Aberdeen, SD – Roads across north central South Dakota could become impassable within hours early Friday as heavy snow and ice begin falling, creating dangerous conditions before the morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Aberdeen, a Winter Storm Warning starts as early as 1 a.m. Friday across central and north central South Dakota, expanding by 7 a.m. into northeast South Dakota and west central Minnesota, and continuing through Saturday afternoon or evening. Snow totals will range from 7 to 14 inches in areas like Mobridge, Gettysburg, and Eureka, with up to two-tenths of an inch of ice and wind gusts reaching 35 mph.
Cities including Pierre, Fort Pierre, and Miller face a mix of 3 to 5 inches of snow and up to 0.3 inches of ice, increasing the risk of power outages as ice builds on power lines. In Aberdeen, Sisseton, and Webster, 5 to 12 inches of snow and sleet will combine with gusty winds to reduce visibility and create drifting.
Highways including U.S. 12 and U.S. 83 may become snow-covered and slick, with rural roads at risk of drifting shut. Travel conditions will worsen quickly through Friday and remain hazardous into Saturday.
Residents should avoid non-essential travel, prepare for outages, and monitor 511 for updates. Warnings remain in effect through Saturday, and additional alerts may be issued as the storm evolves.
