Aberdeen, South Dakota – A strengthening fall storm is on track to deliver several rounds of heavy snow from Friday morning through Saturday, threatening hazardous roads and major slowdowns across central and eastern South Dakota.
According to the National Weather Service Aberdeen and Sioux Falls offices, multiple Winter Storm Watches cover Edmunds, Faulk, Spink, Clark, Hyde, Hand, Beadle, Kingsbury, Jerauld, Sanborn, Miner, Aurora, Davison, Hanson, and nearby counties. Snow develops Friday morning north of Miller and Redfield, expanding through Friday afternoon toward Huron, Brookings, Mitchell, and Sioux Falls. Accumulations of 4 to 8 inches are possible across central counties, with 6 to 10 inches in parts of southwest Minnesota and northwest Iowa, where stronger bands may form.
According to forecasters, gusts near 30 to 40 mph could create blowing snow and sharp visibility drops, especially along US-212, SD-34, and I-29. Road crews warn that the Friday evening commute may coincide with deteriorating pavement conditions as temperatures fall into the 20s and snow intensifies. Rural routes near De Smet, Howard, and Woonsocket may become especially slick.
According to emergency officials, early travel planning is essential for post-holiday movement. They urge drivers to delay non-essential trips, carry blankets and emergency kits, and maintain wide braking distance on open stretches where drifting may occur. Residents should charge devices, secure outdoor items, and ensure pets have shelter during the cold surge. Shoveling in intervals is recommended to avoid heavy accumulation buildup.
