Wintry Weather to Usher in Easter Weekend

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow, freezing rain, and wintry conditions to parts of South Dakota and Minnesota as the Easter weekend begins. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for central and far northeast South Dakota, while a Winter Weather Advisory covers areas south and east of there, including the city of Watertown.

Why it matters

This late-season winter storm could disrupt travel plans and outdoor Easter activities across the region, as heavy snow and freezing rain make driving hazardous. The wintry weather is an unusual occurrence so close to the spring holiday.

The details

The storm system will bring freezing rain spreading east from central South Dakota into west central Minnesota this morning. North central South Dakota will see heavy, all-snow conditions throughout the day. The precipitation is expected to change to all snow from west to east this afternoon and evening, with Watertown forecast to receive 2 to 4 inches of accumulation.

• The Winter Storm Warning and Winter Weather Advisory are in effect starting this morning, April 3, 2026.
• Freezing rain is expected to spread east from central South Dakota into west central Minnesota this morning.
• Heavy, all-snow conditions will persist in north central South Dakota throughout the day.
• The precipitation will transition to all snow from west to east this afternoon and evening.

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the storm system and provide updates on snowfall totals and travel conditions as the Easter weekend approaches.