Blizzard and Winter Storm in South Dakota, November 17 to 18, 2016

Name: Blizzard and Winter Storm in South Dakota, November 17 to 18, 2016
Start: 2016-11-17T22:00
End: 2016-11-18T15:00
Location: South Dakota

November 17 to 18, 2016 · NWS FSD · 24 events in 24 counties and zones

5 inches through November 18th. Northwest winds gusting as high as 56 mph combined with the falling snow to lower visibilities to below a quarter mile at times, making travel difficult, especially since most of the storm occurred at night.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 24 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 24

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS FSD wrote it up.

Rain changed to snow late on November 17th, and wet snow accumulated up to 9.5 inches through November 18th. Northwest winds gusting as high as 56 mph combined with the falling snow to lower visibilities to below a quarter mile at times, making travel difficult, especially since most of the storm occurred at night. Wind chills were driven down into the teens, not an unusual level for mid November. However, the change to colder weather was sudden, as unseasonably warm weather had brought daytime temperatures as warm as the 60s and 70s within the previous five days.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Sioux Falls, SD wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Nov 17, 5:21 PM CST, 4 hours 39 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Nov 17, 5:21 PM CST, 4 hours 39 minutes before

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Hazardous weather outlook, Nov 17, 4:06 PM CST, 5 hours 54 minutes before

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SIOUX FALLS SD
406 PM CST THU NOV 17 2016

IAZ001-MNZ081-089-090-098-SDZ038-039-050-052>055-057>070-182215-
LYON IA-COTTONWOOD-NOBLES-JACKSON-ROCK-BEADLE-KINGSBURY-GREGORY-
JERAULD-SANBORN-MINER-LAKE-BRULE-AURORA-DAVISON-HANSON-MCCOOK-
MINNEHAHA-CHARLES MIX-DOUGLAS-HUTCHINSON-TURNER-LINCOLN SD-
BON HOMME-YANKTON-CLAY SD-
406 PM CST THU NOV 17 2016

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF NORTHWEST
IOWA...SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA...CENTRAL SOUTH DAKOTA...EAST CENTRAL
SOUTH DAKOTA...SOUTH CENTRAL SOUTH DAKOTA AND SOUTHEAST SOUTH
DAKOTA.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT

RAIN WILL TRANSITION TO SNOW ALONG THE MISSOURI RIVER IN CENTRAL
SOUTH DAKOTA LATER THIS EVENING...WITH RAIN TRANSITIONING TO SNOW
TOWARDS THE JAMES RIVER VALLEY BY MIDNIGHT...AND TO INTERSTATE 29
BY 3 AM. PERIODS OF MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOW ARE EXPECTED...WITH 2
TO 4 INCHES OF SNOW BY DAYBREAK.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY

SNOW WILL GRADUALLY TAPER OFF IN THE MORNING WEST OF THE JAMES
RIVER VALLEY BUT PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOW WILL STILL BE LIKELY ACROSS
FAR EASTERN SOUTH DAKOTA INTO SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA INTO THE EARLY
AFTERNOON HOURS.

ALONG WITH THE HEAVY SNOW...NORTHWEST WINDS WILL GUST TO AROUND
50 MPH AT TIMES WITH THE STRONGEST WINDS OVER PARTS OF EASTERN
SOUTH DAKOTA AND SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA DURING THE MORNING AND EARLY
AFTERNOON. STRONG WINDS AND HEAVY SNOW WILL PRODUCE BLIZZARD OR
NEAR BLIZZARD CONDITIONS ACROSS HIGHWAY 14 FROM DE SMET TOWARDS
MARSHALL. CONDITIONS WILL SLOWLY BEGIN TO IMPROVE BY MID TO LATE
AFTERNOON. A WIDESPREAD 5 TO 8 INCHES OF SNOW WILL BE POSSIBLE
WITH ISOLATED HIGHER AMOUNTS.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION WILL NOT BE NEEDED...HOWEVER SNOWFALL REPORTS
ARE APPRECIATED.

