South Dakota State closes due to winter storm
Lincoln and Minnehaha counties, along with much of southeastern South Dakota, was expected to be under a winter weather advisory until 7 a.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service of Sioux Falls.
The advisory ended Thursday night instead, and came as a winter storm moving through the area is forecast to bring anywhere from 2 to 5 inches of snow from early Thursday morning into the early hours of Friday.
"Plan on slippery road conditions. Blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility, with near blizzard conditions possible at times, especially during falling snow and in rural areas," the advisory states. "The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches."
The Argus Leader will be with you every step of the way. For the latest on road conditions, potential school closures, snow alerts and more, refresh this page for live updates.
If there's something you think we should know about as this storm unfolds, please let us know by emailing News Director Shelly Conlon at sconlon@argusleader.com.
Weather watches, warnings in South Dakota
The advisory was expected to last from 4 a.m. Thursday through 1 a.m. Friday, but ended by 8 p.m. Thursday aftter the storm brought almost 3 inches of snow, the NWS website states.
The area was expected to see a total of 2 to 5 inches, and ice accumulations of less than one-tenth of an inch. Wind gusts could be as high as 50 mph. amd wind chills dropped to -10 and -20 degrees in some areas afterward.
The advisory affected parts of northwest and west central Iowa, southwest Minnesota, northeast Nebraska and east central and southeast South Dakota.
Areas south of Vermillion were also under a winter storm warning, with blizzard conditions possible, NWS states.
More weather: Winter can bring issues for homeowners. Here's how to protect the roof over your head.
What are current road conditions like?
As of 5 p.m. Thursday, roads throughout southeastern South Dakota were covered in frost and ice, and were slippery.
The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office issued this update on Twitter:"For your afternoon commute: The snow stopped and sun is shining, however, the wind has caused the majority of the roadways in the county to be ice covered and there is significant drifting on east/west roadways," the update stated. "Headlights/seatbelt on and reduce speed!"
For up-to-date road conditions, please visit the SD DOT interactive map or download the SD511 app.
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What power outages currently exist?
Below is a list of websites where you can check outages, but we'll have updates here as well if any large outages develop.
Xcel Energy: https://www.outagemap-xcelenergy.com/outagemap/
MidAmerican Energy: https://www.midamericanenergy.com/OutageWatch/dsk.html
South Dakota Rural Electric Association: https://outages.sdrea.coop/outages/maps
Sioux Valley Energy: https://ebill.siouxvalleyenergy.com/woViewer/mapviewer.html?config=Outage+Web+Map
More weather: Have you lost power? Here's a look at power outage maps for Minnehaha and Lincoln counties
What schools are closed or experiencing delayed openings?
South Dakota State University will be closed Thursday, because of the winter storm.
More weather: River flooding risks rise in parts of South Dakota after storms, but snow could help drought
Who has issued snow alerts?
No cities have issued snow alerts of 10 p.m. Wednesday.
More weather: How to check South Dakota road conditions, see cameras as winter storms hit
What businesses or city/county/state services are closed?
The Colton and Valley Springs branches of Siouxland Libraries closed Thursday, because of the weather.
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This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: See the latest on Sioux Falls road conditions, snow alerts and more as snow hits
