Oglala Sioux Tribe members can apply for federal storm disaster aid

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - Members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe who suffered damage from severe storms, straight-line winds or flooding earlier this year can now apply for federal disaster assistance. FEMA and the Oglala Sioux Tribe opened a joint disaster assistance center Oct. 1 to help tribal members affected...

September rain goes down in the history books

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)– The majority of KELOLAND is closing September out on a drier note after multiple rounds of measurable rainfall throughout the month. From September 1st through the 29th, 22 days have featured at least a trace of precipitation in Sioux Falls. This has added up to a rainfall total of nearly 5.8 […]

Drought and tourists reshape Custer area landscape

CUSTER STATE PARK, S.D. – While the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup has grown to draw tens of thousands of visitors and become an emblem of western South Dakota's cowboy heritage, it also serves a much more practical purpose – particularly important this year, thanks to adverse environmental conditions that have affected the entire region.

Scattered storms track through KOTA Territory overnight into Monday

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) -Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected across KOTA Territory overnight into Monday. The storms are not expected to be a washout and should move through at a decent pace before drier weather arrives Tuesday. Two waves of storms expected overnight and Monday. One wave of storms...

Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Meade County Through 6:15 PM MDT

# Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Meade County Through 6:15 PM MDT. Meade County, SD — The National Weather Service in Rapid City has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for northeastern Meade County in west central South Dakota, in effect until 6:15 PM MDT. **What is happening:**. A severe thunderstorm...

SBA Opens Disaster Recovery Loans for Pine Ridge After Historic Summer Storms

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - Federal disaster assistance is now available to members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and surrounding communities following a major disaster declaration for the severe storms and flooding that tore through the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation earlier this summer. Between June 2 and June 4, a...

Rapid City in ’90th percentile’ wildfire risk: Fire officials urge fall preparedness

The Lookout Fire has been out for a while, but fire officials say wildfire risk in Rapid City and the Black Hills area is higher than most residents think. Here's what to do this weekend to protect your home.

‘Patchwork’ of fall colors expected across state amid heat, drought conditions

Drought drives up herd management ahead of annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup

CUSTER STATE PARK, S.D. – As the leaves change colors across the Black Hills, it signals that it is time for the annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup. Ahead of the main event, park officials provided a special tour of the herd for the media to showcase the scale of an operation.

Widespread Rain Brings Relief to Northern Hills, Drought Persists

SPEARFISH, S.D. – The Northern Black Hills received a welcome dose of rain over the weekend, bringing much-needed moisture to an area still dealing with severe drought conditions. According to the National Weather Service, some of the highest totals included 2.72 inches in Piedmont, 2.51 inches east of Sturgis,...

Heavy rain, flood threat move into KOTA Territory this weekend

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) -Heavy rain is moving into the Black Hills, with the heaviest rainfall expected to the south and west as a low pressure system organizes near Salt Lake City. Rain is expected to continue overnight and into Sunday, with some areas seeing embedded thunder. The heaviest rain...

Denver, Rapid City, Billings and Chicago Reveal Just How Cold September Can Turn With Record Low Temperatures Dating Back to the 1800s Nationwide, AccuWeather Data Shows

DENVER, COLORADO — September can still feel like summer, but history shows it can also turn downright cold. AccuWeather, using data from NOAA ACIS dating back to the 1800s, has compiled the coldest temperature ever recorded during September in cities across the country, and the numbers reveal just how dramatically the month can swing. If you’re wondering how your own city stacks up, this list breaks down the record cold snaps that have hit communities from Anchorage to Miami.

Friday Forecast: Warmer today, but we should expect a wet and cooler weekend ahead

We've opened this article to everyone as a public service. Please consider supporting our work for just $2. View subscription offers. WESTERN S.D. AND NORTHEASTERN WYO. — As you step out the door this morning, temperatures are in the 50s and low 60s, with winds being light and variable currently.

Rain chances build across KOTA Territory this week and weekend

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - A soaking rain fell across parts of KOTA Territory, with some areas picking up more than an inch, according to First Alert Weather. Areas that missed out on the rain will have two more chances this weekend, as temperatures are expected to feel like late September or early October.

Weekend wildfires reported in Pennington, Harding County

ROCKERVILLE, S.D. – Fire crews responded to a wildfire just to the west of Rockerville Sunday. The Beretta Fire was located off of Beretta Road, a 1/2 mile N/W of […]