Saturday,  June 15, 2013 • Vol. 14--No. 330 • 10 of 31

Today in Weather History

1935: This estimated F3 tornado moved east from 17 miles southwest of Onida. There was near F4 damage to one farm about 9 miles SSW of Onida. The house was destroyed, 60 cattle were killed, and five people were injured. At another farm, the home shifted over the storm cellar, trapping a family. Property damage was estimated at $25,000.

1977: There were thunderstorms with heavy rain and some hail which began on the 15th and continued into the 16th. At Watertown, almost 6.9 inches of rain fell during this two day period. In Deuel County, Gary received 6 inches, Altamont 5.5 and Brandt, 4.5 inches in Goodwin, and 3.70 inches in Clear Lake. Other amounts include; 4.85 inches at 3NE of Raymond; 4.57 inches in Clark; 4.21 at 1NE of Bryant; and 3.97 inches in Castlewood.

1978: Numerous severe thunderstorms developed over all of central South Dakota. Tornadoes, funnel clouds, hail up to baseball size, and wind gusts to near 80 mph caused wide spread destruction. Estimated loss was between 20-25 million dollars. The Governor declared some counties disaster areas. Six trailers were destroyed and a home was unroofed northwest of Aberdeen. Fifteen people were injured from these storms.

1979: Heavy rain began during the evening hours and continued into the morning hours on the 16th. Heavy rains were estimated between 5 to 6 inches, causing flash flooding south of Watertown. Some rainfall amounts include; 2.43 inches in Watertown; 2.07 in Castlewood; and 2.05 inches in Clear Lake. Hail caused severe crop damage in Hughes County.

1892: An F5 (estimated) tornado struck just north of the MN/IA border, killing 9. Large house timbers were found embedded in the ground three miles away from their foundations.

1912: Creighton, MO was visited by an F5 (estimated) tornado. Over one thousand head of livestock were killed in the area, along with five people. Two large homes were completely swept away.

1953: Two boys were injured by a dust devil near Prescott, AZ. One of the boys

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