Black Hills Storms Charge East Threatening 70 MPH Winds Across South Dakota Plains — SevereWX

Black Hills Storms Charge East Threatening 70 MPH Winds Across South Dakota Plains

Storms firing up in the Black Hills of southwest South Dakota are set to deliver a punchy wind threat as they push eastward into the plains and adjacent northwest Nebraska this evening.

The Storm Prediction Center's latest Mesoscale Discussion (MD 1767) highlights thunderstorms in their infancy, sparked by upslope flow and now riding stronger westerly winds aloft. Expect them to deepen and spread east through 5 PM CDT, fueled by low 60s dewpoints, steep low-level lapse rates near 9 C/km, and ample buoyancy.

Primary Threats:

• Damaging Winds: Gusts up to 55-70 mph, driven by cold pool collisions and potential upscale growth into lines or clusters.
• Hail: Up to 1.25-inch (quarter-size) stones possible.

While deep-layer shear is a bit modest at 25 knots per recent VWP data, high-res models and the environment support severe potential. SPC pegs watch odds at 60% if storms organize further—trends are key.

This setup could impact areas from Rapid City eastward across southwest SD into the Nebraska Panhandle. Initial discrete cells may congeal into wind producers by evening.

Stay Prepared: Monitor radar via local NWS offices (ABR, UNR, LBF, CYS), have a severe weather plan, secure outdoor items, and seek shelter if storms approach. Check SPC's graphic for updates.