The National Weather Service in Rapid City, South Dakota, issued a Special Weather Statement at 9:59 p.m. MDT on August 22, warning of a strong thunderstorm located about 6 miles southeast of NARM Mine, or 24 miles southeast of Wright. The storm was moving east at 15 mph, with radar indicating wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel size hail. The warning affects NARM Mine and Rochelle.
KEY FACTS
- The storm was detected by Doppler radar at 9:59 p.m. MDT on August 22.
- Wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel size hail are possible.
- The storm is moving east at 15 mph and affects NARM Mine and Rochelle.
- Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.
CONTEXT
The National Weather Service issued the statement based on radar indications, which are a standard method for detecting severe weather. The storm's location near NARM Mine, a surface uranium mine in Wyoming, and the nearby community of Rochelle prompted the alert. The NWS advises that such storms can cause minor damage to outdoor objects and pose risks to people outdoors. The storm's eastward movement at 15 mph suggests it will continue to affect the area for a short time. The warning is part of routine weather monitoring and is not a severe thunderstorm warning, which would indicate more intense conditions.
WHY IT MATTERS
This alert is important for residents and workers in the NARM Mine and Rochelle areas, as strong winds and hail can pose safety hazards and cause property damage. Timely warnings allow people to secure loose items and seek shelter, reducing the risk of injury and loss.
WHAT TO WATCH
- Monitor local weather updates for any escalation to a severe thunderstorm warning.
- Secure outdoor furniture and other unsecured objects that could be blown around.
- Be prepared for possible power outages due to fallen tree limbs.
- Stay indoors and away from windows if hail begins to fall.