The westbound lanes of Interstate 90 were closed from Sioux Falls to Salem Thursday afternoon. So many cars have crashed due to snow, high winds and low visibility that the accidents blocked the road. Emergency crews cleared the way, and I-90 westbound is now open.
Officials in Sioux Falls are advising no travel in the city until intense winds die down. Sioux Falls Police say visibility is near zero because of blowing snow. That and scattered slippery spots make travel treacherous.
The city has closed North Minnesota Avenue at Algonquin Street and Benson Road because of blizzard conditions and drifting snow. The Sioux Falls Police Department says only airport traffic is allowed on the road.
Police say snow removal crews are trying to keep the streets clear, but road conditions aren't good enough for drivers to travel safely. The city has issued a snow alert. Winds are likely to subside by Friday morning.
Thursday afternoon, many area school districts dismissed class early due to blizzard conditions in eastern South Dakota.