Hey South Dakota, it’s about to get wild out there. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect, and things are going to get pretty messy over the next few hours. We’re talking up to 14 inches of snow by midnight tonight, and that’s just the beginning. With snow falling fast and winds picking up, here’s everything you need to know so you can stay safe and prepared.
What’s Coming: A Serious Snowstorm is on the Way
It’s not just a little dusting – this is a full-blown snowstorm. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect:
- Heavy snow: We’re looking at several inches of snow piling up quickly. This isn’t going to be a light snow shower; it’s going to come down fast and hard. Some areas could see up to 14 inches before it’s all over.
- Reduced visibility: Snow and high winds aren’t a good combination when it comes to driving. Visibility is going to be poor. Expect the roads to be hard to see, and you’ll probably lose sight of the road itself in the snowdrifts.
- Strong winds: On top of the snow, winds up to 40 MPH will make things even more intense. These winds will cause blowing snow and drifting snow on the roads, so driving will be tough. It’s going to feel like a full-on snowstorm with snow flying around everywhere.
How This Will Affect You: What You Need to Watch Out For
This storm isn’t just about the snow; there are a few things that can make this even more dangerous:
- Power outages: The snow and wind combo could knock out power, especially in areas with trees or power lines that could fall. If you’re in a spot that’s prone to outages, make sure you charge your phone, gather flashlights, and have batteries on hand. If the power goes out, it could take a while to get it back on.
- Travel disruptions: If you don’t have to be out on the roads, don’t. Driving is going to be dangerous, especially when visibility is down to almost nothing. Snow-packed and icy roads will make it tricky to drive. Slow down, keep a good distance between you and other cars, and be extra cautious if you do need to go out.
- Cold temperatures: The winds aren’t just about blowing snow—they’ll make it feel way colder. Wind chills could drop the temperature, making it feel much worse than it really is. It’s important to bundle up if you’re heading outside, as extended exposure to the cold could lead to things like hypothermia.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
We know the storm’s coming, but there’s a lot you can do to stay safe and make it through. Here’s how to protect yourself and your family:
- Stay inside if you can: The safest thing you can do is hunker down. If you don’t have to go anywhere, stay put and avoid being on the roads. It’s going to be tough out there, and staying off the streets is the best choice.
- Prepare for power outages: Charge up your devices now. Make sure you have flashlights, extra batteries, and any emergency supplies ready. If the power goes out, these supplies will come in handy. If you have a generator, double-check that it’s working and ready to go.
- Drive carefully if you must: Only head out if it’s absolutely necessary. If you have to drive, keep it slow. The roads will be slick, and visibility will be poor. Leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles, and keep both hands on the wheel. If you can, stay off the road altogether.
- Dress warmly: The wind chills will make it feel much colder than it is, so make sure you’re layered up if you need to go outside. Wear hats, gloves, scarves, and warm boots. The more you cover up, the better. If you don’t have to be outside, it’s best to avoid it altogether.
What’s Happening Now: Tonight’s Forecast
Here’s what’s going down tonight, so you can be ready:
- Snow accumulation: Up to 14 inches of snow could fall in some parts of the state. It’s going to get deep quickly, so roads could become completely covered in snow in no time.
- Blowing snow: Winds gusting up to 40 MPH will make things even trickier. The snow won’t just fall straight down—it’ll be blowing everywhere, making visibility even worse. The snow is also going to start drifting across the roads, making travel dangerous.
- Cold wind chills: The cold air, combined with wind speeds, is going to make it feel much colder than it really is. The wind chill could bring temperatures down to dangerously cold levels, so if you have to go out, make sure you’re prepared for the extreme cold.
