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.
NEW JERSEY – Torrential rainfall has triggered widespread flash flooding across northern New Jersey, leaving roadways submerged, traffic paralyzed, and numerous motorists stranded.
In response to the rapidly deteriorating conditions, Governor Phil Murphy declared a State of Emergency Monday evening at 7:33 p.m., urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
“Please stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Stay safe, New Jersey,” Murphy wrote in a statement released on social media.
The flash flooding has severely impacted several major roadways, including:
- Route 22: Entire sections of the highway were completely underwater, with numerous vehicles stalled in rising floodwaters. Emergency responders are on scene assisting trapped motorists.
- New Jersey Turnpike: Near Newark, both northbound and southbound lanes experienced heavy flooding, resulting in lane closures and significant traffic delays. Some areas of the Turnpike are reported to be completely impassable as water levels continue to rise.
Residents described scenes of devastation, with roads transformed into rivers and entire neighborhoods inundated. Video footage from affected areas shows cars partially submerged, and water rushing through intersections and parking lots.
Officials have issued a strong warning: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Flash flooding remains an active threat as more rain is forecast throughout the evening and into Tuesday.
Emergency management teams across the state are working to coordinate response efforts, deploy high-water rescue vehicles, and mitigate further flooding.
Despite the swift response, public reaction has been mixed, with some residents criticizing the timing and preparedness of local and state agencies.
One social media user remarked, “Don’t bother calling FEMA, nobody will answer,” reflecting growing frustration over emergency response delays.
The duration of the State of Emergency remains unclear, but officials stress that residents should continue to monitor official alerts, follow emergency guidance, and contact 2-1-1 for shelter assistance if displaced.
If you are experiencing a flood-related emergency, contact local authorities immediately.
This is a developing situation. More updates will follow as the weather event continues to unfold.