South Dakota authorities are finally in a situation to assess the damage caused by the severe storm that hit the northeastern part of the state on Thursday night. The storm was accompanied by hail and heavy rain. The gusts in Grant County were 115 mph strong, and the winds at Aberdeen were a notch higher than the 100 mph mark, according to the reports of the National Weather Service.

 The level of devastation was clear by Friday morning. It was just impossible to go anywhere as almost all major roads of the region were blocked by trees uprooted by the storms. Aberdeen and Webster, among other Northeastern cities in South Dakota, were hit hard by the calamity. Branches and stems are still lying almost anywhere one cares to look. The Red Cross of Brown County is helping with the rehabilitation and cleaning up process.

Reportedly, fire broke out at several houses because of power lines that were downed by the storm. The power situation is dismal. Among the damages, a trailer home at Groton area was smashed to bits, and roofs of several other buildings were blown off. An old school gym was completely razed at Columbia in Brown County. Trees fell on the roofs of many houses and cars, bringing heavy loss of property. Forecasters say that strong wind and heavy thunderstorm may continue to recur for a few days.