MCINTOSH, S.D. – Powerful fall winds are set to sweep across far northwestern South Dakota today, prompting the National Weather Service in Aberdeen to continue a Wind Advisory for Corson and Dewey Counties from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. MDT Sunday.
According to the NWS Aberdeen office, sustained west winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph will develop late this morning and continue through sunset. The strongest gusts are expected along open prairie areas and higher ridges west of Isabel and McIntosh.
The gusty winds could make driving hazardous for high-profile vehicles on U.S. Highway 12 and other open routes. Residents should secure outdoor items such as patio furniture, trash bins, and light farm equipment that could be blown about. A few isolated power outages are possible if tree limbs break and fall onto lines.
South Dakota Highway Patrol officials urge motorists to keep both hands on the wheel and reduce speed when crossing exposed stretches of highway, particularly near the Missouri River breaks. Conditions will gradually improve late this evening as winds weaken after sunset.
Monday will be calmer but noticeably cooler behind today’s system, with morning lows dipping into the 30s and a chance for patchy frost in sheltered valleys.
