(Spirit Lake)– Severe thunderstorms rumbled their way through the region late last (Sun.) night and very early this (Mon.) morning. The storms produced heavy rain and in some cases, wind gusting as high as 60 to 70 mph. That, in turn, knocked down tree limbs and in at least one case, an entire tree. 1.77 inches of rain fell at the KUOO studios with 1.32 inches in the Ruthven area. .98 of an inch was reported in Okoboji with 1.50 inches on the north side of Milford and 0.85 inches in Spencer.
The National Weather Service says more severe weather and heavy rainfall will be possible this (Mon.) evening and tonight. Most of the region is under an enhanced risk for severe weather, which on a scale of 1 to 5 ranks as a 3. An even higher risk, a moderate risk, or a 4 rating on that same scale, is in place just to our north across east central South Dakota and west central and southwest Minnesota. That’s where the storms are expected to initially develop late this afternoon.
The National Weather Service says a derecho can’t be ruled out with a large swath of damaging wind in excess of 75 mph possible.
