Significant precipitation in the forecast for Sioux Falls this week

Shelly Conlon, Sioux Falls Argus Leader
·4 min read

Sioux Falls will be in the middle a strong winter storm system sweeping through the northern plains throughout this week, starting Monday and lasting through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service of Sioux Falls.

The system follows last Thursday's snow storm, which brought more than 7 inches and 9 inches of snow in some areas of the city. And this next round will bring rain, freezing rain Monday night into Tuesday, with a more wintery-like mix Tuesday before becoming mostly snow Wednesday and Thursday. The biggest concerns at this point may be localized flooding and ice.

Exactly how much precipitation will affect Sioux Falls was unclear as of Sunday afternoon, but here's a breakdown of what we know so far, according to the NWS of Sioux Falls:

What's the overview for the next four days?

Given previous snowfall, widespread rainfall east of the James River Valley on Monday could lead to localized street flooding, because of any blocked storm drains and frozen ground, according to NWS.

It's possible areas in western and central portions of the state could see snowfall of more than a foot, with most snow falling Tuesday through Wednesday.

Strong winds are also possible through the Missouri River Valley, which could affect travel conditions west of the James River and into western and central South Dakota, and north of Highway 14, the service stated.

Areas between De Smet, Sioux Falls and Ida Grove, Iowa, will have a chance of seeing a trace of icing up to .10 to .25 of an inch between Monday night and Tuesday.

More:Heavy rain expected after Thursday snowstorm could cause flooding in Sioux Falls, NWS says

Meanwhile, Sioux Falls could see rainfall estimates anywhere from .5 an inch to 1.5 of an inch Monday night into Wednesday morning, the weather service stated.

As for predicted snowfall, the weather services says Sioux Falls has a 34% chance of getting more than an inch Tuesday through Wednesday morning, with further accumulation possible Wednesday and Thursday.

No advisories, watches or warnings have been issued at this time.

How can I prepare?

Below ae a few tips from the weather service to help you prepare for the storm, and prevent flooding in your area:

  • Clear a path for neighborhood storm drains

  • Check downspouts and drainage

  • Clear snow around your foundation

  • Check sump pumps

More:Sioux Falls dental company brings a snowy smile to Minnesota Avenue

What's the day-by-day forecast?

The NWS of Sioux Falls is expected to give another update on the storm system Sunday night, before it moves into the area. For now, as of 11:30 a.m. Sunday, here's a look at the day-to-day predictions for the week, according to the NWS website:

Sunday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. Southeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Monday: A chance of drizzle or freezing drizzle between noon and 3 p.m., then drizzle likely. Cloudy, with a high near 35. Breezy, with a southeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Monday night: Rain likely before midnight, then rain or freezing rain. Low around 30. Breezy, with an east southeast wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Tuesday: Rain and snow, possibly mixed with freezing rain, becoming all rain after noon. High near 36. Breezy, with an east southeast wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tuesday night: A chance of drizzle and snow before 9 p.m, then a chance of drizzle, snow, and freezing drizzle between 9 p.m. and midnight, then a chance of snow after midnight. Patchy blowing snow before 11 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Breezy, with a southeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Wednesday: A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Wednesday night: A chance of snow. Cloudy, with a low around 22. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Thursday: A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 30. Blustery. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Thursday night: A chance of snow before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. Blustery. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 23. Blustery.

Friday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 10.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 19.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Rain, ice, snow all in the forecast for Sioux Falls this week