Rapid City, South Dakota – Powerful winds whipping across western and south-central South Dakota are turning light snowfall into dangerous travel conditions early Sunday, with visibility dropping below a half mile in open areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Rapid City, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until noon MDT Sunday across much of western and south-central South Dakota and parts of northeastern Wyoming. While snowfall totals are generally 1 to 4 inches, the bigger concern is wind, with gusts reaching 60 mph in some areas, producing widespread blowing and drifting snow.
Communities including Rapid City, Wall, Kadoka, Winner, Martin, Pine Ridge, and Interior may experience slick roads and sharply reduced visibility, especially on exposed highways. Drivers on Interstate 90, U.S. Highway 83, and U.S. Highway 18 could encounter sudden whiteout conditions where winds sweep snow across open prairie.
Further north near Belle Fourche, Buffalo, and Camp Crook, snowfall totals will remain lighter—generally around 1 inch—but 40 mph wind gusts will still create blowing snow and hazardous travel in rural areas.
The advisory also covers portions of northeastern Wyoming including Gillette, Moorcroft, Hulett, and areas near Devils Tower, where drifting snow may briefly reduce visibility.
Officials urge motorists to slow down, check 511 road conditions, and carry emergency supplies if traveling across remote highways. Winds are expected to gradually weaken by midday, allowing travel conditions to slowly improve across the region.
