RAPID CITY, S.D. – County and state resources have worked through the night, Wednesday, December 21, 2022, to rescue over 100 stranded motorists on roads between Wall and Rapid City.
Law enforcement and public safety officials report making a sweep at 11pm to try to account for all stranded or abandoned vehicles.
In a release, the sheriff’s office says they believe everyone has been accounted for, including those who were involuntarily stranded and taken to safety. A few people have chosen to stay with their vehicles and have adequate fuel and supplies. They say they remain in contact with those people in case their situation changes. They are also in contact with emergency shelters in Wall, Wicksville and New Underwood.
State and county plows will be out early Thursday morning, working to re-open highways and Interstate 90 as soon as possible.
However, officials say ‘Open’ does not mean clear, and roads and weather conditions may remain dangerous and should be discouraged unless absolutely necessary.
***THE ABOVE IS AN UPDATE TO OUR PREVIOUS STORY BELOW***
RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office says with Interstate 90 closed from Box Elder to Chamberlain, low visibility, snow-packed roads and drifting, an emergency operations center is now open in the Pennington County Administration Building.
The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, ESCC and Emergency Management are coordinating efforts to help stranded motorists between Rapid City and Wall.
As of Wednesday night, more than 100 vehicles are stuck, mostly in the area from New Underwood to Wall. Resources from Pennington County Highway Department, South Dakota Department of Transportation and area volunteer fire departments are tied up rescuing people along this stretch of road. The goal is to get all stranded motorists to safety.
Stranded motorists should call 911 and stay in the vehicle.
In Wall, there were still hotel rooms at the Super 8. The Wall community Center has a warming shelter at 501 Main Street. Call (605) 279-2665. More than 50 people are taking shelter in Wall. Motorists are taking shelter at the church in Wicksville. In New Underwood, about 65 people are at the warming shelter at 16104 Highway 1416. Call Ben at (605) 441-0708 for lodging in New Underwood.
