Authorities across South Dakota are asking people to avoid travel as a massive winter weather system drops snow, freezing drizzle and rain across the region.
Precipitation began Monday evening and continued into Tuesday. Western and central South Dakota are experiencing snow and strong winds, according to the National Weather Service.
The eastern part of the state is seeing a mix of sleet and rain, resulting in slick conditions in many spots. NWS Sioux Falls reports ice is clogging street drains in some communities, leading to the potential of street flooding.
The Department of Transportation closed Interstate 90 from Chamberlain to Rapid City Tuesday due to snow, freezing rain, and high winds. Officials expect additional Interstate closures later in the day. No travel advisories are also in place on state highways throughout the central and western part of the state.
Here's a text slide of what we're expecting over the next couple days, with most of the high impacts occurring west of the James River Valley today though portions of SW MN will see continued chances for freezing rain before warmer temperatures arrive. (2/8) pic.twitter.com/vcdGF9E7ZS
— NWS Sioux Falls (@NWSSiouxFalls) December 13, 2022
A blizzard warning is in effect through Wednesday in the western third of the state, while the central part of the state is in a winter storm warming. Eastern South Dakota faces an ice storm warning.
"This is a 'we are not kidding' kind of storm," a tweet from the Dept. of Public Safety stated. "Reconsider any travel plans. Have enough supplies at home including prescription medications and all other necessities."
Gov. Kristi Noem ordered all state government executive offices statewide to be closed Tuesday due to the storm. Rapid City leaders ordered all city offices closed Tuesday.
The state's 511 road conditions map shows slippery driving conditions for nearly the entire state.
Weather resources
- Rapid City National Weather Service forecast center
- Aberdeen NWS forecast center
- Sioux Falls NWS forecast center
- Check the latest road conditions in South Dakota here
Interstate 29 near Sisseton is snow and ice covered. Earlier we had snow but it appears to be transitioning back to sleet and rain. Codington, Day, Grant, and Roberts Counties are just some of the few counties that have issued no travel advisories at this time. #keepSDsafe pic.twitter.com/P71WS7a53Q
— South Dakota Highway Patrol (@SDHighwayPatrol) December 13, 2022
