Governor Larry Rhoden has declared a state of emergency for the counties where severe storms caused significant damage in portions of central South Dakota on Monday’s (June 29, 2026). Rhoden, who was in Highmore on Monday, says by declaring a disaster, the state can better support local response e fforts. He says the declaration will help reduce administrative barriers associated with debris removal and allow the state to use resources to assist with response and recovery efforts. A formal written declaration will follow. Areas affected by the powerful storms continue to assess the full extent of the damage and calculate recovery costs. At this time, Rhoden says it’s too early to determine whether the disaster will meet the thresholds necessary to request a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration through the Federal Emergency Management Administration. Six state agencies are currently assisting with recovery efforts, including 23 inmates who have been trained to assist with storm cleanup. ...read more read less