SIOUX FALLS, SD — A tornado was confirmed on the ground near Bridgewater on Sunday afternoon, and the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls issued an active warning for southwestern McCook County through 6:45 p.m. CDT. The storm was moving northeast at about 15 mph and was being watched live by storm chasers and trained spotters.
At 6:14 p.m. CDT, forecasters placed the tornado over Bridgewater, about 14 miles west of Lake Vermillion State Recreation Area. Officials said the storm was expected to stay over mostly rural parts of southwestern McCook County for the rest of the warning period.
What Officials Urged
The weather service used direct language in its warning, telling residents that a tornado was on the ground and that they should take cover immediately. The recommended shelter was a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.
Quarter-size hail and torrential rain were also part of the storm system, and forecasters warned that flash flooding could follow. Residents were told not to drive through flooded roads.
Greatest Risk Areas
Mobile homes, vehicles, and people outdoors were identified as the groups facing the highest danger from flying debris. The National Weather Service says roughly 40% of tornado deaths in the United States happen in mobile homes, which offer limited protection even when anchored.
Anyone in a manufactured home was told to leave right away and get to a permanent structure or a storm shelter. If no basement is available, safety guidance says to crouch low and cover the head and neck with arms, blankets, or a mattress.
County Weather History
McCook County has dealt with severe tornadoes before, including the 1998 Spencer tornado that crossed Hanson and McCook counties and killed six people. That F4 storm injured 150 more and remains the deadliest tornado in South Dakota’s modern record.
Historical data shows most South Dakota tornadoes are weaker EF0 or EF1 events, but violent storms do occur in the region. Sunday’s warning came after a First Alert Weather Day was declared Saturday across western South Dakota for large hail and damaging winds.
Safety Steps To Follow
Officials advised anyone in the warning area to get underground if possible, using a basement and placing sturdy furniture between themselves and the storm. If there is no basement, the safest move is a small interior room such as a bathroom or closet on the lowest floor.
Drivers were told to avoid flooded roads and not try to cross standing water. Forecasters said residents should keep watching National Weather Service updates or NOAA Weather Radio until the warning expires.
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