The last of the seasonal snow cover melted off, and even with precipitation only at 50 percent or less of normal, near average temperatures kept drought conditions stable from last month.
Every event with a place to put it; 2 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.
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.
The episode as NWS FSD wrote it up.
The last of the seasonal snow cover melted off, and even with precipitation only at 50 percent or less of normal, near average temperatures kept drought conditions stable from last month.
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 Mar 31, 9:35 PM CST, 2 hours 25 minutes earlier.
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD
1035 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023
.SHORT TERM...(This Evening through Saturday)
Issued at 315 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023
Forecast Highlights:
1. Transition from a wintry mix to snow and likely blizzard
conditions expected to occur along and north of Hwy 14 corridor and
across central SD this afternoon.
2. Areas closer to I-90 likely to see a transition to snow heading
into the evening as strong northerly winds quickly develop across
the region. Thus, aside from reduced visibilities, could also see
flash freeze occur in some locations as temperatures rapidly cool.
3. Tuesday into Wednesday will likely see another strong system with
enough disagreement to not have a lot of confidence on what will
fall out from this. Initially it appears it will be a bit more on
the warm side with better dry slot potential but enough members
farther south and east with the upper level low that we cannot write
off a higher impact system.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
This Afternoon/Evening: Complex weather system continues to evolve
across the region as a pronounced upper level trough and low deepen
overhead. To start, have seen quite a bit of dense fog develop along
and east of I-29 this morning, with visibilities generally less than
a mile at most locations. While some slight improvements have been
observed over the past few hours, anticipate that fog will linger
for a bit more this afternoon given the moist airmass as
northeasterly winds still in place. Moving further west, have seen
either drizzle/freezing rain prevail for much of the morning, with a
few thunderstorms even noted near Mitchell and north of I-90.
Starting to see a switch to snow in areas west of the James, which
will continue to be trend heading into the late afternoon as
temperatures cool below freezing.
As alluded to over the past few days, should see wind direction
become more northwesterly/northerly heading into the late
afternoon/evening. Conditions will also become notably breezy during
this time, with sustained speeds ranging between 25 to 35 mph and
gusts as high as 40 to 50 mph. Thus, should come as no surprise that
reduced visibilities will be likely for much of our area as breezy
winds occur in tandem with falling snow. At this time, still think
the best chances of seeing blizzard conditions will remain largely
confined to areas west of the James River, along and north of
Highway 14, and along the Buffalo Ridge. Nonetheless, still want to
emphasis that near blizzard conditions may still occur in areas
outside of those previously mentioned - so if you can't postpone
travel tonight, we strongly encourage you to proceed with caution!
We'll see snow gradually diminish from west to east heading into the
overnight period, as the aforementioned upper level low advances
toward the Great Lakes Region. As such, have mostly dry conditions
returning between 12-2 AM west of the James River, between 4-6 AM
near the I-29 corridor, and near/shortly after daybreak across our
far eastern CWA. That being said, will still see breezy N/NW persist
during this time, resulting in periods of blowing/drifting snow. So,
once everything is all said and done - still looking at snowfall
totals ranging between 1 to 7 inches, with locally higher amounts
still possible in areas of higher elevation. In regard to icing,
have most of the area only seeing a light glaze, with perhaps up to
a tenth near the Highway 14 corridor.
Saturday: Outside of some lingering flurries, mainly across the far
eastern portion of our CWA, should see largely quiet conditions
prevail across the region as sfc high pressure builds overhead. As a
result, expect breezy northwesterly winds to steadily decline from
west to east, with gusts between 20 to 30 mph still possible across
NW Iowa through mid-morning. In regard to temperatures, have
afternoon highs rising into the 30s to 40s, with the warmest values
generally along the MO River Valley and south of Highway 20. Thus,
with the aid of clearing skies, a higher sun angle, and wind shift
to the south, think we should be able to see some decent melt occur -
especially in areas where any new snow accumulations remained on the
lighter side.
.LONG TERM...(Saturday Night through Friday)
Issued at 315 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023
Gusty conditions for Saturday night into Sunday morning as the SPG
tightens as high pressure center moves eastward. Wind gusts of 20 to
30 mph may cause blowing snow that could result in periods of
reduced visibility into Sunday afternoon. Some disagreement exists
between ECMWF and GFS as to the intensity of the gusts, but both
agree the strongest gusts will be over the Buffalo Ridge area as a
result of downsloping, where gusts of 40 to 50 mph are possible.
