Derecho Warning for South Dakota: What the Forecast Says
South Dakota may face a powerful weather event on July 28.
The National Weather Service has warned of possible derecho formation.
This comes as thunderstorms are expected to develop in the late afternoon.
The Weather Prediction Center has issued a notice for eastern South Dakota.
What is a derecho? Many still ask that question.
A derecho is a long-lived, destructive windstorm.
It travels fast and spans hundreds of miles.
Winds in a derecho often exceed 58 mph.
These storms leave behind damage similar to tornadoes.
According to https://intimeskynews.com/, derechos are increasing in frequency.
That makes awareness and preparation more important than ever.
Recent Derechos in South Dakota
South Dakota has seen several derechos in recent years.
Each one brought high winds, flooding, and widespread damage.
July 13, 2024
Supercells from Montana turned into severe storms over western South Dakota.
Wind gusts reached 108 mph near Hoover in Butte County.
Damage stretched from the Montana border to the Missouri River.
These were categorized as “destructive winds” by the National Weather Service.
July 5, 2022
A derecho brought eerie green skies over Sioux Falls.
Winds reached 99 mph near Howard and 96 mph at Huron Airport.
Power lines, trees, and homes suffered significant damage.
The storm dropped up to 5 inches of rain.
Thousands lost power.
The Great Plains Zoo even had to close temporarily.
May 12, 2022
Another major derecho hit eastern South Dakota.
This time, 34 tornadoes formed during the event.
South Dakota recorded 13 of those tornadoes.
An EF-2 tornado with 120 mph winds hit Castlewood.
A school and a farmstead sustained severe damage.
Blowing dust made driving dangerous across southeastern parts of the state.
Why This Matters
Derechos aren’t just storms.
They disrupt entire communities.
Schools close, power goes out, and roads become unsafe.
Even large animals in zoos are affected.
The skies above Sioux Falls once turned green.
That color shift alarmed residents and sparked online memes.
But the danger was very real.
When skies change color, it’s often due to moisture and light scattering.
And it may mean hail or intense winds are near.
How to Prepare for a Derecho
Stay informed.
Follow local weather alerts and radar updates.
Use trusted sources like https://intimeskynews.com/ for weather tracking.
Secure outdoor items.
Trash bins, patio furniture, and grills can become dangerous projectiles.
Make sure they’re stored safely indoors.
Charge your electronics.
Power outages are common during derechos.
Keep flashlights, radios, and phones charged ahead of time.
Avoid driving if possible.
Winds may knock down trees and power lines.
Reduced visibility from rain and dust makes roads hazardous.
Know your emergency plan.
Prepare an evacuation route and emergency kit.
Include water, snacks, batteries, and basic first aid.
What to Expect on July 28
The derecho threat begins in the late afternoon.
Thunderstorms may merge into a single powerful storm front.
If this happens, wind gusts over 80 mph are possible.
The National Weather Service says the derecho could travel east across the state.
The sky may change color again.
Green, blue, or gray tones could signal severe hail or heavy moisture.
Don’t take these changes lightly.
Stay indoors during the storm.
Keep windows closed and avoid using electronics.
Listen to official updates every 15 minutes.
Derechos vs Tornadoes
People often confuse derechos with tornadoes.
While both bring intense winds, their structures are different.
Tornadoes are rotating columns of air.
Derechos are long bands of straight-line winds.
Tornadoes can be tracked on radar individually.
Derechos act more like fast-moving walls of wind and rain.
Both are dangerous.
Both require immediate action.
Climate Change and Derechos
Experts say derechos could become more frequent.
Warmer temperatures add more energy to the atmosphere.
This fuels larger and more violent storm systems.
If current trends continue, South Dakota may see even more severe weather.
Residents must adapt to this new reality.
Communities must invest in early warning systems and resilient infrastructure.
Websites like https://intimeskynews.com/ offer real-time data and expert analysis.
Use them to stay ahead of the next big storm.
Final Thoughts
July 28 could bring another historic derecho to South Dakota.
If it forms, it will test the region’s readiness once again.
Learn from past storms.
Prepare your home and your family now.
Derechos strike fast and hard.
But with the right information, you can stay safe.
Check your alerts.
Follow expert advice.
And monitor trusted news sources like https://intimeskynews.com/ for the latest updates.