Blizzard and Winter Storm in South Dakota, December 28 to 30, 2019

Name: Blizzard and Winter Storm in South Dakota, December 28 to 30, 2019
Start: 2019-12-28T01:00
End: 2019-12-30T12:00
Location: South Dakota

December 28 to 30, 2019 · NWS FSD · 24 events in 24 counties and zones

S. in the early morning of Saturday, December 28 pushed eastward through the day, allowing low pressure to organize near the Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles.

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.

A deep trough across the southwestern U.S. in the early morning of Saturday, December 28 pushed eastward through the day, allowing low pressure to organize near the Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles. The storm intensified as it moved into eastern Nebraska and western Iowa by 0600CST December 29. Strong warming aloft ahead of the system led to periods of light rain or light mixed precipitation, while heavy snow organized in the trowal over central and northeast South Dakota.

Impacts from the storm became significant as the storm closed off in the mid-levels and slowed movement, only reaching southern Minnesota by 0600CST December 30. Precipitation changed over to snow as colder air collapsed southward, and winds increased to a gusty 40 to 55 mph across southeast South Dakota and adjacent areas. Snowfall totals ranged from 10 to 18 inches from the James River Valley westward, to 1 to 3 inches across much of northwest Iowa. The storm resulted in record daily precipitation for Sioux Falls (0.40 inches on December 28 and 0.69 inches on December 29), as well as record daily precipitation (0.64 inches) and snowfall (7.0 inches) for Huron on December 28.

In total, South Dakota State Patrol reported 49 injury accidents and 44 slide-ins across southeast South Dakota during the episode.

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 Dec 27, 10:56 PM CST, 2 hours 4 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Dec 27, 10:56 PM CST, 2 hours 4 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
1056 PM CST Fri Dec 27 2019

.UPDATE...
Issued at 1047 PM CST Fri Dec 27 2019

Forecast largely remains on track with precip working currently
working across the NE/SD border as of late evening. Spotter,
surface obs, and MPing reports have indicated much of this is
falling as either sleet or freezing rain with this expected to be
the trend through the night with thermal profiles in various point
forecast soundings showing a saturated layer within a couple
degrees either side of the freezing mark. Added in Clay, O'Brien,
and Cherokee counties in NW IA to the Advisory earlier this
evening with some concern of a light glaze of ice in those areas
as well and road temperatures very near the freezing mark. Quick
look at evening guidance hints at perhaps a bit higher concern of
icing along the Buffalo Ridge but won't make whole sale changes
yet and instead pass along to night shift to evaluate full model
suite.

&&

.SHORT TERM...(This Evening through Saturday)
Issued at 415 PM CST Fri Dec 27 2019

Still on track for a significant winter storm to affect the region
beginning later tonight and continuing in one fashion or another
into Monday. The system that will affect our area is currently still
in the Four Corners region, but warm air advection surging northward
out ahead of the feature will initiate light snow across the area
during the early overnight hours - transitioning to mixed
precipitation by later at night as thermal profiles begin to warm.
One of the main changes to the forecast package was to warm max wet
bulb temperatures aloft through Saturday with almost all guidance
coming in warmer. The main affect of this was to change precipitation
type to more of a mixed variety - and reducing overall snow amounts
a bit over portions of our east. In addition, may see more
widespread rain across the area on Saturday than previously
forecasted. Still a very tricky forecast however, as a difference of
a degree or two both aloft or at the surface will change snow/ice
amounts. Lowest confidence in precipitation type resides roughly from
Yankton to Sioux Falls to Slayton MN and areas to the east. The
greatest icing potential will be from east central SD through
southwestern MN and surrounding areas, this coming later tonight
into Saturday morning, then again later on Saturday night as surface
temperatures begin to cool, with a tenth to around a quarter of an
inch possible.

.LONG TERM...(Saturday Night through Friday)
Issued at 415 PM CST Fri Dec 27 2019

Due to the slow nature of this system, precipitation will persist
through Monday, with the greatest snow amounts occurring late
Saturday night and Sunday in areas west of Interstate 29 as cooler
air begins to wrap into the the system and temperatures aloft begin
to cool. In addition, winds will begin to increase on Saturday night
through Monday as surface low pressure deepens over western MN/IA
and then moves eastward through the period. This will obviously
impact areas that receive appreciable snow as blowing snow will
become an issue. At this time, winds look to remain mainly in the
range of 25 to 35 mph, and with the wet nature of the snow do not
expected blizzard conditions - though near white out conditions will
be possible in some areas at times. Total snowfall amounts through
Monday will range from 10 to 12 inches + from east central SD to the
mid MO River corridor and westward, with amounts then diminishing
downward to the east with 1 to 2 inches possible over parts of
southwestern MN and northwestern IA.

