1899: An estimated F3 tornado moved northeast from 2 miles west of Laurel, Nebraska and across the west edge of Elk Point, South Dakota. At least two homes were destroyed in Nebraska. The tornado then struck three farms in South Dakota, destroying 16 buildings on one of them. One man was injured as he knelt over his wife and child.
1998: An F4 tornado moved through southeast South Dakota, killing 6 people and injuring another 150. The tornado crossed into McCook County at approximately 7:38 pm, CST and moved through downtown Spencer at approximately 7:39 pm, CST. The total cost of damage was more than $18 million with an additional half million in crop damage.
1948: Acting as a dam, a railroad bed gave way during a flood on the Columbia River. It destroyed the town of Vanport, OR. Fortunately, the 19,000 residents escaped, but with only the clothes they were wearing.
1961: Near Gates, NE, a farm was completely destroyed by a violent tornado, possibly an F5. All buildings and machinery on the farm were swept away, and 30 head of cattle were killed.
1998: A supercell moved across southeastern South Dakota and produced an F4 tornado that passed through the town of Spencer. The tornado killed 6 people and injured 300. Only 6 buildings were left standing in Spencer.