South Dakota tornado tracker: Massive twister in Watertown; these cities under warning
'Watertown, South Dakota — large, violent and extremely dangerous tornado is west of town. Tornado warning may soon be extended into the city. Begin moving to or prepare to shelter now. Those who need extra time or have mobility challenges — start the sheltering process NOW,' storm chaser Matthew Cappucci posted on X, platform formerly known as Twitter.
Read More: Old Farmer's Almanac prediction for Fall 2025 across the US revealed
Another local said that the tornado appeared to damage structures. 'Photogenic corn grinder just West of Watertown… Unfortunately hit structures,' they tweeted.
Authorities are yet to confirm the extent of the damage. No injuries have been reported yet.
NWS warnings for tornadoes in South Dakota
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Aberdeen has renewed a Tornado Warning for southwestern Codington County, South Dakota, effective until 6:30 PM CDT, as a confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado rages near Watertown.
Issued at 6:10 PM CDT, the alert classifies this as a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS), urging immediate action as the twister, spotted over Long Lake near Goose Lake, moves southeast at 10 mph. Residents are in a life-threatening scenario, with potential for widespread destruction as the storm approaches key locations.
Read More: Dallas County reports first heat death as dangerous heatwaves grip North Texas: See list of safety precautions
Weather spotters confirmed the tornado's presence, reporting hazards including flying debris that could prove fatal without shelter, alongside the risk of total devastation to mobile homes, homes, businesses, and vehicles.
The storm is expected to near Watertown, Lake Kampeska, and Memorial Park Camping Site around 6:15 PM CDT, prompting urgent evacuation from vulnerable areas.
The NWS warns of considerable damage, with a maximum hail size of 1.00 inch adding to the threat, particularly for those on or near water bodies like Lake Kampeska, where capsizing waves and lightning pose additional dangers.
Authorities are urging residents to seek safety immediately, advising movement to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.
For those outdoors, in mobile homes, or vehicles, the closest substantial shelter is critical to avoid deadly debris. Special caution is urged for those on Lake Kampeska, with instructions to leave the water, dock boats, and find shelter to escape thunderstorm-related hazards. The slow movement of the tornado suggests a prolonged threat, keeping emergency services on high alert.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
5 hours ago
- Business Standard
Massive California wildfire grows, becomes state's largest in 2025
Rising temperatures on Wednesday posed new challenges for firefighters who have made incremental progress against a massive wildfire in central California that has injured four people as it has become the biggest blaze in the state so far this year. More than 870 remote homes and other structures at the northern edge of Los Padres National Forest are threatened by the Gifford Fire, which grew only slightly overnight after burning out of control for days. The fire has scorched at least 339 square kilometres of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, with just 9 per cent containment. It surpassed the 326-square-kilometer Madre Fire, which erupted last month in southeastern San Luis Obispo County, as the state's largest fire of 2025. Crews working in steep, inaccessible terrain will be dealing with temperatures in the mid-90s (35 Celsius) on Wednesday and above 100 (38 Celsius) on Thursday, said Capt. Scott Safechuck with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. We have hot weather, and we have low relative humidity, Safechuck said Wednesday. So we expect extreme fire behaviour. Luckily, winds are expected to remain relatively calm, he said. Wildfire risk will be elevated through the weekend across much of inland California as the heat wave intensifies. The southern part of the state has seen very little rain, drying out vegetation and making it ripe to burn, the National Weather Service for Los Angeles warned in a statement. Triple-digit temperatures (around 38 Celsius) are forecast for the Sacramento Valley. More than 2,200 personnel are battling the Gifford Fire, which grew out of at least four smaller fires that erupted Friday along State Route 166, forcing closures in both directions east of Santa Maria, a city of about 110,000 people. The causes of the fires are under investigation. Flames are racing through a vast, mostly unpopulated region that includes forestland, ranches, large canyon properties and agricultural parcels growing wine grapes and strawberries. The weather service warned of health risks from spreading smoke that could affect much of southwest California. Officials reported four injuries, including a firefighter who was treated for dehydration. Over the weekend, a motorist was hospitalised with burn injuries after getting out of his vehicle and being overrun by flames. And two contract employees assisting firefighters were also hurt when their all-terrain vehicle overturned.
