UPDATED: 4:30 p.m.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Snow is blanketing much of KELOLAND today. And that’s causing some slippery conditions.
People parked on city streets in Sioux Falls will need to move their vehicles. The Public Works Street Division has declared a snow alert beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Plowing of emergency snow routes began Friday and will continue until routes are clear.
KELOLAND meteorologist Adam Rutt says snow will gradually dissipate as we head later into the evening and into the night, with winter storm warnings remaining in place through midnight Friday.
Look for complete coverage of Friday’s snow on KELOLAND News at 5, 6 and 10 as well as online.
1:52 p.m.
The city of Sioux Falls has issued a travel advisory. Sioux Falls Police Department spokesman Sam Clemens says the winter storm has created poor conditions in Sioux Falls.
Authorities are asking people to use extra caution if travel necessary.
12:30 p.m.
KELOLAND meteorologist Scot Mundt says bands of heavy snow, at least an inch an hour, will keep moving through the area Friday afternoon and into Friday evening. You can see his full update from 12:30 p.m. below.
Mundt said the snow won’t be as heavy the farther north of Sioux Falls you go.
12:06 p.m.
KELOLAND’s Kelli Volk checked out the conditions in Sioux Falls on Midday in KELOLAND.
Sioux Falls Police say four crashes were reported between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Friday.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol posted a picture, showing a slide-in crash on I-90. They are advising for seatbelts to be worn, headlights on, and to slow down.
11:58 a.m.
The city of Sioux Falls had equipment out on the streets long before the first snowflake hit the pavement.
This flusher truck carries thousands of gallons of salt brine that was applied to the streets on Thursday to help with anti-icing during today’s blast of winter weather.
“Once we get the moisture on the streets, whether it’s ice or snow, it’ll actually activate that, give us a little time and keep those streets safe before we can get out there and it also decreases the amount of salt that we actually have to put down,” Dustin Hansen said.
Hansen had crews in at 4 a.m. Friday and expects to work through the weekend. We’ll show you how the city creates the salt brine tonight on KELOLAND News.
6:03 a.m.
All signs are pointing toward accumulating snow in southern KELOLAND throughout the day on Friday.
A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the counties shaded in red. A winter weather advisory is in effect for the counties shaded in blue, just on the edge of the storm’s path.
Meteorologist Brian Karstens says this winter storm doesn’t include strong winds, so blowing and drifting snow will be a secondary issue Friday. However, the depth of the snow will create hazardous conditions.
How much snow should I expect?
Our snow forecast shows a large area where 4-8″ is possible, including Sioux Falls, through Friday evening. Amounts in Aberdeen and the north will be much less. Worthington and parts of SW MN may get the most with 8-12″ in the outlook.
What are the road conditions?
According to the South Dakota Department of Travel, Interstate 90 and highways in southern South Dakota are expected to be icy and slippery Friday morning. Here’s what the SD DOT 511 map shows Friday morning:
KELOLAND Closeline
The Sioux Falls School District called off classes ahead of the storm, and the City of Chamberlain has issued a snow alert. There are currently 147 active KELOLAND Closeline listings on-air and online. Make sure you keep updated with closings and cancellations by checking the KELOLAND Closeline.
There is good news once the snow moves out as it will likely melt next week. A large section of the country is expected to have above normal temperatures next week.
KELOLAND News will update this story throughout the day with the latest developments on the weather.
