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South Dakota tornado tears through Sioux Falls, damaging businesses, hospital

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — A South Dakota community is reeling after a tornado struck Sioux Falls just before midnight, officials said.

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According to the Argus Leader, wind speeds topped 100 mph as the twister hit the southern part of the city at 11:41 p.m. Tuesday, damaging buildings, blowing off some roofs and initially knocking out power to 19,000 people.

As of Wednesday morning, "a few" storm-related injuries had been reported, including an Avera Behavioral Health Hospital patient whose wounds were "non-life-threatening," a spokeswoman told the newspaper. Seven patients were transported to Avera Heart Hospital, which was damaged, as well, the spokeswoman said.

The storm also damaged area retailers and restaurants, including Kohl's, Best Buy, Advanced Auto Parts, Tuesday Morning and Pizza Ranch, the Argus Leader reported.

In a video early Wednesday, Mayor Paul TenHaken said residents should "stay off the roads" and "stay home."

TenHaken said there were no deaths or serious injuries reported in relation to the second tornado, according to the Sioux Falls Argus Leader. KSFY reported that both the storms were EF-2 tornadoes, according to the  National Weather Service in Sioux Falls.