IAZ002-003-012>014-020>022-031-032-NEZ013-014-SDZ071-182215-
OSCEOLA-DICKINSON-SIOUX-O'BRIEN-CLAY IA-PLYMOUTH-CHEROKEE-
BUENA VISTA-WOODBURY-IDA-DIXON-DAKOTA-UNION-
406 PM CST THU NOV 17 2016

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF NORTHWEST
IOWA...WEST CENTRAL IOWA...NORTHEAST NEBRASKA AND SOUTHEAST SOUTH
DAKOTA.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT

ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE AFTER MIDNIGHT. NO SEVERE
WEATHER IS ANTICIPATED.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY

RAIN WILL CHANGE TO SNOW FRIDAY MORNING. TOTAL ACCUMULATIONS WILL
BE 1 TO 3 INCHES. NORTHWEST WINDS WILL GUST TO AROUND 45 MPH AT
TIMES ON FRIDAY LEADING TO REDUCED VISIBILITY AND HAZARDOUS
DRIVING CONDITIONS.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION WILL NOT BE NEEDED...HOWEVER SNOWFALL REPORTS
ARE APPRECIATED.

MNZ071-072-080-097-SDZ040-056-182215-
LINCOLN MN-LYON MN-MURRAY-PIPESTONE-BROOKINGS-MOODY-
406 PM CST THU NOV 17 2016

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF SOUTHWEST
MINNESOTA AND EAST CENTRAL SOUTH DAKOTA.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT

RAIN WILL TRANSITION TO SNOW ALONG AND WEST OF THE JAMES RIVER
LATE THIS EVENING AND THEN LATE TONIGHT CLOSER TO INTERSTATE 29
AND PORTIONS OF SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA. PERIODS OF MODERATE TO HEAVY
SNOW ARE EXPECTED. DAYBREAK ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES OF SNOW
WILL BE POSSIBLE.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY

SNOW WILL GRADUALLY TAPER OFF IN THE MORNING WEST OF THE JAMES
RIVER VALLEY BUT PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOW WILL STILL BE LIKELY ACROSS
FAR EASTERN SOUTH DAKOTA INTO SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA INTO THE EARLY
AFTERNOON HOURS. SNOW WILL GRADUALLY DIMINISH BY THE LATE
AFTERNOON HOURS OF FRIDAY.

ALONG WITH THE HEAVY SNOW WILL BE NORTHWEST WINDS WHICH WILL GUST
TO AROUND 50 MPH AT TIMES WITH THE STRONGEST WINDS OVER PARTS OF
SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA DURING THE MORNING AND EARLY AFTERNOON. THESE
STRONG WINDS AND HEAVY SNOW WILL PRODUCE BLIZZARD CONDITIONS
ACROSS HIGHWAY 14 FROM DE SMET TOWARDS MARSHALL. CONDITIONS WILL
SLOWLY IMPROVE BY THE LATE AFTERNOON. A WIDESPREAD 6 TO 10 INCHES
OF SNOW WILL BE POSSIBLE WITH SOME HIGHER AMOUNTS FROM IVANHOE TO
MARSHALL.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SPOTTER ACTIVATION WILL NOT BE NEEDED...HOWEVER SNOWFALL REPORTS
ARE APPRECIATED.

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

20 winter storm, 2 blizzard, 2 winter weather. Local standard time, as filed.

Winter Storm, Beadle

When: November 17, 10:00 PM CST to November 18, 12:00 PM CST
Where: Beadle forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 44.415, -98.278 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wet snow accumulated 2 to 5 inches, including 4 inches about 2 miles south of Huron. The snow was accompanied by northwest winds gusting to 45 mph, which combined with the falling snow to produce visibilities less than a quarter mile at times. Travel was difficult because of the low visibility and slippery surfaces. Wind chills were driven down into the teens after an immediately preceding period of much above normal temperatures. Classes were delayed or cancelled at many schools.

