UPDATE 10:00 AM 2/22/23

Don't let a lull in the snow fool ya, things still look on track for several inches of snow and strong winds to slap the Sioux Empire around through Thursday.

About five inches of snow has fallen on Sioux Falls as of Wednesday morning. We can expect the snow to increase in intensity through the afternoon. Seven to ten inches are possible in Sioux Falls.

Blizzard Warning is in effect through Thursday.

 

Winter Storm February 2023
Graphic Courtesy of National Weather Service Sioux Falls
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UPDATE 4:55 PM Tuesday (2/21)

Snow is expected to continue through the evening in the Sioux Falls area. With winds causing blowing and drifting snow.

Winds will pick up overnight into Wednesday along with heavy snow, especially after noon.


 

Timeline of the Storm for Sioux Falls:

Tuesday (2/21/23): This is round one of a double pinch of winter weather for Sioux Falls. About an inch of snow is expected on Tuesday.

"A northwest to southeast band of snow slides through areas north of I-90 today. Areas of freezing drizzle may mix with light snow and settle south toward I-90 and Hwy 18 by midnight. Light ice accumulations are possible, in addition to the light to moderate snow accumulations focused north of I-90. Breezy southeast to east winds could create some areas of blowing & drifting snow." - NWS

Graphic Courtesy of National Weather Service Sioux Falls
Graphic Courtesy of National Weather Service Sioux Falls
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Wednesday (2/22/23): Round two, this is when the real fun begins. Sioux Falls could start the day with some light snow. It will start to pick up after noon on Wednesday. Conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly through the afternoon and into the evening. Nearly a foot of snow is possible in Sioux Falls.

"Round 2 will contain the most significant winter weather Wednesday into Thursday. Moderate to heavy snow (rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour possible Wednesday night) and strong northeast winds gusting 40 to 50 mph are likely. Blizzard conditions are expected, with difficult to impossible travel across a large portion of the region Wednesday afternoon into Thursday."  NWS

Graphic Courtesy of National Weather Service Sioux Falls
Graphic Courtesy of National Weather Service Sioux Falls
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Thursday (2/22/23): Falling snow will end Thursday morning, but that's also when the winds will really get nasty. Blowing snow and sub-zero windchill will be the big deal.

"Southeast winds increase today, becoming stronger yet as they turn to the northeast Wednesday through Wednesday night. The combination of strong winds and heavy snow will lead to extensive blowing and drifting snow. with blizzard conditions expected in some areas. Winds will slowly diminish through Thursday, though areas of blowing/drifting snow will continue." - NWS

Winter Storm February 2023
Graphic Courtesy of National Weather Service Sioux Falls
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Plan ahead and be ready for a messy week in the Sioux Empire.

Where to Find South Dakota Road Reports

Check out SD511.org for road condition information from South Dakota 511. The map gives info on all the major roads in South Dakota and connects you to other states for their conditions.

Keep up to date with Sioux Falls snow alert information by signing up for notifications from the City of Sioux Falls here.

Here is what some winter weather terms mean:

  • A winter storm watch indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area.
  • A winter storm warning indicates that severe winter weather conditions are occurring or imminent.
  • A blizzard warning means that large amounts of falling or blowing snow and sustained winds of at least 35 miles per hour are expected for several hours.
  • Wind chill is a calculation of how cold it feels outside when the effects of temperature and wind speed are combined. A strong wind combined with a temperature of just below freezing can have the same effect as a still air temperature about 35 degrees colder.

Winter Weather Tips From the National Weather Service


 

UPDATE 3:00 PM Sunday 2/19/23

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for pretty much all of South Dakota, including Sioux Falls. The Watch will go into effect Tuesday night and run through Thursday morning.

The forecast for southeastern South Dakota says we can expect blizzard conditions with winds gusting to nearly 50 mph, and 9 to 16 inches of snow.

"Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Strong winds could cause extensive damage to trees and power lines. The cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero Thursday could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes."National Weather Service


 

Well, I hope you had a chance to enjoy being outside over the last couple of days because the fun will be coming to an end.

It's looking very likely that a major winter storm system will sweep across Sioux Falls and the tri-state area by the middle of this week making travel difficult and dangerous.

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The National Weather Service says that a significant double punch of winter storms will bring snow wind and cold. Parts of the area along and north of I-90 can expect the best chance for lots of snow.

"This storm will arrive in two rounds. One Tuesday into Tuesday night in a narrow area, and a second widespread impact Wednesday into Thursday," the NWS said.

KNOW MORE: 

How Much Snow Will Sioux Falls Get?

The Sioux Falls area could see six-plus inches of snow from this system. The exact rack of the storm is not yet known. Snow is expected in the city Tuesday night, then become very heavy through Wednesday (Feb 22)

"In addition to the potential for accumulating snow, gusty winds and falling temperatures are expected. Those with travel plans will want to continue to closely monitor the forecast from a reliable source and begin to think of alternative plans if conditions warrant." - NWS