RAPID CITY, S.D. – Large hail, wind and heavy rain pummeled parts of western South Dakota over the weekend – resulting in damage across several communities as well as destroying crops.
The Philip area was hit two nights in a row – with large hail and straight line winds that damaged structures, trees and power lines.
Warning Coordination Meteorologist Susan Sanders at the National Weather Service Office in Rapid City surveyed damage in the Philip area Sunday and says it appears it was straight line winds that cause the bulk of damage.
“We noticed some of those large power lines that were blown down. We saw some buildings had their roofs taken off, and they were more of the industrial-type buildings, rather than residences. However, we saw one mobile home did have its roof taken off. Lots of tree damage was seen.”
Thousands of people were without power across the Philip area. West Central Electric reported approximately 2,700 meters off as of Monday morning in an area stretching from Lower Brule up to Philip.
Additional crews were being brought in to help with power restoration.
In Belle Fourche, clean up was commencing Monday following a severe storm Sunday night that brought hail the size of baseballs.
Residents in the Butte County town say the storm left widespread damage in its wake. Many homes suffered roof and siding damage as well as broken windows. Businesses were also hit hard – including Scott Peterson Motors, where nearly every vehicle on the lot suffered hail damage.
That same storm also pummeled Fruitdale after exiting Belle Fourche with large hail.
Deadwood, Sturgis and Whitewood also got hail from severe thunderstorms Sunday night.
Hail the size of quarters and some larger stones were reported in all three communities.
