PIERRE, South Dakota (Dakota News Now) – The current closure of Interstate 90 will be extended to Sioux Falls on Thursday at 5pm CT.
South Dakota has issued a statewide travel ban.
Interstate 90 (both eastbound and westbound) remains closed from Rapid City to Chamberlain due to sustained high winds creating blizzard-like conditions. Poor visibility and snowstorms are getting worse as the gale moves east.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a storm warning effective through Friday. In addition to snowstorm-like conditions, many stranded and stuck vehicles are blocking lanes.
SDDOT expects the I-90 closure to last Thursday through Friday as continued high winds reduce visibility to near zero and drifting snow continues to cause stranded drivers problems.
Authorities will continue to assess the situation to determine when I-90 can safely reopen.
secondary state highway
In addition to the closure of Interstate 90, motorists should be reminded that there are numerous no-movement advisories and road closures on state highways across the state. Many secondary highways are now listed as impassable due to high winds, drifting and snowstorms, and poor visibility associated with this winter’s storm system. Motorists should not use secondary roads to avoid interstate closures.
If a road is listed as impassable, travel on the road segment is physically impossible due to extensive deep snow, drift, or stranded vehicles. Removal of these secondary roads has the additional problem of stranded vehicles, especially as the wind and additional snow have hampered their ability to plow and clear drifted snow safely and effectively. , is expected to be difficult.
Motorists are being asked to avoid travel due to very severe weather conditions and rapidly deteriorating roads. , the trip is very dangerous.
For the latest road and weather conditions, visit https://sd511.org or dial 511.
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