Tornado Struck Spearfish Canyon in July This Year

As a home replacement windows company, we advise our readers to prepare their homes and follow daily weather forecasts during tornado season. This July, a tornado has struck Spearfish Canyon. Learn more about this recent weather news below:

An EF1-Type Tornado

The National Weather Service in Rapid City reported a tornado that struck Spearfish Canyon and moved for about 19 miles while on the ground. The weather service said that it spawned from the movement of two supercells across northeastern Wyoming and eastern South Dakota.

Categorized as EF-1 in the Enhanced Fujita Scale, the tornado hit the ground in an area southeast of Sundance and traveled east toward Spearfish Canyon. The path, which was about 200 yards wide, met its end on the eastern rim of the canyon. According to the weather service, the tornado wind speeds reached an estimated 105 miles per hour.

The destruction left in its wake, from uprooted trees to damaged homes and buildings, resulted in the closure of nearby roads and trails. Days before this happened, hail up to one inch in diameter fell on parts of Spearfish. Thunderstorms also occurred in some parts, even receiving almost two inches of rain over a 30-minute period.

Preparing Your Home During Tornado Season

In South Dakota, these weather disturbances start around May, increase in number in July, and end in September. Even when they cause havoc in smaller areas than hurricanes do, it is still important to prepare your home. As your casement windows replacement experts, Renewal by Andersen® of Rapid City recommends taking preventive measures whenever tornado season approaches.

The perfect opportunity to do so is when there is no forecast of a tornado formation in your area. Trim damaged limbs or branches on trees, making them wind-resistant. Any loose items or debris in your yard must be removed. Strengthen your garage doors. Install permanent shutters to cover your windows. Conduct a thorough inspection of parts of your home that protect your interior to see if they are in good condition, including your roof, windows, and siding.

Turn to us if you need durable and tough windows that can withstand the elements. To learn more about our sliding, picture, casement, double-hung, and awning windows installation services, give us a call at (605) 341-7831. You may also fill out our contact form for a free consultation. We serve Spearfish, SD and nearby areas.