Rapid City, SD – A strengthening Fall storm is spreading snow and strong winds across western South Dakota this evening, reducing visibility and turning roads slick from the Black Hills to the plains ahead of Saturday morning travel.
According to the National Weather Service Rapid City office, Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect through late Saturday morning for the Northern Black Hills, the foothills, the Rapid City area, Ziebach, Perkins, Harding, Meade, Pennington, Jackson, Bennett, Mellette, Todd, and Tripp counties, along with parts of northeast Wyoming. Most locations will see 2 to 4 inches of accumulation, though the Northern Black Hills and foothills could reach 3 to 5 inches. Gusts up to 45 mph will create blowing and drifting snow on open stretches.
According to South Dakota DOT, compact snow and icy patches are developing along I-90 from Black Hawk to Wall, and on US-85 from Belle Fourche north toward Harding County. Bridges and overpasses may glaze first as temperatures fall into the 20s. Crews warn that visibility could drop sharply in the foothills as winds funnel through canyons. Drivers should slow down, keep lights on, and check 511 before heading into rural areas.
According to emergency managers in Pennington and Meade counties, gusty winds may break small branches and blow snow across secondary roads, complicating late-evening commutes. Residents should charge phones, clear walkways frequently, and keep winter kits in vehicles. Cabin roads and ranch accesses may drift overnight.
Snow will taper by late Saturday morning, but blowing snow and cold pavement will keep travel slow into midday.