In terms of headlines, transitioned the Winter Storm Watches to
Winter Storm Warnings/Winter Weather Advisories for most of the
area beginning tonight and continuing through Sunday night. These
headlines may need to be adjusted over the weekend dependent on
how precipitation type evolves.

Fortunately, with the passage of this system the remainder of next
week looks primarily dry. Temperatures will be around normal through
the period.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 06Z TAFS through 06Z Saturday night)
Issued at 1047 PM CST Fri Dec 27 2019

Complex aviation period expected through the weekend with a messy
winter storm just now entering the region. Wintry precipitation is
expected overnight with sleet, freezing rain, snow and plain rain
all possible at the TAF sites. KHON has the highest chances of
remaining a wintry precip type while KSUX will likely fairly
quickly switch to a cold rain. Temperatures at KSUX and KFSD will
likely rise above freezing by daybreak with plain rain expected
thru the rest of the day Saturday. It's worth stressing that
confidence in exact precipitation type overnight remains fairly
low. IFR and lower stratus will work in thru the overnight hours
with occasional vsby restrictions during falling precipitation.

&&

.FSD WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
SD...Winter Weather Advisory until 6 AM CST Monday for SDZ056-062-066-
     067-069>071.

     Winter Storm Warning until 6 AM CST Monday for SDZ050-052-
     057>059-063>065-068.

     Winter Storm Warning until 6 AM CST Monday for SDZ038>040-
     053>055-060-061.

MN...Winter Weather Advisory until 6 AM CST Monday for MNZ080-081-089-
     090-097-098.

     Winter Storm Warning until 6 AM CST Monday for MNZ071-072.

IA...Winter Weather Advisory until 6 AM CST Monday for IAZ001>003-012-
     020-031.

     Winter Weather Advisory until 9 AM CST Saturday for IAZ013-014-
     021.

NE...Winter Weather Advisory until 6 AM CST Monday for NEZ013-014.

&&

UPDATE...Kalin
SHORT TERM...JM
LONG TERM...JM
AVIATION...Kalin

Hazardous weather outlook, Dec 27, 6:41 PM CST, 6 hours 19 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
641 PM CST Fri Dec 27 2019

SDZ050-052-057>059-063>065-068-290045-
Gregory-Jerauld-Brule-Aurora-Davison-Charles Mix-Douglas-Hutchinson-
Bon Homme-
641 PM CST Fri Dec 27 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central South Dakota, south
central South Dakota and southeast South Dakota.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Late this evening and overnight, a wintry mix of freezing rain,
sleet, and snow will moving into the region. Light snow accumulations
are possible with ice accumulations between a light glaze and one
tenth of an inch. This will lead to slick roads and may make travel
difficult to hazardous.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

An impactful winter storm will continue to affect the area Saturday
through the day Monday, with periods of freezing rain, heavy snow,
and blowing snow. Plan ahead if traveling.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

MNZ071-072-SDZ038>040-053>055-060-061-290045-
Lincoln-Lyon-Beadle-Kingsbury-Brookings-Sanborn-Miner-Lake-Hanson-
McCook-
641 PM CST Fri Dec 27 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southwest Minnesota, east
central South Dakota and southeast South Dakota.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Late this evening and overnight, a wintry mix of freezing rain,
sleet, and snow will moving into the region. Light snow accumulations
are possible with ice accumulations between a light glaze and one
tenth of an inch. This will lead to slick roads and may make travel
difficult to hazardous.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

An impactful winter storm will continue to affect the area Saturday
through the day Monday, with periods of freezing rain, heavy snow,
and blowing snow. Plan ahead if traveling.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

IAZ001>003-012-020-031-MNZ080-081-089-090-097-098-NEZ013-014-SDZ056-
062-066-067-069>071-290045-
Lyon-Osceola-Dickinson-Sioux-Plymouth-Woodbury-Murray-Cottonwood-
Nobles-Jackson-Pipestone-Rock-Dixon-Dakota-Moody-Minnehaha-Turner-
Lincoln-Yankton-Clay-Union-
641 PM CST Fri Dec 27 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northwest Iowa, west central
Iowa, southwest Minnesota, northeast Nebraska, east central South
Dakota and southeast South Dakota.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Late this evening and overnight, a wintry mix of freezing rain,
sleet, and snow will moving into the region. Light snow accumulations
are possible with ice accumulations between a light glaze and one
tenth of an inch. This will lead to slick roads and may make travel
difficult to hazardous.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

