SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The National Weather Service warnings map looks like a colorful quilt–a quilt of bad weather.
See the map at the right, or click here to see the NWS’s interactive map.
The Sioux Falls metro area is in a Winter Weather Advisory from 9 p.m. Thursday until noon Friday:
* WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations ranging from half an inch to two inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.
* WHERE…Portions of east central and southeast South Dakota, northwest Iowa and southwest Minnesota. This includes the tribal lands of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribal Nation.
* WHEN…From 9 PM this evening to noon CST Friday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will likely impact the morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
Northeast South Dakota is in a Blizzard Warning from 6 p.m. Thursday to 6 p.m. Friday:
* WHAT…Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches, with locally higher amounts. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph.
* WHERE…Portions of northeast South Dakota and west central Minnesota.
* WHEN…From 6 PM this evening to 6 PM CST Friday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The combination of strong winds and falling snow will significantly reduce visibility. Patchy blowing snow will add to the hazardous driving conditions, which are expected to impact the Friday morning commute.
Areas primarily south of Sioux Falls are in a Wind Advisory until 6 p.m. Friday:
* WHAT…Northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE…Portions of east central and southeast South Dakota, northeast Nebraska, northwest and west central Iowa and southwest Minnesota. This includes the Tribal Lands of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribal Nation.
* WHEN…From 10 AM Thursday to 6 PM CST Friday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Areas primarily west of the James River are under a High Wind Warning until 6 a.m. Friday:
* WHAT…Northwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected.
* WHERE…Gregory, Jerauld, Brule, Aurora, Charles Mix and Douglas Counties. This includes the Tribal Lands of the Yankton Sioux Tribal Nation.
* WHEN…From 10 AM Thursday to 6 AM CST Friday.
* IMPACTS…Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
And much of the KELO Radio listening area is under a Hazardous Weather Outlook for the next several days:
Northwest winds will increase significantly this morning and continue into Friday, with gusts as high as 40 to 50 mph. In regard to precipitation, should see light showers develop north of Interstate 90 this afternoon, which will then switch to snow heading into the evening hours.
Of more concern will be later tonight into Friday morning, when a more organized area of light snow sets up over the area. At this time, accumulations look to range anywhere from half an inch to 2 inches. As a result, could see rapid changes in visibility occur as strong winds accompany falling snow. Therefore, we encourage you to stay tuned for the latest forecast and headline information.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Friday through Wednesday Light snow and breezy northwesterly winds look to prevail for much of Friday. Reductions in visibility may certainly be possible during this time, especially as gusts approach 40 to 50 mph, so proceed with caution if you must travel.
