Blizzard in South Dakota, March 13 to 14, 2019

A record breaking surface low pressure area moved across the central plains and brought rain, freezing rain, sleet, heavy snow and blizzard conditions to most all of central and northeast South Dakota. Heavy rain of 1 to over 2 inches occurred across the east and southeast part of the region in the Webster, Clark, Milbank, Clear Lake, and Watertown areas before the precipitation changed over to snow. In between the rain and snow, a band of freezing rain and sleet occurred. Ice accumulation up to quarter to a half inch combined with high winds brought down some power lines and poles bringing many power outages along with bringing treacherous travel. Nearly 1,500 people were without power for a few days mainly for Hand, Spink, Brown, Day, Marshall, and Roberts counties.

The heavy snow and strong winds also brought some cattle losses across the region along with some damage to buildings. Interstate 90 was closed along with many other roads across the region. Nearly all schools were closed. The State B Basketball Tournament in Aberdeen was also affected by the storm with a delay in the start time. Emergency declarations were issued for many counties for the hazardous travel conditions and impassable roads along with livestock losses and structure damage. The declarations included subsequent flooding at the end of March. Agricultural producers were eligible for loans from the USDA who incurred losses from the blizzard.

Some of the snowfall amounts include, 6 inches at Faulkton; 7 inches at Miller and Mclaughlin; 8 inches at Pollock and Roscoe; 10 inches at Ipswich, Pierre, Selby, Artas, Eureka, and 5 miles northwest of Mission Ridge. Locations with a foot of more include, 12 inches 19 miles north of Highmore; 13 inches at Bowdle, 13 miles west of Leola, and 9 miles south of Long Lake; 14 inches at Murdo and 4 miles northwest of Elm Lake; 15 inches at Ree Heights; and 16 inches 4 miles northwest of Onida and Draper.

The heavy rainfall amounts east and southeast in the region include, 1.50 inches at Webster; 1.54 inches at Milbank and Clark, 1.91 inches at Watertown, and 2.43 inches at Clear Lake. This rain added water to an already deep and high water content snow pack across the region which would turn into flooding by the end of March.

The highest wind gusts include, 49 mph at Watertown; 58 mph at Mobridge; 60 mph at Pierre and Aberdeen; 69 mph 10 miles west of Long Lake; and 70 mph 13 miles north of Vivian. The high winds and heavy snow created 5 to 10 foot drifts.