Sioux Falls, South Dakota – Whiteout conditions are rapidly spreading across parts of South Dakota, northwest Iowa, southwest Minnesota, and northeast Nebraska as powerful winds gusting up to 60 mph whip snow into dangerous ground blizzards tonight.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, Blizzard Warnings remain in effect across much of the region through early Monday. Areas including Sioux Falls, Yankton, Brookings, Worthington, Spirit Lake, Spencer, and Sioux City are experiencing severe blowing snow that can reduce visibility to near zero in open country.
Even though additional snowfall will be light—generally up to 1 or 2 inches—the extreme wind will continue to pick up loose snow and push it across highways. Major routes including Interstate 29 from Sioux City through Sioux Falls toward Brookings, along with Highway 75 and Highway 81, may become nearly impassable at times overnight.
Communities across Lincoln, Minnehaha, Clay, Union, Lyon, Sioux, and surrounding counties are expected to see the worst travel conditions. Rural roads and open farmland areas will experience the most intense drifting snow and sudden whiteouts.
Wind gusts approaching 60 mph may also snap tree branches and cause isolated power disruptions across the tri-state region.
Officials urge residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. Drivers who must be on the road should carry emergency winter supplies and check road conditions through each state’s 511 system.
Blizzard conditions are expected to persist overnight, with the strongest winds gradually easing toward sunrise Monday, though blowing snow could continue affecting travel during the morning commute.
