Southeastern South Dakota under severe thunderstorm watch as damaging winds, hail expected

SIOUX FALLS — Much of southeastern South Dakota is under a severe thunderstorm watch until 10 p.m. Thursday as thunderstorms entering the area are expected to produce damaging winds and hail.

The following counties are under a severe thunderstorm watch until 10 p.m. Thursday:

• Aurora, Bon Homme, Brule, Charles Mix, Clay, Davison, Douglas, Gregory, Hanson, Hutchinson, Jerauld, Lake, Lincoln, McCook, Miner, Minnehaha, Moody, Sanborn, Turner, Union and Yankton.

As the storm system crossed the state's southern border, the National Weather Service has already issued severe thunderstorm warnings in relation to this system.

According to forecasts from the National Weather Service, these scattered thunderstorms could produce very large hail and damaging winds — possibly including gusts of over 100 mph — with localized ponding or flash flooding due to recent and expected heavy rain. Some tornadoes are also a possibility.

The National Weather Service strongly encourages residents in potentially affected areas to ensure they have access to up-to-date conditions through the use of a weather radio, television or internet-capable device.

A link to the National Weather Service's radar for the Mitchell area can be found here.