Massive tornado damages buildings near Watertown, South Dakota

A powerful tornado touched down west of Watertown, South Dakota on July 27, 2025, destroying multiple structures and creating dramatic visuals.

A massive tornado touched down near Watertown in Codington County on July 27, going viral on social media due to the dramatic visuals.

The tornado has destroyed at least one building and other structures, as seen in visuals recorded by storm chaser Tanner Charles.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for the whole of Codington County till 18:30 local time (LT) on July 27. Meanwhile, a tornado warning was issued for Watertown and Krazburg lasting through 19:30 LT.

Visuals shared on social showed a massive rotating funnel tornado, moving through areas west of Watertown creating dramatic visuals that

Charles arrived at the scene after the tornado passed through the area and began search and rescue amid the debris.

“We arrived at a destroyed home and began search and rescue. Thankfully, no one was home. But you never know what you’re walking into. It’s moments like this that remind you how fragile life can be,” said Charles.

Feature image credit: Michael Marz

Rishav Kothari

I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

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