An impactful winter storm will continue to affect the area Saturday
through the day Monday, with periods of freezing rain, heavy snow,
and blowing snow. Plan ahead if traveling.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

IAZ013-014-021-022-032-290045-
O'Brien-Clay-Cherokee-Buena Vista-Ida-
641 PM CST Fri Dec 27 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northwest Iowa and west
central Iowa.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Late this evening and overnight, a wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet
and snow will move into the region. This may lead to slick roads and
difficult travel. Temperatures are expected to rise above freezing
closer to daybreak, switching any precipitation over to plain rain,
although slick conditions may remain for a period. Use caution if
traveling.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday.

An impactful winter storm will continue to affect the area Saturday
through the day Monday, with periods of freezing rain, heavy snow,
and blowing snow. The highest impacts are expected as you move north
and west of northwest Iowa. Plan ahead if traveling.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

The radar

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

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

14 blizzard, 7 winter weather, 3 winter storm. Local standard time, as filed.

Winter Storm, Brookings

When: December 28, 1:00 AM CST to December 30, 7:00 AM CST
Where: Brookings forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 44.370, -96.790 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

With surface temperatures hovering near freezing, light mixed precipitation resulted in a minor glaze of ice accumulation on December 28 and early December 29. Snowfall developed early on December 29, and continued heavy at times into December 30. Travel became extremely hazardous by the morning of December 29 due to heavy snowfall. Snowfall totaled 11.5 inches 5 miles west of Bruce, 9.0 inches 1 miles southwest of Brookings, 8.5 inches near White, and 8.0 inches 2 miles northeast of Brookings. Wind gusts reached as high as 36 mph at Brookings on Monday, December 30, resulting in considerable blowing and drifting snow. On December 30, South Dakota State University was closed, and the opening of state offices was delayed until 1300CST.

Winter Storm, Lake

When: December 28, 1:00 AM CST to December 30, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Lake forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 44.022, -97.129 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

With surface temperatures hovering near freezing, light mixed precipitation resulted in a minor glaze of ice accumulation on December 28 and early December 29. Snowfall developed early on December 29, and continued heavy at times into December 30. Travel became extremely hazardous by the morning of December 29 due to heavy snowfall. Snowfall totaled 10.0 inches 2 miles south of Winfred, 8.0 inches near Madison, and 6.5 inches 2 miles north of Chester. Wind gusts reached as high as 41 mph at Brookings on Monday, December 30, resulting in considerable blowing and drifting snow. On December 30, the opening of state offices was delayed until 1300CST, and Dakota State University was closed.

Winter Weather, Moody

When: December 28, 1:00 AM CST to December 30, 8:00 AM CST
Where: Moody forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 44.022, -96.671 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Light mixed precipitation resulted in a minor glaze of ice accumulation on December 28 before temperatures climbed above freezing. Snowfall developed early on December 29, and continued into December 30 producing very hazardous travel. Snowfall totaled 5.0 inches 11 miles north of Colman and 3.7 inches at Flandreau. Wind gusts reached as high as 38 mph near Ward on Monday, December 30, resulting in considerable blowing and drifting snow.

Blizzard, Beadle

When: December 28, 2:00 AM CST to December 30, 12:00 AM CST
Where: Beadle forecast zone
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 44.415, -98.278 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

With surface temperatures hovering near freezing, light mixed precipitation resulted in a minor glaze of ice accumulation on December 28. Snowfall developed early on December 29, and continued heavy at times into December 30. Winds gusted as high as 53 mph at Huron, 46 mph at Cavour and 45 mph near Wolsey after 1100CST December 29, resulting in white out conditions at times into early evening with travel not recommended. Snowfall totaled 9.0 inches at Huron and 8.0 inches 2 miles southeast of Wessington. Snow drifts to several feet were common. On December 30, the opening of state offices was delayed until 1300CST.

Winter Weather, Minnehaha

When: December 28, 2:00 AM CST to December 30, 8:00 AM CST
Where: Minnehaha forecast zone
Reported by: Official NWS Observations
Coordinates: 43.674, -96.791 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Light mixed precipitation resulted in a minor glaze of ice accumulation on December 28 before temperatures climbed above freezing. Snowfall developed early on December 29, and continued into December 30 producing hazardous travel. Snowfall totaled from 4 to 6 inches around the Sioux Falls metro area, with 4.0 inches at the NWS office. Wind gusts reached as high as 44 mph near Dell Rapids and 41 mph at Sioux Falls on Monday, December 30, resulting in blowing and drifting snow.

