As the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally brings hundreds of thousands of riders to the Black Hills, weather officials are urging visitors to stay alert for fast-developing storms.
National Weather Service meteorologist Aaron Woodward says motorcyclists are especially vulnerable because they’re exposed to wind, rain, and hail. He says even a strong gust of wind or slick roads can create dangerous riding conditions.
Officials point to past rally-week storms, including a 2009 storm that produced baseball-size hail in Sturgis and a 2020 storm that dropped grapefruit-size hail near Pactola Reservoir.
Woodward says Black Hills thunderstorms can intensify in as little as 20 minutes. Riders are encouraged to watch for rapidly growing, cauliflower-shaped clouds and dark skies, which can signal severe weather.
Meade County Sheriff Pat West says riders should stay with their groups and have a plan for where to meet if they become separated.
Officials also recommend downloading a trusted weather app and making sure emergency weather alerts are enabled on your phone.
And remember, if you hear thunder, seek shelter immediately.
