Power Outage in Bowdle, SD

Ten power poles along with many trees were downed by estimated ninety mph winds.

An EF2 tornado in eastern Walworth county crossed into western Edmunds county and intensified into a large EF4 tornado as it struck several farms in its path. At the first farm, several large cottonwood trees were uprooted along with damage to several trailers. Three grain bins were also destroyed with debris located several hundred yards to the northeast. The residence suffered some shingle and antenna damage. The tornado then tracked northeast to a second farm where several outbuildings were damaged or destroyed along with widespread tree damage. The main residence at this location suffered no damage. Several grain cars were also rolled about 100 yards into the trees behind the house.||The large tornado continued to track northeast to a third farm to the north of Bowdle. The main residence suffered major damage to walls with part of the roof structure removed. Widespread tree damage was sustained with many of the |trees completely debarked with only the stumps of the largest branches |remaining. Two large garages were completely destroyed with the |concrete slab wiped clean. The vehicles in one garage were |rolled or tossed from 25 to 100 yards away. It is estimated that one |vehicle flew through the air 75 to 100 yards resting in the tree |shelter belt to the north of the residence. Several other outbuildings were completely destroyed.||The tornado then toppled six to eight metal power transmission towers as it moved to the north of the farm. One tower was sheared off from the concrete footings and traveled an estimated 400 yards. Ground scouring was visible along the path of these towers.||The large tornado continued to track east crossing over State Highway 47 where a state radio tower was toppled. The tornado lifted shortly thereafter. The highest wind speeds were estimated to be from 166 to 200 mph.

A tornado touched down and heavily damaged a house. The attached garage was totally destroyed with two vehicles badly damaged. The metal roof was ripped off of the barn with three outbuildings destroyed. Five telephone/power poles were broken off with 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile of power lines down. Also, a small windmill was wrapped around a power pole.