Tornado warnings were issued in the early hours of Wednesday morning for several cities, including Armour, Parkston, Tripp, Delmont, Alcester and Wakonda. Other areas were under severe thunderstorm warnings until 7:15 a.m., including Yankton, Vermillion, Harrisburg and Beresford.
However, the National Weather Service says the damage to many communities was caused by powerful straight-line winds, rather than by tornadoes.
“We’re unaware of any tornadoes at this time,” meteorologist Jeff Chapman said.
In Platte, a 115 mph wind gust was recorded, Chapman said, while 89 mph winds were measured in Parkston.
Three people were injured at the Snake Creek Campground in Charles Mix County after tree branches fell on tents, according to the National Weather Service, while an outbuilding northwest of Wakonda was destroyed by wind.
The Platte Creek Store and Campground in Platte posted pictures on Facebook of overturned campers and blown-over outdoor furniture.
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