Gov. Rhoden Seeks Presidential Disaster Declaration After Windstorm

Gov. Rhoden has requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration following a windstorm that caused extensive damage in western South Dakota in December 2025. The storm resulted in over $4.6 million in public infrastructure damage across three counties. Factors contributing to the widespread damage included strong winds, dry soil conditions, and a shift in wind direction. Cleanup efforts are ongoing, with concerns about weakened trees posing hazards in the Black Hills region.