Severe Storm Leaves Path of Destruction Across Jerauld, Sanborn Counties
Winds top 90 mph, communities responds with swift support
First National Bank was among the many structures in Woonsocket that incurred damage from the severe storm that hit the area Sunday afternoon, July 20, 2025 (KRISTI HINE / TRUE DAKOTAN)
The shop at Gerry and Kim Orth’s farm in Alpena was destroyed by 90-plus mph winds. (PHOTO COURTESY ORTH FAMILY)
Equipment was overturned at the Orth place during the severe storm Sunday. (PHOTO COURTESY ORTH FAMILY)
A severe and fast-developing storm caught Jerauld and Sanborn County residents off guard Sunday afternoon, July 20, as powerful straight-line winds carved a path of destruction across the countryside in a matter of minutes.
Despite radar forecasts suggesting the storm would continue tracking north, the system shifted suddenly and rapidly intensified, surprising even local emergency officials.
