Sioux Falls, South Dakota – Travel across parts of South Dakota, northwest Iowa, southwest Minnesota, and northeast Nebraska could quickly turn dangerous late tonight as powerful winds combine with snowfall to create widespread blowing snow and possible whiteout conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from late tonight through Monday morning for areas including Sioux Falls, Harrisburg, Canton, and Rock Rapids. Snow totals between 1 and 3 inches are possible in the Sioux Falls region, while winds may gust as high as 55 mph. Even with modest snowfall, those winds can blow snow across highways and reduce visibility to under half a mile.
Further south and east, including Sioux City, Storm Lake, Spencer, Vermillion, and Yankton, snowfall could reach 1 to 4 inches with wind gusts near 60 mph from Sunday morning through Monday morning. Blowing snow may quickly cover roads and create sudden whiteouts along Interstate 29, U.S. Highway 75, and rural highways across northwest Iowa and southeast South Dakota.
Across south central South Dakota, including Mitchell, Chamberlain, and Wagner, similar wind gusts near 60 mph may combine with light snow from late tonight through late Sunday night.
Officials warn that strong winds could also snap tree limbs and cause scattered power issues. Residents are urged to delay unnecessary travel, secure loose outdoor items, and prepare for hazardous road conditions, especially during the Monday morning commute. Additional advisories or upgrades to blizzard warnings remain possible as the storm strengthens across the region
