Sioux Falls, South Dakota – Travel across east central South Dakota and the surrounding tri-state region could turn dangerous Wednesday as strong winds combine with light snowfall to sharply reduce visibility and create slick road conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect Wednesday from morning through early evening for much of east central South Dakota, northwest Iowa, and southwest Minnesota. Snowfall totals are expected to remain light, generally up to one inch, but wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph will lead to blowing snow and sudden visibility drops.
In South Dakota, affected counties include Beadle, Brookings, Kingsbury, Lake, Miner, Sanborn, and Jerauld, with impacts stretching from Huron and Brookings to Madison and Arlington. Across the region, advisory conditions extend into northwest Iowa and southwest Minnesota, affecting communities such as Spirit Lake, Worthington, Marshall, Jackson, Pipestone, and Windom.
The strongest impacts are expected during the Wednesday morning and evening commutes, when open highways and rural roads could experience brief whiteout conditions. Even treated roads may become slick as winds push snow back across pavement.
Drivers are urged to slow down, keep headlights on, and check 511 road conditions before traveling. Winds ease Wednesday evening, but lingering slick spots could remain after sunset, and additional advisories may follow if visibility worsens.