Winter Storm, Jerauld

When: November 17, 10:00 PM CST to November 18, 12:00 PM CST
Where: Jerauld forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 44.066, -98.630 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wet snow accumulated 2 to 5 inches, including 4 inches at Wessington Springs. The snow was accompanied by northwest winds gusting to 45 mph, which combined with the falling snow to produce visibilities less than a quarter mile at times. Travel was difficult because of the low visibility and slippery surfaces. Wind chills were driven down into the teens after an immediately preceding period of much above normal temperatures. Classes were delayed or cancelled at many schools.

Winter Storm, Sanborn

When: November 17, 10:00 PM CST to November 18, 12:00 PM CST
Where: Sanborn forecast zone
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 44.023, -98.091 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wet snow accumulated 2 to 5 inches. The snow was accompanied by northwest winds gusting to 45 mph, which combined with the falling snow to produce visibilities less than a quarter mile at times. Travel was difficult because of the low visibility and slippery surfaces. Wind chills were driven down into the teens after an immediately preceding period of much above normal temperatures. Classes were delayed or cancelled at many schools.

Winter Storm, Brule

When: November 17, 10:00 PM CST to November 18, 12:00 PM CST
Where: Brule forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 43.718, -99.081 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wet snow accumulated 2 to 5 inches, including 4 inches 5 miles south of Chamberlain. The snow was accompanied by northwest winds gusting to 45 mph, which combined with the falling snow to produce visibilities less than a quarter mile at times. Travel was difficult because of the low visibility and slippery surfaces. Wind chills were driven down into the teens after an immediately preceding period of much above normal temperatures. Classes were delayed or cancelled at many schools.

Winter Storm, Aurora

When: November 17, 10:00 PM CST to November 18, 12:00 PM CST
Where: Aurora forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 43.718, -98.561 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Gregory

When: November 17, 10:00 PM CST to November 18, 12:00 PM CST
Where: Gregory forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 43.192, -99.186 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wet snow accumulated 2 to 5 inches, including 4 inches at Gregory. The snow was accompanied by northwest winds gusting to 45 mph, which combined with the falling snow to produce visibilities less than a quarter mile at times. Travel was difficult because of the low visibility and slippery surfaces. Wind chills were driven down into the teens after an immediately preceding period of much above normal temperatures. Classes were delayed or cancelled at many schools.

Winter Storm, Charles Mix

When: November 17, 10:00 PM CST to November 18, 12:00 PM CST
Where: Charles Mix forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 43.208, -98.588 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wet snow accumulated 2 to 5 inches, including 3 inches at Pickstown. The snow was accompanied by northwest winds gusting to 50 mph, which combined with the falling snow to produce visibilities less than a quarter mile at times. Travel was difficult because of the low visibility and slippery surfaces. Wind chills were driven down into the teens after an immediately preceding period of much above normal temperatures. Classes were delayed or cancelled at many schools.

Winter Storm, Davison

When: November 17, 11:00 PM CST to November 18, 12:00 PM CST
Where: Davison forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 43.675, -98.146 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wet snow accumulated 2 to 5 inches, including 4.2 inches near Mitchell. The snow was accompanied by northwest winds gusting to 50 mph, which combined with the falling snow to produce visibilities less than a quarter mile at times. Travel was difficult because of the low visibility and slippery surfaces. Wind chills were driven down into the teens after an immediately preceding period of much above normal temperatures. Classes were delayed or cancelled at many schools.

Winter Storm, Douglas

When: November 17, 11:00 PM CST to November 18, 12:00 PM CST
Where: Douglas forecast zone
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 43.387, -98.366 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wet snow accumulated 2 to 5 inches. The snow was accompanied by northwest winds gusting to 50 mph, which combined with the falling snow to produce visibilities less than a quarter mile at times. Travel was difficult because of the low visibility and slippery surfaces. Wind chills were driven down into the teens after an immediately preceding period of much above normal temperatures. Classes were delayed or cancelled at many schools.

