STURGIS, S.D. – Forecasters say a strong winter storm will affect the area through Saturday.
The storm will bring large amounts of moisture and very strong winds.
Freezing drizzle on Friday night changed over to snow, and will become heavy at times through Saturday.
Strong winds, with gusts of 45 to 60 mph, will develop across northeast Wyoming and western South Dakota Saturday, resulting in widespread blizzard conditions.
Widespread snowfall amounts of 6 to 12 inches are expected across the plains, with near two feet possible in upslope areas of the northern Black Hills. Lesser snow amounts in the range of 3 to 6 inches are expected in downslope areas of the southern Black Hills from near Custer to Newcastle.
Travel could become impossible, especially during the day Saturday as winds increase and blizzard conditions become more widespread.
Forecasters expect the snow to gradually taper off Saturday night.
Even though the snow will end into Sunday, some snow packed and icy roads will still be found across the area.
Sturgis is forecasted to receive anywhere from 11-18 inches with Rapid City expected to see 8-13 inches.
