Dozens of Buildings Damaged by Tornadoes in Sioux Falls

Two tornadoes and straight-line winds ripped through Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on the night of Tuesday, September 10, damaging buildings, downing power lines and trees, and causing several injuries, officials said.

The National Weather Service determined that the first EF-2 tornado with peak winds of 125 mph touched down east of O’Gorman High School, crossing 41st Street and causing significant damage to the Plaza 41 shopping center, a neighboring automotive store, and a Best Buy.

The second EF-2 tornado touched down next to the Avera Health Complex, with winds of up to 130 mph. Eight people were injured by the second tornado, the weather service said.

Aerial footage released by the City of Sioux Falls shows downed trees and power lines, widespread debris, and damage to a number of buildings, including the Plaza 41 shopping mall and the Avera Heart Hospital.

At least 37 structures had collapsed or sustained “integrity issues,” Fire Chief Brian Goodroad told a morning media conference. A Red Cross shelter was opened for those displaced by the storm.

Local power supplier Xcel Energy said Wednesday they had more than 350 workers “in the field” to restore power to the worst-affected areas.

Police lifted a no-travel advisory at 8 am, but police warned drivers to use caution due to “unreported downed power lines, tree debris, or other road hazards.” Credit: City of Sioux Falls via Storyful