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Story perspectives

South Dakota Faces Historic Storms and Disaster Declarations

8/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In 2009, a fierce winter storm struck South Dakota, prompting the Emergency Operations Center to spring into action, resulting in interstate closures and a federal disaster declaration. As a newcomer to the Department of Public Safety, the author gained invaluable insights from seasoned FEMA staff. The following year, the state faced an unprecedented seven disaster declarations, highlighting the ongoing challenges.

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Story summary

In 2009, a fierce winter storm struck South Dakota, prompting the Emergency Operations Center to spring into action, resulting in interstate closures and a federal disaster declaration. As a newcomer to the Department of Public Safety, the author gained invaluable insights from seasoned FEMA staff. The following year, the state faced an unprecedented seven disaster declarations, highlighting the ongoing challenges.