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Erin Strengthens to a Hurricane; Heavy Rainfall Possible in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, the Upper Midwest, South Texas

Hurricane Erin may bring isolated flash and urban flooding, landslides or mudslides, and possible tropical storm conditions to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands this weekend. Scattered thunderstorms and heavy rainfall may bring areas of flooding this weekend over the Upper Midwest. A tropical disturbance will bring locally heavy rain and mainly urban flash flooding to far southern Texas. Read More >

Overview

On April 3, 2023 a potent winter storm developed over the Four Corners region. The low strengthened as it moved northeast into Wyoming and then through western South Dakota on April 4. The strength of the storm was sufficient to efficiently wring out significant moisture in the form of snow. Heavy snow fell for most of the day on the 3rd over far southwest South Dakota. The storm plodded northward the next day, dropping heavy snow across most of western South Dakota and the Black Hills. The storm exited the region on the 5th.

The heaviest snow fell over far southwest South Dakota where a location 2 miles west of Hot Springs recorded 30" of fresh snow. Snow totals of 18-24" were common from Custer to Hermosa to Hot Springs. 12" reports were common across much of west-central South Dakota.

Northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph caused blowing and drifting snow on the 4th. Blizzard conditions occurred on the open plains of South Dakota where these winds were the strongest. During the height of the storm, I-90 was shut down over western South Dakota due to the blizzard conditions.

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1E Custer State Park Airport, SD
Courtesy Mary Frances
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