Blizzard, Kingsbury

When: November 18, 3:00 AM CST to 3:00 PM CST
Where: Kingsbury forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 44.370, -97.491 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wet snow accumulated 3 to 6 inches, including 5 inches east of De Smet. The snow was accompanied by northwest winds gusting to 50 mph, which caused widespread visibilities of less than a quarter mile while the snow was falling. Travel was difficult because of the low visibility and snow covered surfaces. Wind chills were driven down into the teens after an immediately preceding period of much above normal temperatures. Classes were cancelled at many schools.

Winter Storm, Miner

When: November 18, 3:00 AM CST to 3:00 PM CST
Where: Miner forecast zone
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 44.022, -97.610 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, Hutchinson

When: November 18, 3:00 AM CST to 3:00 PM CST
Where: Hutchinson forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 43.335, -97.754 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wet snow accumulated 3 to 6 inches, including 5 inches at Menno. The snow was accompanied by northwest winds gusting to 50 mph, which combined with the falling snow to produce visibilities less than a quarter mile at times. Travel was difficult because of the low visibility and slippery surfaces. Wind chills were driven down into the teens after an immediately preceding period of much above normal temperatures. Classes were delayed or cancelled at many schools.

Winter Storm, Bon Homme

When: November 18, 3:00 AM CST to 3:00 PM CST
Where: Bon Homme forecast zone
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 42.988, -97.885 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wet snow accumulated 3 to 6 inches, including 5 inches at Tyndall. The snow was accompanied by northwest winds gusting to 50 mph, which combined with the falling snow to produce visibilities less than a quarter mile at times. Travel was difficult because of the low visibility and slippery surfaces. Wind chills were driven down into the teens after an immediately preceding period of much above normal temperatures. Classes were delayed or cancelled at many schools.

Blizzard, Brookings

When: November 18, 4:00 AM CST to 3:00 PM CST
Where: Brookings forecast zone
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 44.370, -96.790 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wet snow accumulated 4 to 7 inches, including 6.5 inches at Aurora. The snow was accompanied by northwest winds gusting to 50 mph, which caused widespread visibilities of less than a quarter mile while the snow was falling. Travel was difficult because of the low visibility and snow covered surfaces. Wind chills were driven down into the teens after an immediately preceding period of much above normal temperatures. Classes were cancelled at many schools.

Winter Storm, Lake

When: November 18, 4:00 AM CST to 3:00 PM CST
Where: Lake forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 44.022, -97.129 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wet snow accumulated 3 to 6 inches, including 4 inches 2 miles north of Chester. The snow was accompanied by northwest winds gusting to 50 mph, which combined with the falling snow to produce visibilities less than a quarter mile at times. Travel was difficult because of the low visibility and slippery surfaces. Wind chills were driven down into the teens after an immediately preceding period of much above normal temperatures. Classes were delayed or cancelled at many schools.

Winter Storm, Moody

When: November 18, 4:00 AM CST to 3:00 PM CST
Where: Moody forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 44.022, -96.671 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wet snow accumulated 3 to 6 inches, including 4.8 inches at Flandreau. The snow was accompanied by northwest winds gusting to 50 mph, which combined with the falling snow to produce visibilities less than a quarter mile at times. Travel was difficult because of the low visibility and slippery surfaces. Wind chills were driven down into the teens after an immediately preceding period of much above normal temperatures. Classes were delayed or cancelled at many schools.

Winter Storm, Hanson

When: November 18, 4:00 AM CST to 3:00 PM CST
Where: Hanson forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 43.675, -97.787 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Winter Storm, McCook

When: November 18, 4:00 AM CST to 3:00 PM CST
Where: McCook forecast zone
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 43.674, -97.368 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wet snow accumulated 3 to 6 inches, including 4 inches at Canistota. The snow was accompanied by northwest winds gusting to 50 mph, which combined with the falling snow to produce visibilities less than a quarter mile at times. Travel was difficult because of the low visibility and slippery surfaces. Wind chills were driven down into the teens after an immediately preceding period of much above normal temperatures. Classes were delayed or cancelled at many schools.