NAEFS tables indicate winds through late Sunday will be in the 95-
99th percentile. The southerly to westerly winds combined with 925
mb temperatures ranging from 4 to 10 degrees Celsius, and a healthy
shot of WAA, bring temperatures up into the 40s and 50s. A few 60s
look likely south of Highway 20! Lows Sunday night will be in the
20s and 30s.
Winds decrease overnight into Monday morning. We will begin to see a
deepening trough over the western US by Monday morning as well.
Highs dip slightly down into the upper 40s and 50s, lows in the mid
20s to 30s.
A deepening low pressure moves out of CO and begins to impact our
area by Tuesday morning. Strong WAA along with increasing vorticity
result in our next chance for precipitation. Track of the storm
continues to be in relatively good agreement and confidence in this
storm impacting the area continues to increase. Uncertainty lies in
precipitation type. Areas in the south along Highway 20 may remain
warm enough that the first half of the precipitation falls as rain.
Highs elsewhere will be in the lower 30s, resulting in a quick
transition to snow or snow/rain mix. On the backside of the low
temperatures dip again into the 20s and 30s for Tuesday night into
Wednesday. Wrap around precipitation may transition to snow or mixed
snow/rain for our southern counties. Liquid equivalent water
looks to be heaviest over central SD in a rough line up through
northeastern SD, and decreasing as you head south and east.
Another concern for Tuesday into Wednesday are the winds. Gusts
will quickly increase through the day Tuesday, with gusts 40+ mph
by Tuesday night. NAEFS tables suggest mean winds will continue to
be in the 90th percentile Tuesday through Friday. As a result,
blowing/drifting snow and reduced visibilities could be a concern
with this system, even if the snow totals are lower.
Precipitation moves out by Thursday afternoon. Gusty southerly winds
and WAA again push temperatures into the upper 30s and 40s. The rest
of the week looks to be quiet with temperatures ranging in the 30s
and 40s with a few 50s.
&&
.AVIATION...(For the 06Z TAFS through 06Z Saturday Night)
Issued at 1034 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023
A broken band of light snow continues to move into the area late
this evening. Visibilities have already dropped below a mile in a
few locations that are seeing light snow fall. To go along with
the snow is LIFR/IFR ceilings and very strong northwest winds,
gusting between 40-50 knots. These conditions will be moving
through the area quickly though from northwest to southeast
through the overnight hours. The snow will clear the area by
daybreak, leaving waning northwest winds in its wake. Ceilings
will also quickly improve back to VFR levels.
The afternoon hours on Saturday will be much better with light winds
and clear skies as as surface high pressure glides through the area.
With the high departing by the end of the period, southerly return
flow is expected along with elevated winds.
&&
.FSD WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
SD...Winter Weather Advisory until 4 AM CDT Saturday for SDZ060>062-
065>070.
Winter Weather Advisory until 7 AM CDT Saturday for SDZ071.
Blizzard Warning until 7 AM CDT Saturday for SDZ039-040-054>056.
Blizzard Warning until 4 AM CDT Saturday for SDZ038-050-052-053-
057>059-063-064.
MN...Winter Weather Advisory until 4 AM CDT Saturday for MNZ098.
Winter Weather Advisory until 11 PM CDT this evening for MNZ089-
090.
Blizzard Warning until 7 AM CDT Saturday for MNZ089-090.
Blizzard Warning until 7 AM CDT Saturday for MNZ071-072-080-081-
097.
IA...Winter Weather Advisory until 4 AM CDT Saturday for IAZ001.
Winter Weather Advisory until 7 AM CDT Saturday for IAZ002-
012>014-020>022-031-032.
Winter Weather Advisory until 11 PM CDT this evening for IAZ003.
Blizzard Warning until 7 AM CDT Saturday for IAZ003.
NE...Winter Weather Advisory until 7 AM CDT Saturday for NEZ013-014.
