NOAA Storm Events, 2016-2026
Hail in South Dakota, county by county
4,451 reported hail events across 66 countys, largest 4.50 in.
Reports
4,451
2016-2026
Counties affected
66
of all South Dakota counties with hail
Largest stone
4.50 in
in Pennington County
Reports ≥ 2 in
426
9.6% of all reports
Reports are down 27% comparing the most recent half of the record with the earlier half. Report counts track where people look as much as where hail falls.
Counties ranked by hail reports
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| # | County | Reports | Largest | ≥ 2 in | ≥ 4 in | Most recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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South Dakota hail summary
The counties with the most reported hail in South Dakota are Pennington (643 reports), Meade (281 reports), Custer (232 reports). The largest stones on record in this period were reported in Pennington (4.50 in), Butte (4.50 in), Jackson (4.50 in).
What this does not tell you
A county is a large area and hail swaths are narrow, so a county count cannot tell you whether a particular property was hit. The methodology page sets out what this record can and cannot support.
Frequently asked questions
Which South Dakota county gets the most hail?
By reported events in this record, Pennington County leads with 643 reports, ahead of Meade and Custer.
What is the largest hailstone recorded in South Dakota?
The largest reported stone in this period is 4.50 in, in Pennington County. Hailstone records are reported measurements, and estimates from photographs are common.
How often does South Dakota get damaging hail?
9.6% of the 4,451 reported events in this period reached 2 inches or more, the size at which shingle and vehicle damage becomes likely.