Winter Storm, Minnehaha

When: November 18, 4:00 AM CST to 3:00 PM CST
Where: Minnehaha forecast zone
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 43.674, -96.791 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wet snow accumulated 4 to 7 inches, including 7 inches near Sioux Falls and 6.5 inches at Dell Rapids. The snow was accompanied by northwest winds gusting to 50 mph, which combined with the falling snow to produce visibilities less than a quarter mile at times. Travel was difficult because of the low visibility and slippery surfaces. Wind chills were driven down into the teens after an immediately preceding period of much above normal temperatures. Classes were delayed or cancelled at many schools.

Winter Storm, Turner

When: November 18, 4:00 AM CST to 3:00 PM CST
Where: Turner forecast zone
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 43.311, -97.149 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wet snow accumulated 4 to 9.5 inches, including 9.5 inches at Parker. The snow was accompanied by northwest winds gusting to 50 mph, which combined with the falling snow to produce visibilities less than a quarter mile at times. Travel was difficult because of the low visibility and slippery surfaces. Wind chills were driven down into the teens after an immediately preceding period of much above normal temperatures. Classes were delayed or cancelled at many schools.

Winter Storm, Lincoln

When: November 18, 4:00 AM CST to 3:00 PM CST
Where: Lincoln forecast zone
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 43.279, -96.722 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wet snow accumulated 3 to 7.4 inches, including 7.4 inches at the south end of Sioux Falls. The snow was accompanied by northwest winds gusting to 50 mph, which combined with the falling snow to produce visibilities less than a quarter mile at times. Travel was difficult because of the low visibility and slippery surfaces. Wind chills were driven down into the teens after an immediately preceding period of much above normal temperatures. Classes were delayed or cancelled at many schools.

Winter Storm, Yankton

When: November 18, 4:00 AM CST to 3:00 PM CST
Where: Yankton forecast zone
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 43.009, -97.395 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wet snow accumulated 2 to 5 inches, including 3 inches at Yankton. The snow was accompanied by northwest winds gusting to 56 mph, which combined with the falling snow to produce visibilities less than a quarter mile at times. Travel was difficult because of the low visibility and slippery surfaces. Wind chills were driven down into the teens after an immediately preceding period of much above normal temperatures. Classes were delayed or cancelled at many schools.

Winter Weather, Clay

When: November 18, 5:00 AM CST to 3:00 PM CST
Where: Clay forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 42.915, -96.976 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wet snow accumulated 1 to 3 inches, including 2 inches at Vermillion. The snow was accompanied by northwest winds gusting to 50 mph, which caused areas of visibilities around a half mile at times while the snow was falling. The low visibilities and slippery surfaces made travel hazardous. Wind chills were driven down into the teens after an immediately preceding period of much above normal temperatures.

Winter Weather, Union

When: November 18, 5:00 AM CST to 3:00 PM CST
Where: Union forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 42.833, -96.656 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Wet snow accumulated 1 to 3 inches, including 2 inches near North Sioux City. The snow was accompanied by northwest winds gusting to 50 mph, which caused areas of visibilities around a half mile at times while the snow was falling. The low visibilities and slippery surfaces made travel hazardous. Wind chills were driven down into the teens after an immediately preceding period of much above normal temperatures.

What these are

Winter Storm: A storm that brought snow, sleet or freezing rain at warning levels, usually over several hours or days.
Blizzard: Sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or more with falling or blowing snow that cuts visibility below a quarter mile for three hours or longer.
Winter Weather: Snow, sleet or freezing rain below warning levels that still caused disruption, damage or casualties.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in South Dakota in 2016 Every state in 2016 This day in weather history Warnings in South Dakota, November 2016

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-30. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 662429, 662431, 662432, 662433, 662434, 662436, 662437, 662435, 662438, 662439, 662441, 662447, 662451, 662440, 662442, 662443, 662444, 662445, 662446, 662448, 662449, 662452, 662455, 662456.