Winter Weather, Turner

When: December 28, 2:00 AM CST to December 30, 9:00 AM CST
Where: Turner forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 43.311, -97.149 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Light mixed precipitation resulted in a minor glaze of ice accumulation on December 28 before temperatures climbed above freezing. Snowfall developed early on December 29, and continued into December 30 producing hazardous travel. Snowfall totaled 7.5 inches at Marion 5.0 inches 7 miles west southwest of Parker and 3.8 inches at Hurley. Wind gusts reached as high as 47 mph near Freeman and 46 mph near Davis on Monday, December 30, resulting in blowing and drifting snow.

Winter Weather, Lincoln

When: December 28, 2:00 AM CST to December 30, 8:00 AM CST
Where: Lincoln forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 43.279, -96.722 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Light mixed precipitation resulted in a minor glaze of ice accumulation on December 28 before temperatures climbed above freezing. Snowfall developed early on December 29, and continued into December 30 producing hazardous travel. Snowfall totaled 3.8 inches at Canton and near 4 inches in southern Sioux Falls. Wind gusts reached as high as 46 mph near Davis on Monday, December 30, resulting in blowing and drifting snow.

Blizzard, Sanborn

When: December 28, 10:00 AM CST to December 30, 12:00 AM CST
Where: Sanborn forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 44.023, -98.091 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

With surface temperatures hovering near freezing, light mixed precipitation resulted in a minor glaze of ice accumulation on December 28 and early December 29. Snowfall developed early on December 29, and continued heavy at times into December 30. Winds gusted as high as 50 mph near Forestburg after 1100CST December 29, resulting in white out conditions at times into early evening with travel not recommended. Snowfall totaled 12.5 inches 4 miles north northeast of Forestburg. Snow drifts to several feet were common. On December 30, the opening of state offices was delayed until 1300CST.

Blizzard, Jerauld

When: December 28, 10:00 AM CST to December 30, 12:00 AM CST
Where: Jerauld forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 44.066, -98.630 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

With surface temperatures hovering near freezing, light mixed precipitation resulted in a minor glaze of ice accumulation on December 28. Snowfall developed early on December 29, and continued heavy at times into December 30. Winds gusted as high as 46 mph at Wessington Springs after 1100CST December 29, resulting in white out conditions at times into early evening with travel not recommended. Snowfall totaled 12.0 inches at Wessington Springs. Snow drifts to several feet were common. On December 30, the opening of state offices was delayed until 1300CST.

Blizzard, Gregory

When: December 28, 12:00 PM CST to December 30, 12:00 AM CST
Where: Gregory forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 43.192, -99.186 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Snowfall developed early afternoon on December 28, and continued heavy at times into early December 30. Winds gusted as high as 44 mph 3 miles west of Geddes after 1500CST December 29, resulting in considerable blowing and drifting snow with travel not recommended. Snowfall totaled an impressive 16.0 inches 4 miles south southwest of Pickstown and also 8 miles south of Herrick, 14.5 inches 10 miles south southeast of Burke, 13.5 inches at Gregory and 13.0 inches 4 miles southwest of Burke. Snow drifts to several feet were common. On December 30, the opening of state offices was delayed until 1300CST.

Blizzard, Brule

When: December 28, 2:00 PM CST to December 30, 12:00 AM CST
Where: Brule forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 43.718, -99.081 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

With surface temperatures hovering near freezing, light mixed precipitation resulted in a minor glaze of ice accumulation early afternoon on December 28. Snowfall developed mid-afternoon on December 28, and continued heavy at times into early December 30. Winds gusted as high as 47 mph at Chamberlain after 1700CST December 29, resulting in considerable blowing and drifting snow with travel not recommended. Interstate 90 was closed west of Mitchell from 1900CST December 28 until 1100CST December 30. Snowfall totaled 8.4 inches at Chamberlain and 8.0 inches 5 miles south southwest of Chamberlain. Snow drifts to several feet were common. On December 30, the opening of state offices was delayed until 1300CST.

