Portions of I-29, I-90 reopened following winter storm

UPDATE, 12:30 p.m.: Authorities are reopening South Dakota interstates as plow crews continue to make progress removing snow.

I-90 from Mitchell to Vivian was reopened late Thursday morning, as was I-29 from Sioux Falls to Brookings.

The South Dakota Department of Transportation said they expect the remaining portions of interstates still closed to be reopened sometime Thursday afternoon.
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Snowfall accumulation from a massive winter storm is ending Thursday, but forecasters say dangerous conditions persist across South Dakota as bitterly cold temperatures settle in.

Strong winds continue to blow recently fallen snow, resulting in hazardous driving conditions across the region.

Interstate 29 remains closed from the North Dakota border to Sioux Falls, while Interstate 90 is closed from Sioux Falls to the Vivian exit. No travel is advised on virtually every state highway east of the Missouri River.

Icy roads left some motorists stranded in sub-zero temperatures. The Highway Patrol said five people needed to be rescued from a car stuck near Webster.

Snow began falling Tuesday and intensified statewide Wednesday. Additional snow fell Wednesday night into Thursday morning in many areas, according to the National Weather Service, but tapered off later Thursday morning.

Snowfall totals are still coming in, though the NWS has reported totals from several communities. Over 12 inches fell at the Sioux Falls airport. Milbank and Watertown received around 10 inches. Aberdeen received 7.5 inches.

Wind chills dropped below -30 Thursday morning in many areas. The NWS even reported a -41 wind chill in Eureka.

State offices in dozens of counties are closed until noon Thursday by order of Gov. Kristi Noem. Scores of schools are closed for the second day in a row.

Weather resources

• Aberdeen NWS forecast center
• Rapid City National Weather Service forecast center
• Sioux Falls NWS forecast center
• Check the latest road conditions in South Dakota here