MITCHELL, S.D. — Overnight thunderstorms brought locally heavy rainfall to Mitchell and surrounding communities, with some areas receiving more than 4 inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls.
A rain gauge 2 miles south-southeast of Mitchell recorded 4.76 inches in a 24-hour period ending Saturday morning. Another Mitchell observation reported 3.77 inches.
The heaviest totals in the surrounding area included 4.70 inches 6 miles north-northwest of Ethan, while Parkston-area gauges recorded 5.54 inches 3 miles east-northeast of town and 4.61 inches 4 miles east-southeast of Parkston.
Several gauges around Alexandria also recorded substantial rainfall, including 4.11 inches 4 miles east-northeast of Alexandria, 4.10 inches 7 miles south-southeast of Alexandria and 4 inches 3 miles south-southwest of Alexandria.
Wessington Springs reported 2.78 inches at a gauge 7 miles west of town and 2.10 inches in town. Lennox received 2.08 inches, while Canton recorded 1.22 inches.
The National Weather Service said the rainfall totals are 24-hour measurements that varied by reporting time, from 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday, and actual rainfall can vary considerably over short distances.
The storms developed overnight and produced locally heavy downpours across south-central South Dakota. The National Weather Service had warned that some storms could produce heavy rain, along with strong winds and hail.
More thunderstorms remain possible Saturday, although the National Weather Service said the location of storms will be difficult to predict.