Sioux Falls, South Dakota – Damaging winds are sweeping across a wide swath of the northern Plains on Wednesday, creating dangerous travel conditions and raising the risk of power outages from Wyoming through South Dakota and into Iowa and Nebraska.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Cheyenne, High Wind Warnings are in effect across much of South Dakota, northwest Iowa, northeast Nebraska, and parts of southeast Wyoming. Northwest winds of 30 to 45 mph with gusts between 65 and 70 mph are expected through the afternoon and early evening, with the strongest winds focused across central, south-central, and western South Dakota.
Communities including Rapid City, Pierre, Yankton, Chamberlain, Brookings, Sioux City, Vermillion, and along Interstate 80 near Arlington and Elk Mountain in Wyoming are seeing the most severe conditions. High-profile vehicles face a significant rollover risk on exposed roadways, especially along I-90, I-29, I-80, and Highway 14. Falling tree branches, unsecured debris, and sporadic power outages are likely as peak gusts move through.
Blowing snow may further reduce visibility in open areas where light snow is present, compounding travel hazards. Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel, and use extreme caution if driving, particularly in trucks, vans, and trailers.
While winds are expected to gradually weaken later this evening, attention quickly shifts to the next threat. Extreme cold watches and cold weather advisories remain posted for many of the same areas beginning Thursday evening, with dangerous wind chills potentially dropping well below zero. Additional weather alerts are expected as conditions evolve.
