South Dakota records its first-ever February tornado

In an unusual “twist,” South Dakota recorded its first-ever February tornado.

The National Weather Service said Monday afternoon, some unusual February thunderstorms developed near the borders of Codington, Hamlin and Deuel Counties.

Brian Cromwell is a meteorologist from the Aberdeen National Weather Service. He said conditions came together just enough to produce a weak tornado and some pea-sized hail.

“Obviously, we’re a bit warmer than normal so that definitely contributed," said Cromwell. "We saw just the right combination of rotation at the lowest levels that were needed to bring the tornado into being. It was a strange combination at a strange time.”

The tornado touched down in an open field and lasted for only about a minute with no injuries or damage.

Cromwell said following this February anomaly, November, December and January remain the only months with no documented tornados in the state.