Blizzard, Aurora

When: December 28, 3:00 PM CST to December 30, 12:00 AM CST
Where: Aurora forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 43.718, -98.561 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

With surface temperatures hovering near freezing, light mixed precipitation resulted in a minor glaze of ice accumulation on December 28 and early December 29. Snowfall developed early on December 29, and continued heavy at times into December 30. Winds gusted as high as 51 mph at Plankinton and 44 mph at White Lake after 1000CST December 29, resulting in white out conditions at times into early evening with travel not recommended. Interstate 90 was closed west of Mitchell from 1900CST December 28 until 1100CST December 30. Snowfall totaled 11.0 inches 4 miles west of Stickney and 8.7 inches at White Lake. Snow drifts to several feet were common. On December 30, the opening of state offices was delayed until 1300CST.

Blizzard, Charles Mix

When: December 28, 4:00 PM CST to December 30, 12:00 AM CST
Where: Charles Mix forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 43.208, -98.588 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

After a brief wintry mix early on December 28 which produced a brief glaze of icing, snowfall developed early afternoon on December 28, and continued heavy at times into early December 30. Winds gusted as high as 44 mph 3 miles west of Geddes and also at Wagner after 1500CST December 29, resulting in considerable blowing and drifting snow with travel not recommended. Snowfall totaled an impressive 16.0 inches 2 miles north of Lake Andes, 15.5 inches near Wagner, 15.0 inches 3 miles south of Dante, 12.5 inches at Platte, and 11.0 inches 2 miles northeast of Academy. Snow drifts to several feet were common. On December 30, the opening of state offices was delayed until 1300CST.

Blizzard, Douglas

When: December 28, 5:00 PM CST to December 30, 12:00 AM CST
Where: Douglas forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS
Coordinates: 43.387, -98.366 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Warmer air produced a period of light rain or wintry mix through early afternoon December 28, which produced a brief glaze of icing. Snowfall developed early evening December 28, and continued heavy at times into early December 30. Winds gusted as high as 44 mph at Wagner and 39 mph at Parkston after 1200CST December 29, resulting in considerable blowing and drifting snow with travel not recommended. Snowfall totaled an impressive 15.8 inches 2 miles south of Armour, 15.5 inches 5 miles west of Armour and 8.2 inches 10 miles west of Dimock. Snow drifts to several feet were common. On December 30, the opening of state offices was delayed until 1300CST.

Blizzard, Bon Homme

When: December 28, 8:00 PM CST to December 30, 12:00 AM CST
Where: Bon Homme forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 42.988, -97.885 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

After a brief wintry mix early on December 28 which produced a brief glaze of icing, snowfall developed late evening on December 28, and continued heavy at times into early December 30. Winds gusted as high as 47 mph at Tyndall after 1500CST December 29, resulting in considerable blowing and drifting snow with travel not recommended. Snowfall totaled 11.0 inches 8 miles west of Springfield and 6.6 inches at Tyndall. Snow drifts to several feet were common. On December 30, the opening of state offices was delayed until 1300CST.

Winter Storm, McCook

When: December 28, 10:00 PM CST to December 30, 9:00 AM CST
Where: McCook forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 43.674, -97.368 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

With surface temperatures hovering near freezing, light mixed precipitation resulted in a minor glaze of ice accumulation on December 28 and early December 29. Snowfall developed early on December 29, and continued heavy at times into December 30. Travel became extremely hazardous by the morning of December 29 due to heavy snowfall. Snowfall totaled 8.0 inches at Bridgewater and 6.0 inches 6 miles northwest of Montrose. Wind gusts reached as high as 51 mph near Montrose early on Monday, December 30, resulting in considerable blowing and drifting snow. On December 30, the opening of state offices was delayed until 1300CST.

Blizzard, Miner

When: December 28, 10:00 PM CST to December 30, 12:00 AM CST
Where: Miner forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 44.022, -97.610 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

With surface temperatures hovering near freezing, light mixed precipitation resulted in a minor glaze of ice accumulation on December 28 and early December 29. Snowfall developed early on December 29, and continued heavy at times into December 30. Winds gusted as high as 50 mph near Forestburg and 41 mph at Madison after 1200CST December 29, resulting in white out conditions at times into early evening with travel not recommended. Snowfall totaled 12.0 inches at Howard. On December 30, the opening of state offices was delayed until 1300CST.

