Preliminary evaluation shows 7 tornadoes went through eastern South Dakota Memorial Day weekend

A strong low pressure system tracked from Nebraska northward into eastern South Dakota during the morning and afternoon on Memorial Day (May 30, 2022). An intense line of severe thunderstorms developed across eastern South Dakota in response, and then tracked northeast into western Minnesota. In addition to damaging straight-line winds and large hail, several fast-moving and/or rain-wrapped tornadoes were produced. The strongest tornado was rated an EF3 in Deuel County with an estimated peak wind speed of 140 mph after it destroyed a transmission tower. Additionally, heavy rains fell on already saturated soils across northeastern South Dakota and west central Minnesota.

Significant property and tree damage, power outages, river and overland flooding including across many county and secondary roads, and other impacts resulted across the same area that was hit hard by a derecho and tornadoes just two and a half weeks earlier on May 12th.

Seven tornado tracks have been confirmed, however the damage investigation continues. Information remains preliminary and subject to change.

Photos and summary information can be seen below or found at https://www.weather.gov/abr/ReviewMay302022.

Preliminary Tornadoes:

Tornado #1 – From 5 miles south of Goodwin to 1 mile north of Tunerville, SD Deuel County Date 5/30/2022 Time (Local) 2:46pm – 2:58pm EF Rating EF3 Est. Peak Winds 140 mph Path Length 10.15 miles Max Width 100 yards Injuries/Deaths 0/0 Summary: A grain bin was ripped from the base and tossed a mile to the northeast, a farmstead lost several outbuildings and sustained damage to the home, and a transmission tower was completely twisted and collapsed. Track Map Radar reflectivity (left) and storm-relative velocity (right) at 2:48pm Damage as seen on the NWS survey Damage as seen on the NWS survey Damage as seen on the NWS survey Tornado #2 – From 8 miles NNE of Estelline to 2 miles SSE of Altamont, SD Deuel County Date 5/30/2022 Time (Local) 2:41pm – 2:53pm EF Rating EF2 Est. Peak Winds 115 Path Length 11.9 miles Max Width 150 yards Injuries/Deaths 0/0 Summary: A farmstead had one destroyed and one partially destroyed stave silo, a severely damaged barn, and a grain bin that was tossed a quarter mile to the northeast. At least 4 other farmsteads were damaged along the tornado’s path. Track Map   Radar reflectivity (left) and storm-relative velocity (right) at 2:46pm Damage as seen on the NWS survey Damage as seen on the NWS survey Damage as seen on the NWS survey Tornado #3– 3 miles WNW of Clear Lake, SD Deuel County Date 5/30/2022 Time (Local) 2:50pm – 2:50pm EF Rating EF1 Est. Peak Winds 90 mph Path Length 0.43 miles Max Width 20 yards Injuries/Deaths 0/0 Summary: A clear path was observed through a tree grove, and farm machinery was tossed. Track Map Radar reflectivity (left) and storm-relative velocity (right) at 2:50pm Damage as seen on the NWS survey Damage as seen on the NWS survey Damage as seen on the NWS survey Tornado #4 – From 4 miles SSW of La Bolt to 4 miles NNW of Albee, SD Grant County Date 5/30/2022 Time (Local) 3:05pm – 3:10pm EF Rating EF1 Est. Peak Winds 100 mph Path Length 10.31 miles Max Width 40 yards Injuries/Deaths 0/0 Summary: A farmstead had a roof ripped off a barn, damage to a machine shed, a destroyed stave silo, and a dented grain bin; the home had debris pierced through walls, roof panels ripped off, and broken windows. Another residence had half a barn roof ripped off and tossed a quarter mile to the northeast. Power poles were snapped at the base. Track Map   Radar reflectivity (left) and storm-relative velocity (right) at 3:05pm Damage as seen on the NWS survey Damage as seen on the NWS survey Damage as seen on the NWS survey   Tornado #5 – 4 miles ENE of of Stone Bridge, SD Hamlin County Date 5/30/2022 Time (Local) 2:30pm – 2:30pm EF Rating EF0 Est. Peak Winds 85 mph Path Length 0.65 miles Max Width 10 yards Injuries/Deaths 0/0 Summary: An eyewitness saw a brief tornado touchdown. Only minor damage to a cattle shed was noted. Track Map   Radar reflectivity (left) and storm-relative velocity (right) at 2:30pm   Tornado #6 – 4 miles south of Artichoke, MN  Big Stone County Date 5/30/2022 Time (Local) 3:36pm – 3:38pm EF Rating EF1 Est. Peak Winds 90 mph Path Length 2.41 miles Max Width 30 yards Injuries/Deaths 0/0 Summary: A storm chaser documented the brief tornado touchdown. Two farmsteads were damaged. Track Map   Radar reflectivity (left) and storm-relative velocity (right) at 3:38pm   Tornado #7 – From 4 miles north of Albee to 5 miles SE of Milbank, SD Grant County Date 5/30/2022 Time (Local) 3:10pm – 3:14pm EF Rating EF1 Est. Peak Winds 100 mph Path Length 4.45 miles Max Width 20 yards Injuries/Deaths 0/0 Summary: The tornado mangled trees, snapped and uprooted trees, damaged a dairy barn, and tore off a quarter of the roof of a house. Track Map   Radar reflectivity (left) and storm-relative velocity (right) at 3:12pm

The Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale classifies tornadoes into the following categories:

EF0 Weak 65-85 mph	EF1 Moderate 86-110 mph	EF2 Significant 111-135 mph	EF3 Severe 136-165 mph	EF4 Extreme 166-200 mph	EF5 Catastrophic 200+ mph