• Last week was a difficult one for South Dakota. On Monday night, the Sioux Falls area received record rainfalls. The National Weather Service predicted that the Big Sioux River would reach an all-time high and cause major flooding in Union County. Canton received nearly 9 inches of rain in one night, making the town inaccessible for almost a whole day.
• In response to the heavy rainfall, I activated the National Guard and sent other state resources into the area to help local officials build up their defenses to flooding.
• Then, on Wednesday night, severe weather struck again. A tornado ripped right through the southeast portion of Wessington Springs. I arrived just a couple of hours after the tornado hit and by that point, emergency responders had determined that, miraculously, there were no deaths or even serious injuries. Just a few people with bumps and bruises. Unfortunately, the destruction of the property was extensive. Once the sun came up on Thursday morning, it became apparent that more than 20 homes and at least three businesses had been destroyed. Many others were badly damaged.

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