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Tuesday, Jul 7, 2026

Was a SD storm’s wind gust among the strongest in US history?

Michael Klinski, South Dakota News Watch
yes

Winds in excess of 130 mph hit north-central South Dakota on 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 media outlets show uprooted trees, roofs ripped off buildings, grain silos folded in and downed wind turbines.

The NWS issued a severe thunderstorm warning at the time of the storm. It was 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 recorded in the United States and second-highest gust in South Dakota. In 2010, winds of 142 mph were measured in Lantry (Dewey County). 

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