Sixty-plus winds once again whip across the region once again
It was “déjà vu” all over again – this time without the Tornado Warning, though.
That warning and subsequent wind and heavy rainstorm moved through the area on Tuesday, June 14.
After a hot and humid day across the region on Friday, June 17, a line of strong thunderstorms – with once again numerous reports of 60+ mile per hour (mph) winds – also whipped its way across during the late afternoon and. Damaging winds were the most reported weather hazard, although there were hail report of golf-ball size hail near Madison, South Dakota and Parker, South Dakota as well as quarter-size hail in Watonwan County.
According to the Sioux Falls, S. D. National Weather Service, in many areas there were two rounds of wind from this severe weather event. A strong outflow boundary (cool air rushing away from thunderstorms) would first push through a location bringing 40-to-60 mph winds. This boundary at times, was 30 miles ahead of thunderstorms. A second round of wind would then accompany the thunderstorm activity as it moved through. The combination of these features led to a long and sustained period of 4 mph – to even 70 mph winds.
Heavy rainfall was also common as thunderstorms moved through. Mountain Lake reports had rainfall amounts of 3+ inches.
City of Mountain Lake Street Department was out as the rain was still falling, clearing the downed trees from streets.
Sunday night, June 19 could again, according to weather forecasters, feature a three-peat storm event, fueled – once again – by the heat and humidity of the day.
