What we know about the 5 tornadoes that hit South Dakota on Thursday, according to NWS

Annie Todd, Sioux Falls Argus Leader
·2 min read
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At least five tornadoes were reported in South Dakota on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

Two of the tornadoes in South Dakota received preliminary EF2 ratings, meaning they were strong tornadoes between 111 to 135 mph, according to the NWS. The rest were categorized as weak tornadoes.

Here's what we know so far about the twisters, based on the NWS preliminary storm data and reports.

Castlewood, Hamlin County

  • Tornado rating: EF-2

  • Injuries: One, no fatalities

  • What happened: At 5:45 p.m., multiple witnesses said they saw a small tornado descending at the southern edge of Castlewood. It traveled 1 mile north and lasted four minutes. Most of the damage was concentrated between Third Avenue and Fourth Avenue. A funeral home on Market Street was destroyed. Multiple garages were destroyed. The Castlewood Elementary school sustained damage, including to the roof of its gym. A bus shed was destroyed. Multiple houses had damage to their roofs.

More: Sioux Falls NWS labels Thursday's strong winds a 'derecho,' with damages similar to a tornado

Damage to the Castlewood school gym caused by a Thursday evening tornado.
Damage to the Castlewood school gym caused by a Thursday evening tornado.

Gary, Deuel County

  • Tornado Rating: EF-2

  • Injuries: One, no fatalities

  • What happened: It started and ended 1 mile south of Gary and lasted two minutes, from 5:58 p.m. to 6 p.m. The tornado started near 180th Street and tracked 0.3 mile, ending in a tree grove. Rotation was noted in a corn stubble field. One farm sustained significant damage, with outbuildings destroyed and a home on the property losing its roof. A semi-truck was turned 180 degrees and flipped during the tornado. Residents noted their dog was picked up by the wind but the dog was found by neighbors a mile away, having only minor injuries.

More: At least 11,000 people still without power two days after storms in eastern South Dakota

Rauville, Codington County

  • Tornado Rating: EF-1

  • Injuries: None, no fatalities

  • What happened: A tornado formed 4 miles north of Lake Kampeska around 6 p.m. One house had its roof partially removed, its garage destroyed and outbuildings destroyed.

Tunerville, Deuel County

  • Tornado Rating: EF-1

  • Injuries: None, no fatalities

  • What happened: A tornado touched down on the northeast side of Lake Alice around 6:05 p.m. A hunting lodge lost half of its roof protection leading to rain damage inside the lodge. A family was staying in a camper nearby and evacuated. Minutes after they evacuated, the camper was picked up and dropped on its roof. The family was not injured.

Webster, Day County

  • Tornado Rating: EF-1

  • Injuries: None, no fatalities

  • What happened: A tornado formed 6 miles south of Webster around 6:15 p.m. An outbuilding was heavily damaged with its roof torn off and an interior wall knocked down. A calving shed was rolled, an animal trailer tipped over and a metal windmill was knocked over and twisted.

More: Cleanup efforts under way in Castlewood and beyond after EF2 tornado, severe storms

Follow Annie Todd on Twitter @AnnieTodd96. Reach out to her with tips, questions and other community news at atodd@argusleader.com or give her a call at 605-215-3757.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: NWS says South Dakota had at least 5 tornadoes Thursday