Aberdeen, SD – Heavy snow and strengthening winds across northeastern South Dakota and western Minnesota could make travel impossible this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Aberdeen, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 1 p.m. Saturday until 3 a.m. Sunday for Day, Marshall, and Roberts counties in South Dakota and Big Stone and Traverse counties in Minnesota.
Forecasters say the system is expected to produce 10 to 19 inches of snow across the region, accompanied by widespread blowing snow and wind gusts up to 40 mph during the initial phase of the storm.
Conditions are forecast to worsen overnight into Sunday as winds intensify. A Blizzard Warning will take effect from 3 a.m. until 7 p.m. Sunday, when gusts could reach 50 mph, creating whiteout conditions and significantly reducing visibility.
Communities included in the warning areas include Webster, Sisseton, Britton, Wheaton, and Ortonville, where rapidly deteriorating road conditions are expected.
The National Weather Service warns that travel could become very difficult to impossible, particularly during periods of intense snowfall and blowing snow Sunday. Whiteout conditions may develop, and strong winds could also bring down tree branches.
Officials advise residents to restrict travel to emergencies only during the height of the storm.
Drivers who must travel are urged to carry a winter survival kit, including food, water, and a flashlight. Motorists in Minnesota can check road conditions at 511mn.org or by dialing 511, while South Dakota travelers can obtain updates through the state’s 511 system.
The storm may also impact weekend travel and early-week commuting across the region as snowdrifts and reduced visibility persist.
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