State history
Tornadoes in South Dakota
South Dakota averages 30 tornadoes per year. Here is the complete history.
The stats
- Average: 30 tornadoes/year.
- Peak season: May-June.
- Regional patterns.
- Community awareness.
- Skywarn active.
Notable events
- 1998 Spencer F4 — 6 dead.
- 2010 Vivian hailstone — world record 8" hail.
- 2015 outbreak events — multiple.
- Various northern Plains events — annual activity.
Major cities
Sioux Falls
200k+. Eastern SD.
Rapid City
75k. Western SD.
Aberdeen
30k. Northern SD.
Brookings
25k.
Watertown
22k.
Mitchell
15k.
NWS coverage
NWS Sioux Falls
Eastern SD.
NWS Aberdeen
Northern SD.
NWS Rapid City
Western SD.
Chase community
- Regional chasers active.
- Multi-state coordination.
- Documentation of events.
- Public safety focus.
- Skywarn integration.
Preparedness
- Weather radio.
- WEA enabled.
- Family communication plan.
- Community shelter awareness.
- Storm shelter installation.
- Insurance current.
- Regular drills.
- Emergency contact list.
Vulnerabilities
- Population distribution.
- Building code enforcement.
- Mobile home density in specific areas.
- Community shelter access.
- Rural coverage gaps.
- Historical vulnerabilities.
For residents
- Preparedness essential.
- Local NWS office familiarity.
- Community engagement.
- Multi-hazard awareness.
- Family plan.
- Insurance verification.
- Ongoing education.