Dangerous High Wind Warning Issued For South Dakota

Residents across portions of Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota should prepare for very dangerous wind conditions on Thursday.

The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls has issued a High Wind Warning effective from 6 am to 6 pm on Thursday, Dec. 18th.

What to Expect

Northwest winds are forecast to reach sustained speeds of 30 to 40 mph, with powerful gusts potentially hitting 70 mph. These damaging winds are strong enough to snap tree branches and cause scattered power outages throughout the affected region.

Areas Affected

The warning covers multiple counties, including Plymouth, Woodbury, Dixon, Dakota, Minnehaha, Lincoln, Yankton, Clay, and Union counties. Major cities in the warning zone include Sioux Falls, Sioux City, Yankton, Vermillion, Canton, and dozens of smaller communities across the tri-state area of South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska.

Safety Precautions

Travel will be particularly hazardous for high-profile vehicles such as trucks, RVs, and vehicles towing trailers.

Drivers should use extreme caution or consider postponing travel plans during peak wind hours. Scattered snow showers on Thursday morning may compound difficulties by reducing visibility.

Residents should secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and trash containers. Avoid parking under trees, and have flashlights and backup power sources ready in case of outages.