Sioux Falls, SD – Snow is spreading across central and eastern South Dakota this morning in what the National Weather Service calls a significant early-December winter storm. The system is expected to intensify through the day, bringing 4–8 inches of snow to many communities and pockets over 6 inches possible near Brookings, Sioux Falls, and northwest Iowa.
Winter Storm Warnings are in effect from 6 A.M. to midnight, covering much of eastern South Dakota and adjacent areas of southwest Minnesota and northwest Iowa. The heaviest snow is forecast along and east of Interstate 29, while lighter but steady snow continues west of the James River Valley.
Easterly winds gusting up to 25 mph will create areas of blowing and drifting snow, dropping visibility below a half-mile at times. Roads will quickly become snow-covered, and travel may be dangerous or impossible during the storm’s peak from 3 P.M. to 9 P.M.
As the storm moves east tonight, temperatures will plummet, and wind chills are expected to fall to –5°F to –20°F by early Sunday morning. Officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel, pack an emergency kit if driving, and monitor road conditions at sd511.org.
