ABERDEEN, S.D. (KCCR) – The National Weather Service in Aberdeen has rated a tornado in Hand County that blew a 30,000 pound RV off State Highway 45 Sunday night an E-F-2 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. Warning Coordination Meteorologist Kelly Serr conducted a preliminary damage survey of the twister Monday.
There has been criticism by some arm-chair meteorologists on social media about why a tornado warning wasn’t issued for the storm. A severe thunderstorm warning was in place at the time and Serr says a number of factors go into decision making.
Serr says they are continuing to examine the storm.
Serr says the unfortunate event that killed 73-year-old Paul Nelson of Gettysburg is a good reminder to stay weather aware.
The storm reached peak intensity with estimate winds of 120 miles an hour just south of 184th Avenue and Highway 45. Serr says the fact the tornado moved opposite of the storm is very rare and one of the biggest questions lingering from the tornado event.