HURON, S.D. — A powerful line of severe thunderstorms swept through Huron on Thursday evening, knocking out power to nearly the entire city, toppling trees and power lines, damaging homes and businesses, and prompting city officials to impose an overnight curfew as emergency crews worked to clear hazardous conditions.
The storms moved through Beadle County late Thursday after the National Weather Service issued tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings across much of central and eastern South Dakota. Forecasters warned of destructive winds, large hail and the potential for tornadoes as the storms tracked across the region.
Officials reported widespread storm damage throughout Huron, with numerous trees blocking streets and alleys, downed utility lines and extensive power outages. Much of the city remained without electricity overnight as utility crews assessed damage and began restoration efforts.
The Huron Police Department instituted a curfew from 10 p.m. Thursday until 6 a.m. Friday, asking residents to stay off the streets while emergency responders removed debris and addressed dangerous conditions. City officials also urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and shelter safely until cleanup operations could continue Friday morning.
Cleanup efforts resumed at 8 a.m. Friday. The city designated drop-off sites for storm-damaged tree branches and woody debris at the Huron Arena, the Third Street lot east of the bridge and the city’s solid waste drop-off site. Street Department crews also began collecting tree limbs and branches placed on city boulevards, asking residents to keep debris out of streets and away from fire hydrants, utility poles and mailboxes.
Weather observers reported an estimated wind gust of 105 mph at Huron Regional Airport during the storm, underscoring the intensity of the system as it crossed the city. Preliminary storm reports also documented numerous high-wind reports and tornado sightings elsewhere across eastern South Dakota.
As of Friday morning, thousands of NorthWestern Energy customers in and around Huron remained without power while repair crews worked to restore service. No timetable for full restoration had been announced.
Officials continued assessing damage Friday and encouraged residents to use caution around downed power lines and storm debris while cleanup operations remained underway.