Strong Winds and Snow Forecast for Western South Dakota

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A powerful weather system is expected to bring high winds and potential snow showers to western South Dakota over the next several days. Wind gusts of 60-80 mph are forecast overnight on Thursday, with the winds gradually subsiding on Friday. However, a new snow system is then expected to move in, with the heaviest snowfall expected on Saturday afternoon into Sunday, when a Winter Storm Watch will be in effect.

Why it matters

Strong winds and heavy snow can create hazardous travel conditions and potential power outages, especially in rural areas of western South Dakota. The combination of high winds and snowfall is a concern for the region, which relies heavily on agriculture and transportation.

The details

The National Weather Service has issued High Wind Warnings for western South Dakota on Thursday, with gusts potentially reaching 60-80 mph overnight. These extreme winds are not expected to fully subside until Friday morning. Behind the strong winds, a new snow system is forecast to move in, with snow showers expected in western parts of the state on Friday and the heaviest snowfall expected on Saturday afternoon into Sunday.

• High Wind Warnings are in effect for Thursday overnight into Friday morning.
• Snow showers are expected in western South Dakota on Friday.
• A Winter Storm Watch will go into effect on Saturday afternoon, with the heaviest snowfall expected through Sunday.

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the developing weather system and may issue additional watches, warnings or advisories as the storm approaches and moves through the region.