Mint
19 hours ago
- Mint
Scary Viral Video: One dead, nine injured in raging wildfire engulfing southern France
A terrifying wildfire tearing through southern France has left one person dead and nine others injured, as dramatic videos of flames engulfing the countryside go viral online. The massive blaze, which broke out on Tuesday, continues to rage across the Aude department, with firefighters warning that it remains far from under control. The inferno is burning across the Aude department in southern France—home to vineyards, medieval towns, and now, more than 12,000 hectares of scorched land. It is the largest wildfire to hit the country this summer, already destroying or damaging at least 25 homes. More than 1,800 firefighters have been deployed in a desperate attempt to contain the blaze. Aerial support, including water-bombing planes, has also been mobilised, though officials warn the effort may last several more days. Gigantic flames remain uncontrollable — the country's biggest fire this year has killed 1, injured 9, and left 1 missing Tragically, an elderly French woman died in her home, while two others suffered injuries—one of whom is now in critical condition with severe burns. Seven firefighters have also been treated for smoke inhalation. One individual remains missing. In addition to residential damage, the wildfire has forced evacuations from camping sites and at least one village, and several roads have been closed. Authorities remain on high alert as conditions worsen. As the fire continues to spread, footage captured by residents and tourists has gone viral across social media, showing walls of flames sweeping through forests and fields. Emergency sirens and smoke-choked skies have added to the scenes of chaos. Authorities continue to urge people to avoid the affected zones and report any signs of flare-ups to emergency services. Fire officials say that strong winds, dry vegetation, and soaring temperatures have created the perfect storm for the blaze to spread rapidly. "The fire is advancing in an area where all the conditions are ripe for it to progress," said Lucie Roesch, secretary general of the Aude prefecture. The region's ecological changes are playing a role too. Local authorities note that the removal of vineyards—once natural firebreaks—has made the landscape more vulnerable. Low rainfall has only added to the problem. The wildfire reached the northwestern outskirts of Marseille, France's second-largest city, leaving behind scorched landscapes and burned homes 'All of the nation's resources are mobilised,' French President Emmanuel Macron declared in a post on X (formerly Twitter), urging citizens to be "extremely cautious." Prime Minister François Bayrou is expected to visit the affected region on Wednesday to assess the situation and support response efforts. Emergency teams are focusing on stopping the fire's expansion and preventing flare-ups along the edges. Locals are expressing a mix of fear, heartbreak, and frustration as fires become an increasingly common threat each summer. Aude Damesin, a resident of Fabrezan, called the situation "tragic." "It's terrible for the wildlife, the flora, and for the people who are losing everything," she said. With more than 9,000 wildfires already recorded across France this summer—particularly along the Mediterranean coast—the scale and frequency of such disasters are becoming a stark reminder of a changing climate.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Uttarakhand cloudburst tragedy: Sonu Sood, Bhumi Pednekar, Raghav Juyal, and other celebs express heartfelt grief
A powerful cloudburst in the Himalayan village of Dharali, located in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, triggered sudden flash floods and destruction on Tuesday. The disaster left homes, shops, and roads washed away. Several people are feared missing, and rescue efforts are currently underway. Several celebrities from the film world reacted with concern and sorrow Sonu Sood urges nation to unite Actor Sonu Sood posted on X (formerly Twitter), sharing his heartbreak over the tragedy. 'Heartbroken by the devastating floods & cloudburst in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. Prayers for every life affected. It's time the nation comes together — while the govt does its part, we as individuals must stand up for every soul who lost a home, a living, a life.' Bhumi Pednekar raises concern Actor Bhumi Pednekar shared her thoughts on Instagram, raising concern not just about the tragedy, but also about the underlying issues of climate change and uncontrolled development. 'What's happening in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand is heartbreaking.' She also posted chilling visuals and videos of the cloudburst and its aftermath. Raghav Juyal says 'Stop this, too late' Dancer and actor Raghav Juyal, who hails from Uttarakhand, kept his message simple but strong. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Babulu: Unsold Sofas May Be at Bargain Prices (Prices May Surprise You) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now On Instagram, he posted, 'Prayers' 🙏 He then reposted a video showing construction work happening in the region and added, 'Stop this. It's already too late.' Adivi Sesh calls visuals 'heartbreaking' Actor Adivi Sesh also reacted on X, writing, 'Praying for #Uttarakhand. Heartbreaking visuals.' His message echoed the emotional response of many across the country who were shocked by the visuals coming from Dharali and nearby areas. As per ANI, two cloudbursts struck Uttarkashi, one in Dharali and another in the Sukhi Top area, causing widespread destruction. Dharali was the worst-hit, with the region witnessing severe mudslides and flash floods. The impact was so intense that the road at Bhatwadi on the Uttarkashi–Harsil route was completely washed away, cutting off access. The route to Harsil remained blocked throughout the night. Rescue and relief operations faced difficulties due to the damaged infrastructure. Dharali, where the cloudburst left significant devastation, lies around 50 kilometres from the site, making it one of the most critically affected areas in the district.
