Walworth County Emergency Management

10/08/2026

The new US Drought Monitor was released today and the southern portion of Walworth County is still shown as a level D2. With that, the burn ban remains in effect.

To see or report current drought impacts, please visit the Drought Impacts Toolkit, where you can find impacts from media in the Drought Impact Reporter and from citizen scientists and other volunteer observers under Condition Monitoring Observations.

10/07/2026

Last night we had the opportunity to host a National Night Out event in Mobridge. This was an event for the public to meet the 1st Responders and see the equipment they use in our area. Thank you to Fraternal Order of Police - Northern Plains Lodge #18 for organizing and hosting this event and cooking hamburgers and hot dogs! For a full listing of sponsors and agencies represented there, please go their page as they have a post listing these.

There were demonstrations for all to see including Corson County Chief Deputy Varilek and Zigi performing a drug search of a vehicle, SD GF&P Tips trailer, Mobridge Fire Department performing a rescue of a rescue dummy from simulated vehicle accident and I was able to talk to the public about the role of Emergency Management and demonstrate the abilities of the drone and how it is used in Public Safety.

There are many photos and videos attached. I have intentionally only posted ones that are from a distance for identity protection, but if you see a photo that you are not comfortable with, please email me. Also, several children wanted to see themselves on the TV and have a photo taken. I will not post these on this public page, so parents, if know a photo was taken of your child and would like a copy, please email me at [email protected].

10/01/2026

I know there has been some concern as to why Walworth County is still in a burn ban. The attached photo is from the newest drought monitor issued this morning. Clearly, the northeast portion of the county seems to be in pretty good shape as far as drought (D0 Abnormally dry). The center portion is a bit dryer (D1 Moderate Drought), while the southern tier remains in the in worse condition (D2 Severe Drought). The Fire Hazard Ordinance states that if any portion of Walworth County is in a level D2 or above, the burn ban remains in effect.

We understand that this can be frustrating to the northern portion of the County but would ask for your patience and continue honoring the burn ban.

Thank you.

https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?SD

08/07/2026

08/07/2026

As Walworth County has a significant portion at level D2 Drought in the southern tier, there is a County wide ban against burning. Per the Fire Hazards Ordinance, if any portion of Walworth County is at level D2 or above, the entire County is in a burn ban. When looking at the US Drought Monitor, you will notice that the Northeast portion of the County is at Level D0, this map is not detailed enough to decipher exactly where these lines are, thus the County wide burn ban. We appreciate your cooperation and ask that all are cautious when performing tasks outdoors.

To see or report current drought impacts, please visit the Drought Impacts Toolkit, where you can find impacts from media in the Drought Impact Reporter and from citizen scientists and other volunteer observers under Condition Monitoring Observations.

07/20/2026

07/14/2026

Great job Bowdle and Hoven Fire Departments! This could've a lot worse, but the crews got it under control quick. Fighting these fires when it is 100 degrees is hard on the body. Thank you for all you do!

07/08/2026

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Aberdeen SD
854 PM CDT Tue Jul 7 2026

The National Weather Service in Aberdeen has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
South central Campbell County in north central South Dakota...
Northeastern Dewey County in north central South Dakota...
Walworth County in north central South Dakota...

* Until 945 PM CDT/845 PM MDT/.

* At 854 PM CDT/754 PM MDT/, a severe thunderstorm was located near
Indian Creek Rec Area, or near Mobridge, moving east at 30 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
to roofs, siding, and trees.

* This severe thunderstorm will be near...
Glenham and New Everets Resort around 900 PM CDT.

Other locations in the path of this severe thunderstorm include
Selby.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to
flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.

07/08/2026

A couple clusters of strong to severe thunderstorms are tracking east at 25-35 mph across parts of northern SD. Be prepared for frequent lightning, wind gusts up to 60-75 mph, quarter size hail and heavy rain that could lead to flooding. Also, cannot rule out a tornado or two with the cluster of storms moving southeast out of the James Valley into east central SD for the next hour or so.