A snowstorm moving through South Dakota is leaving most roadways around the state snow packed, icy or both.
Wind gusts of 30 to over 40 miles per hour will cause blowing and drifting snow and reduced visibility.
The South Dakota Department of Public Safety urges travelers to be flexible with their travel plans and to make adjustments as needed. People who must travel are strongly encouraged to visit https://www.safetravelusa.com/sd/, call 511 or download the SDDOT 511 app to check the latest road conditions and travel advisories before heading out.
Travelers are reminded that SDDOT crews will plow, but it will take time for crews to get roads clear and open again because of continued snow fall and high winds.
The state Departments of Public Safety and Transportation remind travelers to take the following safety precautions:
• Travel during the day and use highly traveled roads and highways when possible.
• Be flexible and cancel travel plans if weather conditions warrant.
• If the interstate is closed, secondary roads are not going to be any better and may be worse.
• When driving in fog, use headlights.
• Keep family and friends informed of your travel schedule and route.
• If you travel, wear a seatbelt. Keep a winter weather survival kit in your car and a charged cell phone with location turned on in your car, but don’t rely on the phone to get you out of trouble.
• If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.
• Consider stocking food and water if you are in a remote area of the state.
• Take care of livestock and outdoor animals ahead of the storm.
