Sioux Falls, SD – The Dakotas are bracing for their first major winter storm of the season, and timing couldn’t be worse for post-Thanksgiving travelers. A Winter Storm Watch is now in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening, with the National Weather Service warning of heavy snow, strong winds, and plunging temperatures.
Forecasters say total snow accumulations between 4 and 7 inches are likely across southeast South Dakota, northeast Nebraska, and parts of northwest Iowa. The heaviest snow bands could form Friday night, driven by gusty east-to-northwest winds up to 30 mph. Roads may quickly turn snow-packed, with visibility dropping to near zero at times. Travel could become dangerous on major routes including I-29, I-90, and U.S. 81 by late Friday.
Meteorologists say the system’s cold punch will linger, with highs struggling to reach the teens Sunday and subzero wind chills possible early next week. “Now is the time to prepare,” the National Weather Service urged, noting confidence is growing in a significant storm setup heading into early December.
Light snow begins Friday morning, intensifying by afternoon and continuing through Saturday. By Sunday, skies clear but the air turns sharply colder—perfect for slick spots and frozen slush refreezing on untreated roads.
Five-Day Outlook for Sioux Falls, SD
- Friday: Snow likely, high 26°F, low 20°F.
- Saturday: Snow continues, high 23°F, low 6°F.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high 13°F.
- Monday: Partly sunny, high 17°F.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high 23°F.
