RAPID CITY, S.D. – A spring blizzard is expected to impact northeast Wyoming and western South Dakota this weekend.
The National Weather Service upgraded what was a winter storm watch earlier today to a Blizzard Warning that will go into effect at midnight Friday.
The robust spring storm will be heavy snow accumulations and very strong winds. Heavy snow of 10 to 18 inches is expected across northeast Wyoming, with wind gusts of over 65 mph. Heavy snow and wind gusts to 75 mph are expected across northwestern South Dakota, where whiteout conditions are expected.
In the northern hills, up to 20 inches of snow is possible in the Black Hills.
Sturgis and Spearfish have both been added to the blizzard warning.
Meteorologist Kyle Carstens with the National Weather Service in Rapid City says total snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches from Sturgis to Piedmont and 2 to 6 inches from Piedmont to Black Hawk are forecasted with winds gusting as high as 60 mph.
Travel could be very difficult to impossible and widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility – especially after midnight Friday.
The blizzard warning will be in effect from midnight Friday to Sunday morning.
