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Severe Thunderstorm and Heavy Rainfall Potential Continues

A low pressure center tracking across the Great Lakes and its associated cold front extending across the Southern Plains will focus occasional showers and thunderstorms through tonight. A few of these thunderstorms may become severe alongside heavy rainfall that may cause flash flooding; Portions of the Southern Plains would be the greatest threat for these hazards through tonight. Read More >

Overview

A potent and long-lasting low pressure system brought widespread snow and blizzard conditions to much of the northern Plains from late Monday, December 12, 2022 through Friday, December 16. Conditions gradually improved late Friday, December 16. 

The storm started with a period of freezing drizzle, mainly across the South Dakota plains. Ice accumulations resulted in slippery roads and hazardous travel conditions, even before the snow started. 

Precipitation changed over to snow by Tuesday. Snow continued through Wednesday and Thursday before finally ending on Friday. Strong northwesterly winds, gusting to 60 mph or higher, led to blowing and drifting snow throughout the event, and contributed to upslope-enhanced snowfall over the northern Black Hills and foothills. Those locations received the highest amounts of snow, with around 3 feet reported in the Spearfish and Sturgis areas and around 4 feet reported in the Cheyenne Crossing and Lead/Deadwood areas. From Pine Ridge eastward into central SD, 2 to 3 feet of snow were reported. Many locations across our area received a foot or two of snow. Due to the effects of downsloping winds, the southern Black Hills and foothills were spared from the worst of the snow and strong winds; only a couple inches of snow were reported in those areas. The strong winds lasted through Friday, so even after the snow ended, blizzard conditions continued for much of the South Dakota plains. More information about the storm can be found at the Satellite Liaison Blog.

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Photo from Kelly Hunter in the Swett/Martin area
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