&&
SHORT TERM...SST
LONG TERM...AJP
AVIATION...MeyersHazardous Weather Outlook...UPDATED National Weather Service Sioux Falls SD 540 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023 IAZ002-012>014-020>022-031-032-NEZ013-014-SDZ071-011130- Osceola-Sioux-O'Brien-Clay-Plymouth-Cherokee-Buena Vista-Woodbury- Ida-Dixon-Dakota-Union- 540 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northwest Iowa, west central Iowa, northeast Nebraska and southeast South Dakota. .DAY ONE...Tonight. Any lingering rain, drizzle, or wintry mix will change over to snow and spread across the region late this evening. North winds will increase this evening with gusts of 45 to 55 mph expected. This will reduce visibility and make travel difficult travel due to blowing and drifting snow through early Saturday morning. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Another strong weather system will move into the Plains Tuesday. The worst conditions are most likely to be in the central and western Dakotas and northern Minnesota. However widespread gusty winds are likely and there is still potential for accumulating snow to impact parts of the region. Continue to check for forecast updates as the system approaches. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. SDZ038-050-052-053-057>059-063-064-011130- Beadle-Gregory-Jerauld-Sanborn-Brule-Aurora-Davison-Charles Mix- Douglas- 540 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central South Dakota, east central South Dakota, south central South Dakota and southeast South Dakota. .DAY ONE...Tonight. Snow will continue to spread through the region this evening with additional accumulations of 1 to 4 inches. North winds will increase this evening with gusts of 45 to 55 mph expected. This will reduce visibility to whiteout conditions at times and make travel nearly impossible due to blowing and drifting snow through early Saturday morning. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Another strong weather system will move into the Plains Tuesday. The worst conditions are most likely to be in the central and western Dakotas and northern Minnesota. However widespread gusty winds are likely and there is still potential for accumulating snow to impact parts of the region. Continue to check for forecast updates as the system approaches. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. MNZ071-072-080-081-097-SDZ039-040-054>056-011130- Lincoln-Lyon-Murray-Cottonwood-Pipestone-Kingsbury-Brookings-Miner- Lake-Moody- 540 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southwest Minnesota and east central South Dakota. .DAY ONE...Tonight. Any lingering rain, drizzle, or wintry mix will change over to snow and spread across the region late this evening. North winds will increase this evening with gusts of 45 to 55 mph expected. This will reduce visibility to whiteout conditions at times and make travel nearly impossible due to blowing and drifting snow through early Saturday morning. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Another strong weather system will move into the Plains Tuesday. The worst conditions are most likely to be in the central and western Dakotas and northern Minnesota. However widespread gusty winds are likely and there is still potential for accumulating snow to impact parts of the region. Continue to check for forecast updates as the system approaches. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. IAZ001-MNZ098-SDZ060>062-065>070-011130- Lyon-Rock-Hanson-McCook-Minnehaha-Hutchinson-Turner-Lincoln- Bon Homme-Yankton-Clay- 540 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northwest Iowa, southwest Minnesota and southeast South Dakota. .DAY ONE...Tonight. Any lingering rain, drizzle, or wintry mix will change over to snow and spread across the region late this evening. Expect additional snowfall totals of 1 to 3 inches. North winds will increase this evening with gusts of 45 to 55 mph expected. This will reduce visibility to whiteout conditions at times and make travel nearly impossible due to blowing and drifting snow through early Saturday morning. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Another strong weather system will move into the Plains Tuesday. The worst conditions are most likely to be in the central and western Dakotas and northern Minnesota. However widespread gusty winds are likely and there is still potential for accumulating snow to impact parts of the region. Continue to check for forecast updates as the system approaches. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. IAZ003-MNZ089-090-011130- Dickinson-Nobles-Jackson- 540 PM CDT Fri Mar 31 2023 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northwest Iowa and southwest Minnesota. .DAY ONE...Tonight. Any lingering rain, drizzle, or wintry mix will change over to snow and spread across the region late this evening. North winds will increase this evening with gusts of 45 to 55 mph expected. This will reduce visibility to whiteout conditions at times and make travel nearly impossible due to blowing and drifting snow through early Saturday morning. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Another strong weather system will move into the Plains Tuesday. The worst conditions are most likely to be in the central and western Dakotas and northern Minnesota. However widespread gusty winds are likely and there is still potential for accumulating snow to impact parts of the region. Continue to check for forecast updates as the system approaches. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time.
The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
2 drought. Local standard time, as filed.
Exceptional (D4) drought remained in place through April 2023.
Exceptional (D4) drought remained in place through April 2023.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Nebraska in 2023Every state in 2023This day in weather historyWarnings in Nebraska, April 2023
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 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1093087, 1093089.