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Flood — Custer, SD

May 21, 2019

A powerful storm system slowly moved from the Four Corners region northeastward through the Plains, leading to a prolonged period of precipitation across western South Dakota May 20-22. This three day period was among the coldest, wettest, and snowiest on record for late May, with several temperature and precipitation records set. Runoff from the rain and melting snow led to flooding of creeks, rivers, low-lying areas, and some roads across western and south central South Dakota.

Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 831812). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.

Flood Risk Context for Custer, SD

This event is one of many recorded floods in Custer County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.

View Custer County flood data →

More Flood Stories

Flash Flood$1.0M damage

Custer, SD · Aug 2, 2019

Nearly stationary thunderstorms developed over and near Custer during the early afternoon. Radar estimated six to seven inches of rain fell west of Custer, with measured observations as much as 5.35 inches.

Read the full account →
Flash Flood$20K damage

Custer, SD · Aug 24, 2022

A supercell thunderstorm developed over the southern Black Hills and tracked southeast, weakening on the adjacent plains. The storm produced large hail and heavy rain over the area.

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Flood$100K damage

Custer, SD · May 28, 2019

Several days of heavy rain, along with major to record flooding the previous week, led to more flooding across portions of the western South Dakota plains and foothills of the Black Hills.

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Flash Flood$115K damage

Custer, SD · Aug 7, 1999

Nearly stationary thunderstorms produced from 3 to 7 inches of rainfall in the French Creek basin. This water inundated French Creek which flows through Custer and considerable damage occurred to county roads and portions of the city of Custer.

Read the full account →