Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Codington, Deuel, and Grant Counties in South Dakota
Residents across Codington, Deuel, and Grant Counties in northeastern South Dakota should take immediate precautions after a Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for the area. The storm is capable of producing dangerous weather conditions, including destructive wind gusts, large hail, torrential rainfall, frequent lightning, and rapidly changing travel conditions.
Strong thunderstorms moving through the region have the potential to cause damage to trees, power lines, roofs, vehicles, and other property. Heavy rainfall may also lead to localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas and locations with poor drainage.
Areas Under the Warning
The warning includes:
- Codington County
- Deuel County
- Grant County
Communities that could be impacted include:
- Watertown
- Clear Lake
- Milbank
- Nearby rural communities throughout northeastern South Dakota
Storm conditions can change rapidly, so residents should closely monitor forecasts and any additional warnings issued by the National Weather Service.
Expected Hazards
Residents should be prepared for:
- Damaging straight-line winds capable of exceeding 60 mph
- Large hail that may damage vehicles, roofs, and crops
- Dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning
- Heavy rainfall reducing visibility
- Localized flash flooding in poor drainage areas
- Downed trees and scattered power outages
Even storms without tornadoes can produce winds strong enough to cause significant damage.
Stay Weather Aware
When a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued:
- Move indoors immediately.
- Stay away from windows and glass doors.
- Delay outdoor activities.
- Secure outdoor furniture and loose objects if it is safe to do so.
- Charge mobile devices before storms arrive.
- Keep weather alerts enabled on your phone.
- Avoid unnecessary travel until storms have passed.
Never shelter beneath trees during lightning. If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
Driving During Severe Thunderstorms
Travel can become dangerous in only a few minutes.
Drivers should:
- Slow down immediately in heavy rain.
- Turn on headlights.
- Never drive through flooded roadways.
- Watch for fallen branches, debris, and downed power lines.
- Pull over safely if visibility becomes too poor.
Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown if water covers the roadway.
Prepare Before the Storm Arrives
Every household should have an emergency kit containing:
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- NOAA Weather Radio
- Fully charged power banks
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food
- First aid supplies
- Prescription medications
- Important documents stored in waterproof containers
Having multiple ways to receive weather alerts can save valuable time during rapidly developing storms.
After the Storm
Once the warning expires:
- Stay clear of downed power lines.
- Report storm damage to local authorities if safe to do so.
- Check on neighbors who may need assistance.
- Continue monitoring weather updates, as additional storms may develop behind the first line.
Recent severe weather in northeastern South Dakota has demonstrated that storms in this region can produce damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tree damage, emphasizing the importance of remaining alert whenever warnings are issued.
Stay Updated with Radar Watch HQ
Radar Watch HQ provides timely updates on:
- Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- Tornado Warnings
- Flash Flood Warnings
- Winter Storm Alerts
- Tropical Weather
- Marine Warnings
- Wildfire Weather
- Earthquakes and other significant weather events
Always follow instructions from local emergency management officials and the National Weather Service during severe weather events.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Radar Watch HQ earns from qualifying purchases.
Radar Watch HQ Top 5 Essential Emergency Preparedness Picks
Whether you’re preparing for severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, or extended power outages, these five emergency essentials can help keep your household safer when severe weather strikes.
A portable power station provides reliable backup electricity during outages, allowing you to power phones, medical devices, laptops, lights, small appliances, and communication equipment without fuel.
Best for:
- Extended power outages
- Severe thunderstorms
- Hurricanes
- Winter storms
- Wildfires
2. Flood Protection Barriers & Sandless Flood Bags
Flood barriers help divert or absorb water before it enters garages, doorways, and low-lying areas. They deploy quickly and can help reduce property damage during flash flooding.
Best for:
- Flash Flood Warnings
- Heavy rainfall
- River flooding
- Coastal flooding
3. Rechargeable LED Flashlights
Bright, dependable flashlights are essential when the power goes out. Rechargeable or solar-powered models provide long-lasting illumination for navigating safely indoors and outdoors.
Best for:
- Overnight power outages
- Emergency evacuations
- Storm damage inspections
Keep phones, tablets, weather radios, and USB-powered devices charged when the electrical grid is unavailable. A solar power bank offers an additional charging option during prolonged emergencies.
Best for:
- Communication during outages
- Emergency weather alerts
- Travel and evacuation
A NOAA Weather Radio delivers official weather alerts directly from the National Weather Service, even when cellular networks or internet service are unavailable. It remains one of the most dependable ways to receive life-saving warnings.
Best for:
- Tornado warnings
- Severe thunderstorm warnings
- Flash flood warnings
- Hurricane alerts
- Winter storm emergencies
Why Radar Watch HQ Recommends These Essentials
At Radar Watch HQ, preparedness is just as important as staying informed. These five emergency essentials can help you stay connected, protect your property, and safely navigate severe weather events. Having supplies ready before storms arrive allows you to respond quickly when warnings are issued and conditions begin to deteriorate.
