South Dakota

South Dakota records its first-ever February tornado with a twister near Watertown

Published

1 year ago

March 5, 2025

South Dakota records its first-ever February tornado with a twister near Watertown

For about a minute, a tornado touched down in an open field on Feb. 24 southeast of Watertown in Codington County, the first time a tornado was documented in February in South Dakota history.

The National Weather Service reported that the “brief, weak” tornado touched the ground shortly after 4 p.m. near the borders of Codington, Hamlin and Deuel counties. The conditions weren’t suitable for strong thunderstorms, but there was just enough low-level rotation for the tornado to form, the weather service said.

The tornado didn’t last long and no damage was observed, which means it will be ranked EF-U – for unknown – on the Enhanced Fujita scale used to measure tornado intensity.

The only remaining months without a recorded tornado in South Dakota are November, December and January, the weather service said. The state has had more than 1,900 documented tornadoes, but this was the first one to happen during winter, according to The Weather Channel.

The tornado followed a major shift in temperature across the region, with highs reaching the 50s and 60s only days after wind chills were well below zero. For example, Aberdeen recorded a record-high temperature of 64 degrees on Feb. 23, five days after the 7 a.m. wind chill was recorded at 43 below zero, the National Weather Service said in an X post.

With spring and summer approaching, the possibility of severe weather will be more prevalent. Here’s what you need to know to be prepared.

What’s the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?

The National Weather Service has different types of alerts for tornadoes depending on the situation.

Tornado watch: A watch means tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. When a watch is issued, it means to be ready to act quickly if you suspect a tornado is approaching.
Tornado warning: A warning means a funnel cloud or tornado has been sighted or seen on weather radar. It’s time to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and avoid windows. A warning typically covers a much smaller area than a watch.
Tornado emergency: An emergency indicates that a violent tornado has touched down in the area, and it’s a severe threat to life and property, with catastrophic damage already confirmed. It’s time to immediately seek shelter and notify family or friends in the area to be sure they are aware of the situation.

How is the intensity of tornadoes measured?

The Enhanced Fujita scale is used to give tornadoes a rating based on estimated wind speeds and related damage.

EF-0: The tornado has winds between 65 mph and 85 mph. It’s the weakest classification and these tornadoes do minor damage.
EF-1: These tornadoes have wind speeds between 86 mph and 110 mph and cause moderate damage.
EF-2: These tornadoes have wind speeds of 111 mph and 135 mph and cause considerable damage.
EF-3: These tornadoes have wind speeds of 136 mph and 165 mph and cause severe damage.
EF-4: These tornadoes have wind speeds of 166 mph and 200 mph and cause devastating damage.
EF-5: These tornadoes have wind speeds above 200 mph and cause incredible damage.

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South Dakota

SD Lottery Powerball, Lotto America winning numbers for May 9, 2026

Published

1 hour ago

May 10, 2026

Press Room

The South Dakota Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at May 9, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from May 9 drawing

15-41-46-47-56, Powerball: 22, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from May 9 drawing

08-12-13-27-42, Star Ball: 04, ASB: 04

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Dakota Cash numbers from May 9 drawing

01-02-04-08-18

Check Dakota Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 9 drawing

08-11-17-29-49, Bonus: 02

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

Prizes of $100 or less: Can be claimed at any South Dakota Lottery retailer.
Prizes of $101 or more: Must be claimed from the Lottery. By mail, send a claim form and a signed winning ticket to the Lottery at 711 E. Wells Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501.
Any jackpot-winning ticket for Dakota Cash or Lotto America, top prize-winning ticket for Lucky for Life, or for the second prizes for Powerball and Mega Millions must be presented in person at a Lottery office. A jackpot-winning Powerball or Mega Millions ticket must be presented in person at the Lottery office in Pierre.

When are the South Dakota Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Dakota Cash: 9 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.
Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Dakota editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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South Dakota

Human trafficking survivor advocate to speak at Rapid City church event

Published

13 hours ago

May 9, 2026

Press Room

Human trafficking survivor advocate to speak at Rapid City church event

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – A Rapid City church is hosting a free community event Thursday to raise awareness about human trafficking, with organizers saying the danger may be closer than people think.

The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League at Bethlehem Lutheran Church is opening the presentation to the entire community because organizers say awareness alone can save a life.

“If we can get 20 people to understand what to look for — if we can get 20 people to understand that this organization exists — then we can start shining light into every corner, and suddenly it’ll be a better world,” said Alexandra Loverink, co-president of LWML Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Event details

The free presentation is Thursday, May 14 at 6 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Rushmore Street. The speaker is Reverend Tess Franzen, founder of Freedom’s Journey, a Rapid City-based ministry that has assisted hundreds of trafficking survivors over more than a decade.

Franzen said the problem in South Dakota is far more widespread than most people realize.

“We see mostly sex trafficking, but much of what we see is — some people might call it homegrown or familial,” Franzen said. “We see trafficking here where young people are being trafficked out, their family members are selling access to them when they’re children. And in many cases, they don’t really even realize there’s anything wrong with it.”

Organizer Cari Garwood-Beard said Franzen’s presentation changed how she sees her own neighborhood, and she wants others to have that same wake-up call.

“She told a story about her neighbor one time — just a good old guy — and found out that he was a trafficker. Her neighbor, who she thought was above boards,” Garwood-Beard said. “And it really hit home. My next-door neighbor could be.”

A freewill offering will be collected for Freedom’s Journey at Thursday’s event. Bethlehem Lutheran Church is at 1630 Rushmore Street.

Resources

If you suspect trafficking, dial 9-1-1 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

For more information about Freedom’s Journey, visit their website or call 805.380.8009.

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South Dakota

SD Lottery Mega Millions, Millionaire for Life winning numbers for May 8, 2026

Published

1 day ago

May 9, 2026

Press Room

The South Dakota Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at May 8, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 8 drawing

37-47-49-51-58, Mega Ball: 16

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 8 drawing

14-16-21-43-51, Bonus: 03

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

Prizes of $100 or less: Can be claimed at any South Dakota Lottery retailer.
Prizes of $101 or more: Must be claimed from the Lottery. By mail, send a claim form and a signed winning ticket to the Lottery at 711 E. Wells Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501.
Any jackpot-winning ticket for Dakota Cash or Lotto America, top prize-winning ticket for Lucky for Life, or for the second prizes for Powerball and Mega Millions must be presented in person at a Lottery office. A jackpot-winning Powerball or Mega Millions ticket must be presented in person at the Lottery office in Pierre.

When are the South Dakota Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Dakota Cash: 9 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.
Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Dakota editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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