Todd County, SD Environment & Hazard Risk

• WildfireRelatively Moderate$1.5M/yr expected annual loss, about once every 418 years
• Winter weatherRelatively High$199K/yr expected annual loss, about 15 events a year
• Cold waveRelatively Moderate$1.6M/yr expected annual loss, about 5.3 events a year
• Ice stormRelatively Low$64.9K/yr expected annual loss, about once every 4 years
• HailRelatively Low$171K/yr expected annual loss, about 3.6 events a year
• LightningRelatively Low$112K/yr expected annual loss, about 38 events a year
• TornadoRelatively Low$495K/yr expected annual loss, about once every 3 years
• Strong windRelatively Low$191K/yr expected annual loss, about 2.3 events a year
• Heat waveVery Low$90.2K/yr expected annual loss, about 3.3 events a year
• DroughtVery Low$12.2K/yr expected annual loss, about 36 events a year
• LandslideVery Low$145/yr expected annual loss, about once every 2 years
• EarthquakeVery Low$22.5K/yr expected annual loss, about once every 1,805 years

Bars show the national percentile score (0 to 100) for each hazard. Dollar figures are expected annual losses to buildings, people and crops. Not rated here: avalanche, coastal flooding, hurricane, riverine flooding, tsunami, volcanic activity.

Check the flood zone for an address

Homes with flood insurance

1 of 2,524 (0.0%)

Homes in high-risk flood zones

0

Flood claims since 1978

4

Claims paid since 1978

$1,937

• Thunderstorm Wind241
• Hail236
• High Wind79
• Winter Storm50
• Blizzard27 · 5 deaths
• Winter Weather23
• Tornado18
• Flash Flood10
• Heavy Snow7
• Extreme Cold/Wind Chill6

• Blizzard12/13/2022

  Todd

  5 deaths

  What happened

  A powerful winter storm moved slowly across the central and northern Plains to the upper Midwest; bringing heavy snow, some mixed precipitation, strong winds, and periods of blizzard or near blizzard conditions across the plains for a multi-day period. Snowfall was heaviest from northwestern to south central South Dakota and across the northern Black Hills. Precipitation started as a mix in the form of rain, freezing rain, and freezing drizzle across much of the plains, then changed to snow in most areas by the daytime hours on the 13th. Bands of snow were moderate to heavy at times in many areas, with a very prolonged period of upslope enhanced snowfall across the northern Black Hills. Amounts across the area ranged from one foot to over two feet across much of the plains, with the highest amounts generally from Oglala Lakota County into parts of south central South Dakota. Lesser amounts were noted over portions of southwestern South Dakota, from Rapid City and the central Black Hills to Fall River County, due to predominant downslope winds. The highest amounts were noted across the northern Black Hills area, where 18 to 36 inches were recorded in many areas, with favored...

• TornadoEF1, 13.75 mi path, 255 yd wide04/28/2025

  St Francis, Todd County

  6 injured, $1M damage

  What happened

  The tornado touched down 2 miles SE of Spring Creek just south of|BIA route #30 and remained over open field. The tornado tracked to|the east-northeast where it destroyed an outbuilding that was|built with heavy wood and anchored to a cement slab. The|outbuilding contents where thrown some 50yds to east up a hill.|The tornado crossed BIA route #30 where it strengthened,|destroying a single wide mobile home. The undercarriage of the|mobile home was tossed and crumpled 100yds from its foundation.|All walls where completely destroyed and the contents of the home|were thrown to the north to northeast. The tornado then moved |back into mostly open terrain before encountering some trees and |power poles just to the southwest of St. Francis. The circulation |then moved into St. Francis causing significant tree damage with |trees both uprooted and some trees near the catholic church had |their trunks snapped at the base. As the tornado passed through |the west side of St. Francis it caused significant roof damage to |the community center and an elderly living facility. The tornado |began to weaken slightly as it exited St. Francis and began to |move more toward the north-northeast and...

• Lightning08/12/1999

  Parmelee, Todd County

  1 injured

  What happened

  A 32 year old man was paralyzed by lightning when lightning struck the screen door in front of him. He was knocked to the ground and witnesses say that he was indirectly hit by the lightning strike. Paramedics on scene noted that there were no entrance or exit wounds. He was transported to Rapid City for medical care.

• Lightning06/09/2004

  Okreek, Todd County

  $500K damage

  What happened

  Severe thunderstorms moved across northeastern parts of Todd County and central Tripp County, producing hail to the size of golf balls and heavy rains. Rainfall totals of 3 to 5 inches were common across these areas, with Okreek and Witten receiving around 8 inches of rain during the evening. Water in creeks across the area rose to bank full with many roads washed out or under water during the overnight. Lightning also struck the Okreek Community Center, completely destroying the building.

• Blizzard03/30/2009

  Todd

  $250K damage

  What happened

  The second blizzard in a week brought heavy snow and strong winds to the western South Dakota plains. Northwest wind gusts to 50 mph produced significant blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibilities to near zero for many hours. Reports of six to 12 inches of snow were common, with higher amounts across northwestern South Dakota. Interstate 90 and many other highways were closed for a considerable period of time. More livestock losses occurred during the peak of calving and lambing season.

• Flood03/22/2019

  St Francis, Todd County

  $250K damage

  What happened

  Runoff from melting snow, combined with frozen culverts, caused flooding which covered numerous roads. Several areas of high water were reported by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, including 285th Street east of Prairie Hills and BIA 7 near Parmalee. Flooding along the Little White River and its tributaries covered several sections of BIA 5.

• Tripp County Water User DistrictServes 4,860 · Groundwater · Local governmentNo health violations