SPEARFISH, S.D. – The Black Hills National Forest is assessing impacts of a tornado that occurred Monday evening, July 6, south of Speafish, SD off of Tinton Road on the Northern Hills Ranger District.
A section of Tinton Road is currently closed due to downed trees. Timber Gulch (FSR 733), FSR 734 and Limestone trails may also be affected. Officials urge caution in the these areas as the roads and trails may be blocked and dangerous snags could be adjacent to these road and trail systems.
Crews are working to clear the Tinton Road section and plan to have it open by the end of the day Tuesday. Crews are also working in the Timber Gulch Road area and assessing other areas that may be impacted.
Reconnaissance is underway to determine the extent and path of the tornado.
The National Weather Service reported that thunderstorms developed across northeastern Wyoming and southeastern MT. They merged and strengthened as they moved over Sundance and into the Black Hills area.
A tornado was confirmed 7 miles NNW of New Haven, WY, and several other funnel clouds were reported around the Sundance area. Sundance received some wind damage from the storm. Another suspected tornado was reported near Cement Ridge in the Black Hills, which resulted in tree damage. More details will be provided once official surveys have been conducted.
Tennis ball to baseball sized hail was reported over parts of northeastern WY, the Black Hills, and the Rapid City area. As the storm tracked eastward, it developed into more of a wind producer. Winds up to 75 mph were reported across parts of south central South Dakota.
