Aberdeen-area storm with 80 mph gusts knocks over power poles, damages trees and crops

ABERDEEN, S.D.(Aberdeen American News)- Heavy rain was falling — sometimes sideways — Sunday evening when a severe thunderstorm passed through the Aberdeen area.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for the Brentford/Conde area, though no tornado had formed by 7:15 p.m.

The storm featured heavy rain and winds, causing substantial damage, especially to trees and power lines. For some, the power just flickered. Others lost electricity for longer as power poles were knocked over. A few were down along North Roosevelt Street in Aberdeen.

Motorists had to be diverted after the storm, but Roosevelt was open to traffic Monday morning.

Tom Glanzer with NorthEestern Energy said that more than 400 customers were affected by downed power lines and related outages.

Farmers also were affected by the storms. The NWS reported that there was crop damage near Columbia.

While corps desperately needed rain after a long, hot summer, the severe weather was not what farmers were hoping for.

The storm contained wind gusts of 80 mph and tennis-ball sized hail, according to the National Weather Service in Aberdeen.

For the full story & updates go to www.aberdeennews.com.