FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009
Contact: Terry Woster,Public Information Officer, 605.773.3178
Travelers Urged to Prepare for Winter Storm
PIERRE, S.D. – A winter storm developing across much of western and central South Dakota Wednesday evening could bring heavy snow, strong winds and difficult travel conditions.
The National Weather Service said the storm will begin Wednesday afternoon in the southwest corner of South Dakota. The brunt of the severe weather is expected to last through Thursday, with the storm moving out of the state during the morning on Friday. As much as a foot of snow could fall in some areas. The heavy snow, combined with strong northwest winds, could reduce visibility and make travel hazardous across a wide area of South Dakota from Pine Ridge to Mobridge and including the Rapid City area.
Winter road conditions in some areas of South Dakota are expected to deteriorate throughout the evening hours. Travelers are reminded that DOT crews will plow until approximately 7 p.m., at which time winter maintenance will be suspended. Winter maintenance will resume at approximately 5 a.m., weather permitting.
People who must travel are strongly encouraged to visit www.safetravelusa.com or call 511 to check the latest road conditions and travel advisories before heading out.
Ironically, what could be the first major winter storm of the season is developing during South Dakota’s observance of Winter Weather Preparedness Week (Oct. 26-30). The state Departments of Public Safety and Transportation remind travelers to take the following safety precautions:
- Wear your seatbelt.
- Travel during the day and use highly traveled roads and highways when possible
- Keep family and friends informed of your travel schedule and route
- Call 511 or visit www.safetravelusa.com for road conditions
- Keep a winter weather survival kit in your car. The kit should include blankets, warm clothing, water, energy bars, a flashlight, a distress flag, a shovel and matches
- Travel with a charged cell phone, but don’t rely on it to get you out of a bad situation
§ Be flexible and change travel plans as weather conditions warrant
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