The emergency shelter at the fairgrounds in Sioux Falls closed on Monday, September 16. It opened after three EF-2 tornadoes hit the city early on Wednesday, September 11. 

Red Cross volunteers had cots, blankets, snacks and beverages available at the shelter. Due to the risk of flooding in the rea, the shelter stayed open through the weekend.

The Red Cross is also providing coffee, water and clean-up kits at the city's debris drop-off sites. Click here to find a location and for more information about debris removal and clean-up.

Residents in Sioux Falls are encouraged to self-report damage to the Helpline Center by calling 211. Information collected will help the city develop a comprehensive disaster assessment. If you are in need of Red Cross assistance, call our 24-hour disaster assistance hotline at 1-844-29CROSS (1-844-292-7677).

The National Weather Service confirms three EF-2 tornadoes touched down in Sioux Falls. They say damage was also caused by straight-line winds of 100 MPH or more.

• Storm damage needs to be tracked. The City of Sioux Falls asks that residents report damage via the City of Sioux Falls Mobile App or at this website.
• You can get updates related to the storm HERE.
• To help with debris clean-up around Sioux Falls, please call 211. If you are interested in becoming a Red Cross volunteer, click here to get started.

Thank you to our Partners

When disaster strikes, no one organization can do it all. The American Red Cross would like to thank the emergency response partners in the city and county, as well as corporate partners and businesses who are generously offering support.

A special thanks to: Hy-Vee, Outback Steakhouse, Subway, Walmart, Target, Scheels, Home Depot, Papa John's, Wendy's, Lewis Drug, Flyboy Donuts and Steve's Bar.  Many additional local businesses have offered donations of food, bottled water and other resources. We can't thank you enough for your support!  

Safety After a Storm

• As you survey your property for possible damage, be aware of your surroundings. Look for hidden dangers such as hanging debris and downed power lines.
• Never go around barricades - they are put up for your safety and you could be fined for driving around them.
• If you come to an intersection where the stoplight is not working, treat this as a four-way stop.

Prepare for Emergencies

September is National Preparedness Month and emergencies are more common than people may think. Disasters can happen anywhere, anytime. By having an emergency plan and kit, families can react quickly when a disaster strikes. The Red Cross encourages everyone to take three important action steps to get prepared.

1. Build a kit – Build an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you if you must evacuate. Include items such as water, non-perishable food, a flashlight and extra batteries, a battery-powered radio, first aid kit and medications.
2. Make a plan – Talk with members of your household about what to do during emergencies. Plan what to do in case you are separated and choose two places to meet—one right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency such as a fire, and another outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home.
3. Be informed– Know what kinds of emergency situations may occur where you live, where you work, and where you go to school. Get trained in First Aid and CPR/AED so you’ll know what to do in an emergency if help is delayed. Don’t forget your pets, plan for them too.

Download the Red Cross Emergency App

The Red Cross urges people to sign up for city and county emergency alert systems. You can also download the Red Cross Emergency App to receive weather alerts where you live. The app monitors 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts to keep you and your loved ones safe.