Aberdeen, South Dakota – Whiteout conditions are slamming north central and northeast South Dakota this morning, with wind gusts reaching 60 mph and visibility dropping below a quarter mile, making travel nearly impossible through the midday hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Aberdeen, a Blizzard Warning remains in effect until 3 p.m. Wednesday for Campbell, McPherson, Brown, Walworth, Edmunds, Faulk, Spink, Clark, and Day counties. Additional snowfall of up to 2 inches is expected across much of the region, with 2 to 4 inches possible in Day County, including Webster. Powerful northwest winds continue to drive ground blizzards even where snowfall totals are lighter.
Major corridors including U.S. Highway 12, U.S. Highway 281, and stretches of U.S. Highway 83 near Mobridge and Eureka are experiencing blowing snow that is sharply reducing visibility. In Aberdeen, Redfield, Clark, and Ipswich, drifting snow is covering rural roads and open highways. Officials warn that stranded vehicles are a serious risk as winds push snow back onto cleared roadways.
Authorities urge residents to avoid all non-emergency travel. If travel is unavoidable, carry a winter survival kit, extra blankets, food, water, and a fully charged phone. Drivers can check the latest road closures and conditions by dialing 511.
The strongest winds are expected to persist into early afternoon before gradually easing. Blizzard warnings remain in effect until 3 p.m., and additional travel advisories could follow if conditions fail to improve.
