Storm Damage Closes State Highway and Winds to 80mph

A single severe thunderstorm that occurred during Sunday afternoon caused damage in the Woonsocket area of southeast South Dakota.

Photo Credit: SDDOT near Forestburg, SD on SD Highway 34 at 2:53pm CDT 07-20-2025

Thunderstorm winds caused extensive damage to power lines, buildings, and trees in Woonsocket, where State Highway 34 in the community is closed, according to the Woonsocket Volunteer Fire Department. Nearby, the sides were blown in on an empty grain bin, and a grain truck had been tipped onto its side.

Up towards Lane, a camper was blown over, as well as several trees blown onto powerlines, as an 81mph wind gust was reported a mile west of town.

Thunderstorm Wind Gusts Reports:

1 mi W Lane - 81.00mph

Woonsocket - 70.00mph

1 mi W Lane - 62.00mph

7 mi SSW Folsom - 61.00mph

4 mi NNE Letcher - 60.00mph

6 mi ENE Loomis - 60.00mph