Sturgis, South Dakota – Snow and powerful winds could create dangerous travel conditions across western South Dakota and the Black Hills beginning Saturday evening as a fast-moving winter system moves through the region overnight into Sunday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Rapid City, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Saturday evening through Sunday morning for much of the northern Black Hills and surrounding plains, including communities such as Sturgis, Belle Fourche, Spearfish, Deadwood, Lead, Faith, and Dupree. Parts of northeastern Wyoming, including Sundance, are also included in the watch area.
Forecasters say snowfall totals up to 7 inches across the plains and up to 8 inches in the Black Hills are possible. Wind gusts could reach 45 mph, producing widespread blowing snow and visibility reductions below a half mile in open areas.
Travel may become particularly difficult on Interstate 90 near Sturgis and Spearfish, as well as U.S. Highway 85 and Highway 34 across the northern plains. Rural roads around Harding and Perkins counties may see drifting snow where strong winds sweep across open terrain.
The storm may begin as early as Saturday afternoon across far northwest South Dakota, before expanding across the region overnight. Officials advise residents to monitor updates and prepare for slippery roads and sudden visibility drops through Sunday morning as the storm moves through the northern Black Hills and surrounding plains.
