Butte County, South Dakota — A dangerous thunderstorm is sweeping across central Butte County this afternoon, and forecasters say it is packing winds that can tear at roofs and hail big enough to dent a car.

What is happening:

The National Weather Service in Rapid City issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for central Butte County at 3:46 PM Mountain time. Radar shows the storm sitting about 7 miles northwest of the Belle Fourche Reservoir — roughly 10 miles north of Belle Fourche — and it is moving east at 25 miles per hour. The warning runs through 4:45 PM Mountain time.

Local impacts:

Forecasters expect 60 mile-per-hour wind gusts and hail around the size of a quarter, about one inch across. Winds that strong can peel siding, rip shingles loose, and snap tree limbs. Hail that size can crack windshields and dent vehicles. Communities in the storm's path include Newell, Castle Rock, Newell Lake, Two Top Butte, Arpan, the Belle Fourche Reservoir area, and Owl Butte.

What to do:

- Get inside a solid, well-built structure right now and stay away from windows.

- If you are driving, do not try to outrun this storm — pull off safely and shelter.

- Bring anything lightweight indoors before the wind picks it up.

Source: National Weather Service, Rapid City, SD. September 28, 2026.