KADOKA, S.D. – The National Weather Service says they have confirmed a tornado was responsible for storm damage south of Kadoka.
What is now being called the White River Valley Event experienced an EF-2 tornado with winds upwards of 135mph.
The tornado tracked along a three-mile path just north of the White River in Jackson County from a portion of Highway 73, moving over Redstone Road, and damaging several structures. Several mature cottonwood trees were snapped and a newly manufactured home was stripped from its foundation and was estimated to have rolled three times, injuring but not killing the two occupants.
The information in the preliminary statement is subject to change depending on final review with NOAA.
Jackson County residents were joined by volunteers Sunday to begin cleanup of the area.
South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden visited the storm-damaged area Sunday.
Rhoden says “when South Dakotans face difficult situations, we step up and help each other. Several homes in the Kadoka area were hit by tornadoes last night. I surveyed the damage and helped out where I could. We’ll keep helping folks across the state impacted by these storms — keep them in your prayers.”
The supercell thunderstorm that produced the tornado began its destructive journey in Butte County. At 4 p.m. Saturday, the National Weather Service (NWS) received reports of tennis ball-sized hail and 80 mph wind gusts in Vale.
