State Braces for Next Round of Snow
Local News
by
Matt Johnson
last edited on
Saturday, January 23, 2010
While many across the state are without power, the possibility for more ice is coming.
Temperatures are expected to drop below zero, which could freeze all the rain that's been falling throughout the day.
Plows are out on the streets, trying to get the building water and remaining snow off the roads before the night's freezing winds.
"Already we're seeing winds gusting in excess of 30 miles an hour from the Missouri River westward so it's going to be a very windy situation developing across the state tonight, tomorrow, and into Monday," says Greg Harmon of the National Weather Service.
The storm could freeze roads all across the state.
Plans are to keep the interstate open, but travel is still not advised.
"Things are fairly good right now, however we do anticipate that that will change as the temperature cools, some of the wet roads may become icy," says Tom Dravland of the Department of Public Safety.
In Sioux Falls, large puddles of water are closing some streets, and packs of ice are making it a tough go for residents.
Across the state, downed towers are making cell phone reception hard to come by in areas, increasing the risk of going out.
“Anything that's still in the air with significant ice-load is going to catch the wind. All we can do is hope that it doesn't cause additional significant damage," says Dravland.
While thousands are without power, others know theirs could still go too.
More than 50 generators have been issued to north western and central South Dakota.
State officials are also warning visibility on the roads will begin to deteriorate over night as temperatures begin to drop, winds pick up, and light snow moves into the area.