This Day in Weather History: June 15th

Weather History - June 15th

June 15th, 1935:

An 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 storm destroyed a house, injured five people, and killed an estimated 60 cattle. At another farm, the home shifted over the storm cellar, trapping a family.

June 15th, 1977:

Thunderstorms with heavy rain and some hail began on the 15th and continued into the 16th. At Watertown, almost 6.9 inches of rain fell during these two days. In Deuel County, Gary received 6 inches, Altamont 5.5, Brandt 4.5, and Goodwin 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.

June 15th, 1978:

Numerous severe thunderstorms developed over central South Dakota. Tornadoes, funnel clouds, hail up to baseball size, and wind gusts near 80 mph caused widespread destruction. The estimated loss was between 20 and 25 million dollars. The Governor declared some counties disaster areas. Six trailers were destroyed, and a home was unroofed northwest of Aberdeen. The storms injured 15 people.

June 15th, 1978:

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