY, the Black
Hills, and northwestern SD. A High Wind Watch remains in affect
for this evening into Tuesday.
Precip chances decrease on Tuesday as the system spins across
western ND, but very windy conditions will persist across western
SD, especially far northwest SD where Warning criteria winds will
be possible. Upper low finally starts to weaken on Wednesday, as
it tracks back southeast across central and eastern SD. Windy
conditions will persist along with chances for showers and
isolated thunder.
Drier and less windy conditions will slowly work back into the
area late Thursday into Friday as weak high pressure slides into
the area from the northwest. Temperatures will climb back into the
60s for Friday and Saturday, with some 70s returning for Sunday.
&&
.AVIATION...(For the 18Z TAFS Through 18Z Tuesday)
Issued At 1144 AM MDT Mon May 6 2024
Showers and storms are expected this afternoon and tonight over
much of the forecast area. MVFR/IFR conditions can be expected
with these showers and storms. Winds will shift out of the west-
northwest throughout the day, with gusts 35-50 knots possible by
early afternoon through the late evening hours. These strong winds
will persist through the overnight hours.
&&
.UNR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
SD...Wind Advisory until 11 PM MDT this evening for SDZ001-002-
012>014-026-027-030>032-041>043-073>075-078.
High Wind Watch from 6 PM MDT this evening through Tuesday
afternoon for SDZ001-012-013-024>026-028>031-072>074-078.
Wind Advisory until 11 PM MDT /midnight CDT/ this evening for
SDZ044-046-047-049-076-077.
WY...High Wind Watch from 6 PM MDT this evening through Tuesday
afternoon for WYZ054-056-057-060.
&&
DISCUSSION/KEY MESSAGES...15
AVIATION...DyeHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Rapid City SD 1140 AM MDT Mon May 6 2024 SDZ024-027>029-041-074-075-WYZ054>059-071300- Northern Black Hills-Southern Foothills-Central Black Hills- Southern Black Hills-Western Fall River-Hermosa Foothills- Eastern Fall River-Northern Campbell-Southern Campbell- Western Crook-Wyoming Black Hills-Weston County Plains-Newcastle- 1140 AM MDT Mon May 6 2024 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight Strong southerly winds will be possible across the western South Dakota plains this afternoon. Gusts of 55 to 60 mph are possible, especially along and south of I-90. Rain showers will also be possible over the region tonight into Tuesday .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday Winds will remain strong on Tuesday, and some isolated thunderstorms are possible in the evening. Severe weather is not expected. Some snow will be possible in the Black Hills. Snow will continue over the Black Hills Wednesday. Winds will begin to decrease, but still remain breezy. Isolated thunderstorms are possible, but severe weather is not expected. .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 SDZ001-012-013-025-026-030-031-042-044-072-073-076-077-WYZ060- 071300- Harding-Butte-Northern Meade Co Plains-Northern Foothills- Rapid City-Custer Co Plains-Pennington Co Plains- Northern Oglala Lakota-Bennett-Sturgis/Piedmont Foothills- Southern Meade Co Plains-Southern Oglala Lakota-Southern Jackson- Northeastern Crook- 1140 AM MDT Mon May 6 2024 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of northwestern South Dakota...southwestern South Dakota...and northeast Wyoming. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight There is a marginal risk (level 1 of 5) of severe thunderstorms today, meaning that isolated severe storms are possible. Primary hazards include large hail and strong winds. A tornado or two may also be possible. Outside of storms, strong winds are also expected. Winds will shift to the west by this evening with widespread gusts of 60 to 70 mph possible across northwestern South Dakota, portions of northeastern Wyoming, and in the foothills of the Black Hills. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday Winds will remain strong on Tuesday, and some isolated thunderstorms are possible in the evening. Severe weather is not expected. Winds will begin to decrease Wednesday. Isolated thunderstorms are possible, but severe weather is not expected. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed today. && Stay tuned to NOAA weather radio for further updates...or check our web site at weather.gov/rapidcity SDZ002-014-032-043-046-047-049-078-071300- Northern Perkins-Ziebach-Haakon-Northern Jackson-Mellette-Todd- Tripp-Southern Perkins- 1140 AM MDT Mon May 6 2024 /1240 PM CDT Mon May 6 2024/ This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of western South Dakota. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight There is a slight risk (level 2 of 5) of severe thunderstorms today, meaning that scattered severe storms are possible. Primary hazards include large hail and strong winds. A tornado or two may also be possible. Winds will shift to the west by this evening with widespread gusts of 60 to 70 mph possible across northwestern South Dakota, portions of northeastern Wyoming, and in the foothills of the Black Hills. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday Winds will remain strong on Tuesday, and some isolated thunderstorms are possible in the evening. Severe weather is not expected. Some snow will be possible in the Black Hills. Snow will continue over the Black Hills Wednesday. Winds will begin to decrease, but still remain breezy. Isolated thunderstorms are possible, but severe weather is not expected. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed today. && Stay tuned to NOAA weather radio for further updates...or check our web site at weather.gov/rapidcity
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Rapid City SD
1109 AM MDT Mon May 06 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1018 AM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 11 SW Parmelee 43.23N 101.20W
05/06/2024 M53 mph Todd SD Mesonet
1052 AM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 1 NE Midland 44.08N 101.14W
05/06/2024 M51 mph Haakon SD Mesonet
&&
DYESpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Rapid City SD
1209 PM MDT Mon May 6 2024
SDZ012-013-061845-
Butte SD-Northern Meade Co Plains SD-
1209 PM MDT Mon May 6 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT EAST CENTRAL BUTTE AND NORTH
CENTRAL MEADE COUNTIES THROUGH 1245 PM MDT...
