Governor Rhoden visits Hudson, the hardest hit
Riva Sharples | Editor
Last week’s devastating storms wrought havoc across the region, downing trees, peeling off roofs and signs, and knocking out power for many. In the aftermath of the storms, however, area residents once again proved why living in small town South Dakota is so wonderful: residents support each other. All last week and continuing this week, community members, businesses, and leaders have come together to share in the clean-up efforts, some engaging in the heavy lifting, while other prepared meals for those working or donated supplies and equipment.
The Devastation
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, the main incident causing the most destruction in the area was a derecho and tornado-like winds that hit in the evening hours of Monday, July 28.
“A very warm and humid late July afternoon and subtle low pressure in central South Dakota caused isolated supercell thunderstorms to merge into a line of damaging winds,” explained a spokesperson for the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls. “An initial supercell in central South Dakota tracking southeast through Gregory County, SD produced a few tornadoes. One mile northwest of Dixon, a tornado produced EF-1 damage. About eight miles northwest of Bonesteel, the same cell produced EF-2 tornado damage. As the storms became more numerous farther east, scattered thunderstorms merged into a derecho, with many locations impacted by destructive straight-line winds. Wind gusts of 55 to 99 mph were common across the southeast quarter of South Dakota and the northern half of Iowa.”
Two tornadoes developed from a circulation embedded within the derecho.
“The greatest concentration of wind damage was near a line from Beresford, SD, to Spencer, Iowa,” said the meteorologist. “Numerous reports of strong wind gusts and photos of structural damage were collected across the area.”
After the storm cleaned, area residents began the clean-up, but a second round of thunderstorms developed over central South Dakota late in the afternoon of July 29, moving southeast through the evening hours. While these thunderstorms were not as organized and powerful as the storms the evening prior, they produced fairly widespread 60 to 75 mph wind gusts, causing further damage in the area and complicating the clean-up effort for all.
In addition to the strong wind gusts, heavy rainfall was reported across the area, with upwards of 2 to 5 inches of rain observed. And rain has continued to fall in the area, making clean-up efforts muddy and more difficult.
Alcester Efforts
Area residents were out early last Tuesday morning, July 28, to begin clean-up. Branches and whole trees littered yards, streets, and sidewalks everywhere. Structural damage was found throughout the area, and many were without power.
In response to the lack of power, city officials opened the Morningside Event Center (which did have power) as a cooling center for residents and as a place where they could charge their phones. The Alcester-Hudson School was also available to the public where they could go for power and cooling.
Meanwhile, area residents immediately began to help each other with the clean-up. Those with trucks and tools helped those who did not have any. The Union County Highway Department quickly got involved, hauling away piles of trees that had been stacked on the edge of properties.
A free community meal was offered Tuesday night, the 29th, at the Morningside Events Center.
And while clean-up efforts continued in Alcester, some area residents traveled to nearby Hudson to help that community with their clean-up as well.
Said Alcester Mayor Lisa Hodgson to area residents at the end of last week: “As we continue to recover from the recent storms, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your incredible efforts in the community cleanup. Your dedication and hard work have truly made a difference, showcasing the strong spirit of our town.”
Beresford
In Beresford, meanwhile, a city response to the storms began at 10 p.m. as soon as the storm passed on July 28th. City officials began working on power restoration and then on clean-up in the area. City crews, along with many volunteers, put in extra hours and lots of overtime working on clean-up from the storms beginning Monday night and continuing around the clock all last week.
The high school parking lot was turned into a drop-off spot for storm damage debris. Area residents moved cars off streets and neighbors helped neighbors with downed trees in their yards as city crews worked overtime on clean-up. It was an all-hands on deck situation that continues this week.
Said Beresford Mayor Eli Seeley toward the end of last week: “Our City of Beresford staff has done an amazing job. They continue to work very hard for our community. Cleanup efforts continue, and we appreciate everyone who’s pitched in to help neighbors and support the community. … Thank you for your continued patience and community spirit.”
Hudson
While all communities in The Republic readership suffered losses and damage due to last week’s severe weather, Hudson was hit hardest in the area. The damage was so severe that the community was thrust into the spotlight when journalists and state officials flooded the area last week to capture photographs of the devastation. A state of emergency was declared in the community on Tuesday morning, and travel in and out of the community was difficult.
Tuesday afternoon, SD Governor Larry Rhoden came to Hudson to look at the devastation himself.
“I’ve never seen straight-line winds cause so much damage as what Hudson experienced from yesterday’s storms,” he told reporters and area residents on Tuesday. “My Administration is at the ready to assist. One thing’s for sure — this community is doing a great job working together to get back on their feet.”
On Wednesday, SD Secretary of Corrections Kellie Wasko authorized offenders and staff from the Department of Corrections (DOC) to assist with storm damage clean-up efforts in Hudson.
“We’re assisting this community in dealing with the aftermath of the recent storm,” said Secretary of Corrections Kellie Wasko. “The offenders and staff have been the recipients of tremendous gratitude from the residents here, which is very rewarding.”
Minimum-security offenders from the Yankton Minimum Center arrived in Hudson Thursday to assist in clearing storm debris, including downed trees and tree limbs. The DOC crews joined the clean-up effort underway already, spearheaded by local residents, Lincoln County Sheriff Steve Swenson, Lincoln County Emergency Management, and Community of Hudson officials.
Meanwhile, community support and generosity helped area residents survive days without electricity and with the tremendous clean-up efforts needed. Free meals were offered for residents beginning on Tuesday and running through last weekend. A food giveaway was organized. A mobile charging and supply station was set up on Main Street for those without power. Area businesses brought in food and drink to fuel area residents and the many volunteers working in the area.
Many prayers and well wishes were sent to the residents of Hudson via Facebook and local and regional media.
Larry Gregg, Mayor of nearby Hawarden, Iowa, said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with our friends and neighbors to the north. We look forward to seeing you build back bigger and better!”