Weather
Large Tornado on the ground near Clear Lake, South Dakota
CLEAR LAKE, S.D. – A powerful and confirmed tornado touched down near Clear Lake, South Dakota, around 7:00 p.m. prompting urgent warnings and shelter advisories across the region.
Spotters and storm chasers reported at least two tornadoes on the ground in the area, including one between Altamont and Clear Lake in Deuel County.
The National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning for Deuel and Hamlin Counties, in effect until 7:15 p.m. CDT. As of 6:56 p.m., a tornado was confirmed on the ground near Altamont, tracking eastward at approximately 20 miles per hour.
The storm is also producing ping-pong ball-sized hail.
Current Storm Details:
- Location: Between Altamont and Clear Lake
- Direction & Speed: Moving east at 20 mph
- Hazards: Observed tornado, large hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter
- Time of Last Confirmation: 6:56 p.m. CDT
- Coordinates: 44.81°N, 96.71°W
Areas Likely Impacted Around 7:00 p.m.:
- Clear Lake
- Altamont
- Lake Alice
- Tunerville
This is a dangerous and life-threatening situation. Flying debris poses a serious hazard to those caught outdoors or in mobile homes.
Extensive damage to roofs, windows, vehicles, and trees is likely. Residents are urged to take immediate action:
“To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Stay away from windows. If you are outside, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the nearest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.”
The tornado warning was reinforced by dramatic visual confirmation from storm chaser Alex Bartholomew, who captured a striking image of the tornado near Clear Lake, with fellow chaser Stephen Jones visible in the foreground of the scene.
Local authorities and emergency management officials continue to monitor the situation closely.
Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
If you are in the affected area, do not delay — seek shelter immediately and monitor local alerts.
POINT COMFORT, Texas — Powerful thunderstorms swept across parts of the Texas Gulf Coast, producing extreme wind gusts that caused significant destruction in Point Comfort and surrounding areas, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
A WeatherFlow HurrNet station recorded a peak wind gust of 119 miles per hour in Point Comfort, indicating a highly destructive wind event—likely a downburst associated with a line of severe thunderstorms that moved through the region.
Nearby communities also experienced intense conditions, with wind gusts reaching 77 mph in Palacios, Texas.
Widespread Storm Damage Reported
Preliminary reports indicate extensive damage stretching from near Coleto Creek Reservoir southeast through Point Comfort and toward Port O’Connor.
Residents and storm observers described scenes of severe impact consistent with extreme straight-line winds.
Reported damage includes:
- Downed power lines and widespread power outages across Point Comfort
- Large transmission towers toppled or severely damaged
- Trees uprooted or snapped at the base, with some falling onto homes
- Metal structures and roofing materials torn from buildings
- Vehicles, including trucks and boats, overturned by strong winds
- Billboards destroyed and outdoor infrastructure heavily damaged
One eyewitness described winds “easily exceeding 100 mph,” noting that debris, including large pieces of metal, was ripped from nearby buildings.
Additional reports suggest that a semi-truck parked at an industrial site was flipped, further underscoring the intensity of the wind event.
Possible Downburst Under Investigation
Meteorologists believe the damage pattern is consistent with a downburst, a powerful column of sinking air that spreads outward upon reaching the ground, producing intense and localized wind damage.
However, the National Weather Service has confirmed that a formal damage survey will be conducted to determine the exact cause.
Community Urged to Share Information
Officials are asking residents to submit photos, videos, and damage reports, including locations and estimated times, to assist with the ongoing assessment.
This information will help meteorologists better understand the storm’s impact and confirm whether the event was solely caused by straight-line winds or involved additional severe weather factors.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Emergency crews and utility workers are actively responding to restore power and clear debris as residents begin recovery efforts.
Authorities continue to urge caution in affected areas due to downed lines, unstable structures, and hazardous debris.
This severe weather event highlights the destructive potential of fast-moving thunderstorm systems and the importance of staying alert during rapidly changing weather conditions.