MITCHELL, S.D. — More heavy rain could be on the way for the Mitchell area after storms dropped several inches across south-central South Dakota Friday night and early Saturday.
The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls says scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop develop Saturday night and especially on Sunday, gradually spread eastward through the day. Slow-moving or training storms could produce locally heavy rainfall, with isolated totals of 2 to 4 inches or more possible.
The greatest concern is in areas that received heavy rain Friday night and early Saturday, including Mitchell and communities to the southeast.
A gauge 2 miles south-southeast of Mitchell recorded 4.76 inches in a 24-hour period ending Saturday morning, while another Mitchell observation reported 3.77 inches. Parkston-area gauges recorded as much as 5.54 inches.
The National Weather Service says additional heavy rainfall could increase the potential for flash flooding, particularly where soils are already saturated.
Sunday’s storms could also produce quarter-size hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph.
The weather service is urging campers and others spending time outdoors to monitor the changing forecast and be prepared to take action if a warning is issued.
The rainfall outlook extends through Sunday, with the greatest risk covering much of southeastern South Dakota, southwestern Minnesota, northwestern Iowa and northeastern Nebraska.