South Dakota MCS Charges Minnesota-Iowa Border for 90 MPH Gusts — SevereWX

A potent convective cluster is barreling eastward from southeast South Dakota into southwest and south-central Minnesota, plus northwest and north-central Iowa, packing a serious punch this evening.

Latest radar shows the line moving at around 35 mph, with recent severe gusts already clocked at 70 mph in Douglas County, SD. Echo tops are climbing near the center, hinting at further intensification fueled by extreme instability—MLCAPE exceeding 3500 J/kg—and rich low-level moisture with dewpoints in the upper 70s to low 80s.

Expect severe wind gusts up to 90 mph as the system strengthens downstream, along with isolated large hail to 1.25 inches. SPC's Mesoscale Discussion 1736 pegs watch issuance odds at 95% to cover these hazards from about 10:45 PM to 2:45 AM CDT.

Peak threats include non-tornadic winds of 75-90 mph, making this a damaging wind event over a meaningful footprint. Keep an eye on areas from Mankato southward in MN to Mason City northward in IA.

Stay prepared: Monitor local NWS updates, secure outdoor items, and have a severe weather plan ready if you're in the path.