National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Weather History - April 6th

Local and Regional Events:

April 6-7th, 1959:

Beginning on the 6th and continuing into the 7th, dust storms impacted much of the state of South Dakota. The preceding drought period had left little moisture in the soil, so the fall-plowed fields in exposed locations eroded severely. Strong winds on the 6th and 7th lifted the loose soil, creating areas of blowing dust. In the localities, visibility was less than a quarter mile for short periods. Some observers stated that it was the worst dust event since the 1930s.

April 6th, 2006:

Severe thunderstorms the morning of the 6th produced large hail up to 1.75 inches in diameter near Miller in Hand County. Later, heavy rains of 3 to 6 inches fell, causing flash flooding across Spink, Clark, and Day counties. Many county and township roads were flooded with several damaged or thoroughly washed out. Areas around Frankfort, Doland, Turton, Conde, Crandall, Raymond, Butler, and Bristol were most affected. Many roads were closed. Also, several basements were flooded, and sewers were backed up.

April 6th, 2008:

An area of low pressure moving across South Dakota spread 6 to 15 inches of heavy snow across much of central, northcentral, and northeast South Dakota. Also, strong winds gusting to 25 to 40 mph caused some blowing and drifting snow. Many activities were canceled, and roads became treacherous. Many vehicles went into the ditch, and several accidents also occurred. Snowfall amounts included 6 inches at Mission Ridge, Isabel, Mellette, and Britton, 7 inches at Faulkton, Andover, Columbia, Timber Lake, and Eureka, 8 inches at Bath, Selby, Mobridge, and Leola, 9 inches at Hosmer, 10 inches at Ipswich, 11 inches at Mound City, and 6 miles east of Hayes. Locations with a foot or more of snow included 12 inches at Roscoe and Elm Lake, 13 inches at Eagle Butte, Onaka, 23 miles north of Highmore, and 15 inches at Bowdle.