By Michael Klinski, South Dakota News Watch.
Fact brief: Was a SD storm’s wind gust among the strongest in US history?
- Answer: Yes.
Winds in excess of 130 mph hit north-central South Dakota early Monday (June 29, 2026), breaking records and causing significant damage.
The National Weather Service Aberdeen office reported a 131 mph wind gust in Highmore in Hyde County. Photos posted by multiple media outlets show numerous trees uprooted, roofs ripped off buildings and grain silos folded in, as well as downed wind turbines.
The NWS had issued a severe thunderstorm warning at the time of the storm, and it would be the highest recorded thunderstorm wind gust (not from a tornado or derecho) since 1983. The NWS confirmed the winds did not come from a tornado.
Meanwhile, a tornado was reported 2 miles south of Andover. No injuries were reported.
If the 131 mph gust is verified, it would be the 15th-strongest thunderstorm wind gust ever recorded in the United States and second-highest gust in South Dakota. In 2010, winds of 142 mph were measured in Lantry (Dewey County).
This fact brief responds to claims such as this one.
Sources:
The Washington Post, Why a 131-mph wind gust in South Dakota caught my attention
Aberdeen National Weather Service office Facebook page, Wind summary for June 29 storms
KELO-TV, Early morning storm impacting KELOLAND Monday
Aberdeen Insider, Aberdeen spared as two tornados, gusts as high as 131 mph recorded
Meteorologist Max Velocity, Facebook Post
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