Aberdeen, South Dakota – Blizzard conditions are expected to make travel extremely dangerous across parts of west central Minnesota and northeast South Dakota Sunday, following an early-morning Winter Weather Advisory.
According to the National Weather Service in Aberdeen, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 9 a.m. CST, after which a Blizzard Warning takes effect from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. CST Sunday for Traverse and Big Stone counties in Minnesota and Marshall, Roberts, Day, and Grant counties in South Dakota.
Snowfall totals are expected to remain near or under one inch, but winds gusting up to 50 mph will produce ground blizzard conditions, with blowing snow reducing visibility to less than one-quarter mile at times. The National Weather Service warns that whiteout conditions may develop quickly, making travel extremely dangerous or impossible.
Farther south and west across central, north-central, and northeast South Dakota, Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect through 9 p.m. CST. These areas may experience widespread blowing snow, wind gusts up to 55 mph, and visibility frequently dropping below one-half mile, especially in open country.
The advisory areas include communities such as Aberdeen, Pierre, Watertown, Mobridge, Miller, Fort Pierre, Murdo, and Gettysburg. Gusty winds may also cause tree damage and isolated power issues.
Officials strongly advise that travel be restricted to emergencies only during the Blizzard Warning. Drivers who must travel should carry a winter survival kit and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. If stranded, residents are urged to remain with their vehicle.
Road condition updates are available by dialing 511 in both Minnesota and South Dakota. Conditions are expected to gradually improve late Sunday night as winds weaken.