Blizzard, Hanson

When: December 28, 10:00 PM CST to December 30, 12:00 AM CST
Where: Hanson forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 43.675, -97.787 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

With surface temperatures hovering near freezing, light mixed precipitation resulted in a minor glaze of ice accumulation on December 28 and early December 29. Snowfall developed early on December 29, and continued heavy at times into December 30. Winds gusted as high as 48 mph near Alexandria after 1200CST December 29, resulting in white out conditions at times into early evening with travel not recommended. Snowfall totaled 14.0 inches at Alexandria. On December 30, the opening of state offices was delayed until 1300CST.

Blizzard, Davison

When: December 28, 10:00 PM CST to December 30, 12:00 AM CST
Where: Davison forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 43.675, -98.146 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

With surface temperatures hovering near freezing, light mixed precipitation resulted in a minor glaze of ice accumulation on December 28 and early December 29. Snowfall developed early on December 29, and continued heavy at times into December 30. Winds gusted as high as 49 mph at Mitchell after 1200CST December 29, resulting in white out conditions at times into early evening with travel not recommended. Interstate 90 was closed west of Mitchell from 1900CST December 28 until 1100CST December 30. Snowfall totaled 15.0 inches at Mitchell. Snow drifts to several feet were common. On December 30, the opening of state offices was delayed until 1300CST.

Blizzard, Kingsbury

When: December 29, 2:00 AM CST to December 30, 12:00 AM CST
Where: Kingsbury forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 44.370, -97.491 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

With surface temperatures hovering near freezing, light mixed precipitation resulted in a minor glaze of ice accumulation on December 28 and early December 29. Snowfall developed early on December 29, and continued heavy at times into December 30. Winds gusted as high as 46 mph at Cavour and 45 mph at Arlington after 1200CST December 29, resulting in white out conditions at times into early evening with travel not recommended. Snowfall totaled 13.0 inches at De Smet and 11.4 inches at Iroquois. On December 30, the opening of state offices was delayed until 1300CST.

Blizzard, Hutchinson

When: December 29, 2:00 AM CST to December 30, 12:00 AM CST
Where: Hutchinson forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 43.335, -97.754 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

With surface temperatures hovering near freezing, light mixed precipitation resulted in a minor glaze of ice accumulation on December 28 and early December 29. Snowfall developed early on December 29, and continued heavy at times into December 30. Winds gusted as high as 47 mph near Freeman, 45 mph near Tripp and 37 mph at Parkston after 1200CST December 29, resulting in white out conditions at times into early evening with travel not recommended. Snowfall totaled 9.0 inches at Parkston and Menno, and 7.3 inches 11 miles south of Emery. On December 30, the opening of state offices was delayed until 1300CST.

Winter Weather, Yankton

When: December 29, 8:00 AM CST to December 30, 12:00 PM CST
Where: Yankton forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 43.009, -97.395 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Light mixed precipitation changed quickly to snow early on December 29, and continued into December 30 producing hazardous travel. Snowfall totaled 5.0 inches at Yankton and 1.5 inches near Gayville. Wind gusts reached as high as 47 mph at Yankton by late Sunday, December 29, resulting in blowing and drifting snow.

Winter Weather, Clay

When: December 29, 8:00 AM CST to December 30, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Clay forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer
Coordinates: 42.915, -96.976 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Light mixed precipitation changed quickly to snow early on December 29, and continued into December 30 producing hazardous travel. Snowfall totaled 4.0 inches 6 miles southeast of Centerville and 1.5 inches at Vermillion. Wind gusts reached as high as 37 mph 6 miles southeast of Centerville by late Sunday, December 29, resulting in blowing and drifting snow.

Winter Weather, Union

When: December 29, 8:00 AM CST to December 30, 10:00 AM CST
Where: Union forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 42.833, -96.656 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Light mixed precipitation changed quickly to snow early on December 29, and continued into December 30 producing hazardous travel. Snowfall totaled 0.9 inches 6 miles north northeast of Elk Point. Wind gusts reached as high as 46 mph near Beresford and 40 mph in North Sioux City by late Sunday, December 29, resulting in blowing and drifting snow.

What these are

Winter Storm: A storm that brought snow, sleet or freezing rain at warning levels, usually over several hours or days.
Winter Weather: Snow, sleet or freezing rain below warning levels that still caused disruption, damage or casualties.
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.

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

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in South Dakota in 2019 Every state in 2019 This day in weather history Warnings in South Dakota, December 2019

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: 870444, 870446, 870482, 870461, 870485, 870486, 870488, 870457, 870459, 871126, 871125, 870456, 871127, 871129, 871130, 870448, 870450, 870451, 870455, 870449, 870453, 870490, 870494, 870499.