Sioux Falls, SD – Motorists across South Dakota are being urged to drive carefully this Sunday morning as a flash freeze threatens to make travel hazardous. The National Weather Service says wet pavement from Saturday’s snow may refreeze within minutes as temperatures tumble below freezing, creating black ice on highways like I-90, I-29, and Highway 14.
A flash freeze occurs when air and pavement temperatures drop quickly, freezing any surface moisture almost instantly. These sudden freezes can make roads deceptively slick — appearing wet but offering almost no traction.
Experts warn that a car traveling 35 mph on icy pavement can require up to 600 feet to stop, nearly six times the distance on dry roads. Drivers are advised to slow down, avoid cruise control, and leave extra space between vehicles to prevent collisions.
“Even without new snow, refreezing moisture can make bridges and ramps hazardous,” the NWS said in a Sunday morning alert. “Allow extra time and travel with caution.”
Drivers across Minnehaha, Lincoln, and Pennington Counties should plan for icy conditions through late morning before gradual improvement as daylight returns.
