Sponsored By
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
WOONSOCKET, S.D. — A severe thunderstorm caused significant damage in Woonsocket on Sunday afternoon. The town, with a population of around 650 residents, experienced estimated wind speeds ranging from 60 to 80 miles per hour. A confirmed wind gust of 81 mph was recorded in nearby Lane as the storm moved east toward Woonsocket.
The damage observed by the National Weather Service is consistent with straight-line winds over a long but narrow path. The storm knocked out power across the area, and multiple structures and trees sustained damage. Officials noted that the storm did not meet the formal criteria to be classified as a derecho.
ADVERTISEMENT
Resident Deb Boschee reported power outages and debris across private property.
“Our damage is just the yard, garden, lots of trees. We are lucky,” Boschee said.
Woonsocket School District Superintendent Rod Weber said he was not in town during the storm but received reports of damage to his home and several structures in the community.
“I just know the storage shed is gone and a business uptown is pretty much gone,” Weber said.
The Woonsocket Volunteer Fire Department posted on social media that NorthWestern Energy asked residents to report downed power lines to City Finance Officer Tara Weber. South Dakota Highway 34 was reported as impassable through town due to fallen trees and structural debris. Highways 34 and 281 were also temporarily blocked at the junction near Lane, restricting westbound and northbound travel.
According to many residents, the storm entered Woonsocket from the northwest. As of Sunday evening, there were no confirmed injuries or fatalities. Cleanup operations are ongoing as local officials continue to assess the extent of the damage.
ADVERTISEMENT
