Polar Vortex Plunge Brings Brutally Cold Temps to South Dakota

With a surge of arctic air expected to bring the coldest temperatures in years to most of eastern South Dakota by Wednesday, AAA is gearing up to assist stranded drivers. A polar vortex is set to blast the region with brutally cold temperatures and life-threatening wind chills of -40 to -60 degrees are possible Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. 

 

“Wind chills this low can be deadly, so it’s critically important to be as prepared as possible,” said Marilyn Buskohl, AAA spokesperson. Drivers are also more likely to experience dead car batteries or tire pressure issues as the temperature drops. 

 

Currently, AAA South Dakota’s call volume is 4 times higher than normal in the Sioux Falls and east river areas of the state due to blowing snow and cold temps. 

 

“It will be all hands on deck at AAA so that we may respond to stranded motorists as quickly and safely as possible,” Buskohl said. “AAA encourages anyone with a car battery more than three years old to get it checked as temperatures drop.”

 

 Batteries

AAA also recommends checking tire pressure frequently because tires lose air when air temperatures are cold.

Proper cold weather tire pressure can be found in the vehicle manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door, not on the tire itself.

 

 

Motorists are advised to prepare a winter emergency kit to stow in the trunk of their vehicle to have immediately available should the need arise. More than 40 percent of motorists do not carry an emergency kit in their vehicle, cautions AAA South Dakota. 

Motorists should also have a cell phone with car charger, and AAA members should travel with their membership card or have their membership number handy when calling for roadside assistance. Drivers are urged to make sure your AAA membership is active for roadside assistance is important and as simple as going to AAA.com or stopping in at one of the AAA South Dakota retail locations.

 

If travel is planned across the area, motorists should be prepared to encounter snow-covered roads, and slow travel conditions,” Buskohl said. Frozen streets and blowing snow cause more vehicles to slip off the traveled portion of the roadway, therefore will need extrications and possible tows. AAA is reaching out to our providers to ensure the drivers and equipment are prepared to help our 100,000 AAA members in South Dakota. 

 

 

Pull out of the traffic lanes if your car breaks down. If faced with a vehicle emergency, safely steer your car off the roadway. Turn on the emergency flashers to alert other drivers and exit the vehicle on the side facing away from traffic, if possible. Once everyone is in a safe location, request roadside assistance.

 

“The first goal is to try to avoid a breakdown by keeping your vehicle up-to-date on maintenance. The second goal, should you break down, is to stay as safe and warm as possible while waiting for help to arrive,” Buskohl said.