Rapid City, S.D. – Drivers across western and central South Dakota should brace for dangerous travel conditions Thursday as wind gusts reach up to 65 mph, prompting a high wind watch for much of the region.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Aberdeen and Rapid City, the watch extends from Thursday morning through Thursday evening and includes Stanley, Jones, Tripp, and Lyman counties in central South Dakota, as well as nearly all of the northwestern and southwestern parts of the state.
Communities such as Rapid City, Fort Pierre, Winner, Spearfish, and Philip could see sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph, with peak gusts strong enough to damage roofs, topple trees, and down power lines. High-profile vehicles may face dangerous crosswinds on highways including U.S. 83, U.S. 212, and Interstate 90.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items and prepare for possible outages by charging devices and keeping flashlights accessible.
The wind threat will begin early Thursday and may last into the evening, with additional advisories or warnings likely. Travelers should check for road conditions and updates before heading out.
