As we near the end of one extreme weather season (go away, snow!), it is time to begin looking ahead and preparing for the next, which is spring and summer tornadoes. While these devastating storms are not nearly as strong and frequent here as there are further south, tornadoes are still an issue, which is why you should know all of these important things about South Dakota tornadoes:

The term "Tornado Alley" was first coined in a 1952 weather survey and includes parts of Texas, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Colorado, Oklahoma, North Dakota, Kansas, and -- you guessed it -- South Dakota.
Wikimedia Commons
While not nearly as prevalent as southern states, South Dakota still sees its fair share of tornadoes, with an average 32.6 storms per season.
Flickr/Kelly DeLay
SoDak tornado season typically begins toward the end of April (with an average .4 tornadoes during the month), peaks in June (14.5 tornadoes), and ends by mid October (.6 tornadoes).
Flickr/Dave C.

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In addition to structural and agricultural damages, the state has seen a sad number of tornado-related injuries and deaths as well, with 487 reported injuries and 18 fatalities since 1950.
Flickr/USDA NRCS South Dakota
In terms of size, South Dakota has seen tornadoes of every kind and size, with one running a whopping 156.3 miles across.
Flickr/skua47
Since tornado season could begin in the next few weeks, the CDC recommends reviewing safety protocol and to "prepare a plan and an emergency kit, stay aware of weather conditions during thunderstorms, know the best places to shelter both indoors and outdoors, and always protect your head."
Flickr/Western Area Power

Now that tornado season is almost here, you can officially begin to think these 7 Thoughts Everyone In South Dakota Has As Tornado Season Approaches.

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