Blizzard Warning Issued for Minnesota and South Dakota

A major Blizzard Warning has been issued for a large portion of Minnesota and South Dakota.

The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls says portions of southwest Minnesota and south central and southeast South Dakota can expect Blizzard conditions from noon Wednesday to noon thru much of Thursday.

Total snow accumulations of 10 to 20 inches of snow are forecast for these areas of Minnesota and South Dakota with winds gusting to 50 mph.

Blizzard Warning Issued Minnesota and South Dakota-NWS Sioux Falls

Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Patchy, blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.

The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. The cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

Blizzard Warning Issued Minnesota and South Dakota-NWS Sioux Falls

After the snow, after the wind, comes a sharp drop in temperatures as we try to recover from this upcoming storm. Wind chills Thursday into Friday may likely fall between -20 and -40F.

Blizzard Warning Issued Minnesota and South Dakota-NWS Sioux Falls

Impacts from the winter storm midweek are expected to be WIDESPREAD and SIGNIFICANT!

Dangerous to impossible travel.
Disruptions to power.
Heavy snowfall.
Blowing snow with blizzard or near-blizzard conditions
Frigid wind chills -20F to -30F by Thursday/Friday.

Blizzard Warning Issued Minnesota and South Dakota-NWS Sioux Falls

A Survival Guide For Your First Winter in South Dakota

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and the rest of the Sioux Empire (AKA southeastern South Dakota) are welcoming thousands of new residents every year.

Many of you new folks will be experiencing your first eastern South Dakota winter. While it doesn't usually get as bad as our Dakota friends up north, I speak from experience when I say it can get a little rough.

MORE: What Every South Dakotan Should Be Doing to Prepare for Winter

So, to help ease you into winter in Sioux Falls and South Dakota here are some winter survival tips:

Source: Blizzard Warning Issued for Minnesota and South Dakota