Rapid City, S.D. — A severe hailstorm hit southern Rapid City on Monday afternoon, bringing destructive hail to neighborhoods and surrounding areas in the Black Hills.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Rapid City issued a severe thunderstorm warning for southern Pennington County, stating that a storm was located over Bear Country and moving southeast. The NWS reported receiving multiple public reports of hail at least the size of a tennis ball, with some stones exceeding three inches in diameter.
The storm, which hit at approximately 3:30 p.m. MDT, was classified as “destructive” by the NWS, with an expected hazard of three-inch hail. The warning stated that people and animals outdoors would be severely injured and that shattered windows and extensive damage to roofs, siding, and vehicles were expected.
Areas impacted by the storm include southwestern Rapid City, Rockerville, Bear Country, Hart Ranch, and Reptile Gardens. The hailstorm was reported to have dropped hail larger than quarter-sized in the Countryside area.