At 1208 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 10
miles southwest of Fairpoint, or 32 miles northeast of Sturgis,
moving north at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of east central Butte
and north central Meade Counties.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 700 PM MDT for
northwestern and west central South Dakota.
&&
LAT...LON 4461 10290 4461 10300 4493 10331 4501 10292
TIME...MOT...LOC 1808Z 164DEG 33KT 4468 10299
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
DyePreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Rapid City SD
1214 PM MDT Mon May 06 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1132 AM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 1 NE Midland 44.08N 101.14W
05/06/2024 M55 mph Haakon SD Mesonet
1133 AM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 3 E Philip 44.05N 101.60W
05/06/2024 M53 mph Haakon SD ASOS
1150 AM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 1 S White River 43.56N 100.74W
05/06/2024 M50 mph Mellette SD Mesonet
1154 AM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 7 E Wanblee 43.58N 101.52W
05/06/2024 M52 mph Jackson SD Mesonet
&&
MLSPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Rapid City SD
1257 PM MDT Mon May 06 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1249 PM Tornado 18 SE Hoover 44.90N 103.06W
05/06/2024 Butte SD Storm Chaser
Tornado on the ground for about 5 minutes. Started
south of Highway 212 and appeared to cross Highway 212.
Tornado lifted on the north side of Highway 212.
&&
MLSSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Rapid City SD
1259 PM MDT Mon May 6 2024
SDZ013-014-031-032-073-061930-
Ziebach SD-Pennington Co Plains SD-Southern Meade Co Plains SD-
Northern Meade Co Plains SD-Haakon SD-
1259 PM MDT Mon May 6 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN HAAKON...
SOUTHWESTERN ZIEBACH...EAST CENTRAL MEADE AND NORTHEASTERN PENNINGTON
COUNTIES THROUGH 130 PM MDT...
At 1259 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 5
miles north of Grindstone, or 19 miles northwest of Philip, moving
north at 45 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of southwestern
Haakon, southwestern Ziebach, east central Meade and northeastern
Pennington Counties.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 700 PM MDT for
west central South Dakota.
&&
LAT...LON 4404 10176 4404 10205 4464 10241 4468 10181
TIME...MOT...LOC 1859Z 169DEG 49KT 4422 10198
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
DyePreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Rapid City SD
109 PM MDT Mon May 06 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1159 AM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 10 NNE White River 43.71N 100.69W
05/06/2024 M50 mph Mellette SD Mesonet
1204 PM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 4 SSE Witten 43.39N 100.07W
05/06/2024 M55 mph Tripp SD Mesonet
1219 PM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 15 SSE Mission 43.10N 100.60W
05/06/2024 M53 mph Todd SD Mesonet
1220 PM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 7 ESE Rosebud 43.20N 100.72W
05/06/2024 M54 mph Todd SD Mesonet
1227 PM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 1 NE Midland 44.08N 101.14W
05/06/2024 M60 mph Haakon SD Mesonet
1228 PM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 9 ENE Belvidere 43.90N 101.10W
05/06/2024 M51 mph Jackson SD Mesonet
1228 PM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 6 W Parmelee 43.32N 101.15W
05/06/2024 M50 mph Todd SD Mesonet
1241 PM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 3 E Philip 44.05N 101.60W
05/06/2024 M58 mph Haakon SD ASOS
1249 PM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 2 SW Bridger 44.53N 101.93W
05/06/2024 M52 mph Ziebach SD Mesonet
1252 PM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 1 NE Winner 43.39N 99.85W
05/06/2024 M51 mph Tripp SD ASOS
1254 PM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 10 NNW Ottumwa 44.36N 101.45W
05/06/2024 M54 mph Haakon SD Mesonet
1255 PM Non-Tstm Wnd Gst 1 S White River 43.56N 100.74W
05/06/2024 M51 mph Mellette SD Mesonet
&&
MLSThe Rapid City radar (KUDX), 75 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 19:21 UTC.
1 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
The spotter estimated wind gusts at near 70 mph. No damage was reported.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in South Dakota in 2024Every state in 2024This day in weather historyWarnings in South Dakota, May 2024
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: 1174464.