Kingsbury Co Emergency Management

08/03/2026

MEDIA RELEASE

July 26, 2026 Structure Fire

On August 2, 2026, at approximately 5:46 p.m., the Kingsbury County Sheriff’s Office, De Smet Fire, De Smet Ambulance, Lake Preston Fire and Iroquois Fire were dispatched by the Huron Police Department for smoke at the Covered Wagon in De Smet.

We are happy to report no one was inside and there were no injuries. The event is still under investigation.

The Kingsbury County Emergency Management Office sincerely thanks all emergency personnel and agencies that responded and assisted with this incident. Also a thank you to Prairie Fire Grill for supporting our first responders by donating food to our crews, a donation of Gatorade by Becky Geyer and ice from the Legion.

07/29/2026

Severe Storm Risk Develops on Thursday

Thursday brings a slight severe storm risk (level 2 of 5) to central/southeastern South Dakota, and a marginal risk (level 1 of 5) elsewhere.
The main severe weather risk occurs Thursday afternoon/evening west of the James River, bringing quarter-sized hail and 65 mph wind gusts.

If minimal rain or cloud cover develops in the morning hours, afternoon storms could intensify with gusts up to 75 mph.

Widespread Beneficial Rainfall Expected Thursday into Friday Morning

There is >60% chance that most areas will receive at least a half inch of rain by Friday morning.
Higher amounts exceeding 4 inches could occur in very isolated locations.

Isolated flash flooding is possible, particularly within urban or low-lying areas that experience repeated storm activity.

07/27/2026

SPSFSD from 7/27/2026 2:48 AM to 7:30 AM CDT for Kingsbury County, SD: AREAS OF FOG ACROSS SOUTHEAST SOUTH DA...

07/25/2026

⚠️ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH – KINGSBURY COUNTY ⚠️

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Kingsbury County until 11:00 PM.

Conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms capable of producing:

🌬️ Wind gusts of 80+ MPH

Now is the time to prepare:
• Secure loose outdoor items.
• Charge your electronic devices.
• Review your severe weather safety plan.
• Stay alert and monitor weather updates throughout the evening.
• Be prepared to take shelter quickly if a warning is issued.

The Kingsbury County Sheriff's Office encourages everyone to remain weather aware and have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts.

Stay prepared, stay informed, and stay safe, Kingsbury County!

07/25/2026

Be weather aware and have more than 1 way to receive weather alerts. There are many outdoor events going on tonight. Make sure you have a plan.

*** THIS POST CONTAINS OUTDATED INFORMATION ***

A cluster of storms will likely produce pockets of damaging wind, perhaps locally exceeding 75 mph, as it moves east across the area this evening into the early overnight. If you have outdoor plans this evening, stay weather aware and be prepared to seek shelter if storms approach.

07/25/2026

Heat Concerns:
Extreme Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories Across the Region Today through Sunday.
Upgrade to an Extreme Heat Warning this afternoon into Sunday evening for most areas south of I-90 in South Dakota, northeast Nebraska and the Hwy 75 corridor of northwest Iowa.
Heat Indices up to 108°F each afternoon.
Heat Advisory remains in effect along/north of I-90 and into portions of northwest Iowa (east of Sheldon to Ida Grove).
Heat indices up to 100 to 105°F
If confidence in higher heat indices for Sunday increases, additional upgrades to Extreme Heat Warning are possible.
Be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade or A/C if spending time outdoors this weekend.

Storm Concerns:
A Level 2 of 5 Risk of severe storms west of Huron to Lake Andes this evening.
A Level 1 of 5 Risk across the remainder of the local area tonight.
Pockets of damaging wind, possibly over 75 mph, are the primary severe threat.

Sunday’s Level 2 of 5 Risk of severe storms remains in place for MN and northern IA, with a Level 1 of 5 risk farther west.
This is a lower confidence threat, and details are uncertain at this time.

07/22/2026

Drought conditions are looking to stay across much of South Dakota. The recent extension of the State of South Dakota’s Drought Emergency Executive Order will provide livestock producers with additional flexibility to transport harvested forage. While the order helps reduce transportation restrictions during this difficult season, it also serves as a reminder that careful planning, safe hauling practices, and proactive forage management remain essential to the overall sustainability of an operation.

More info below:

The recent extension of the State of South Dakota’s Drought Emergency Executive Order will provide livestock producers with flexibility to transport harvested forage. The order allows qualifying producers and commercial haulers to continue transporting oversized loads of baled livestock feed under...

07/20/2026

Dangerous Heat Expected This Afternoon; Isolated Severe Storms Possible in Northwestern IA.

Today & Tonight:

Another hot day ahead with afternoon heat indices in the 90s to low 100s area-wide
Both a Heat Advisory and Extreme Heat Warning will be in effect for parts of the area from 12pm-8pm.

A few severe storms will be possible during the afternoon and early evening, with better chances along and south of the Highway-20 corridor.

Any stronger storms will be capable of producing up to golf ball sized hail and damaging winds up 65 mph.

07/17/2026

Stay hydrated and stay cool in this heat.