Preparing For La Niña: Winter Tips For South Dakota Residents

It’s beginning to look like the birds might be onto something this winter: pack up, head south, and don’t look back!

If all the self-proclaimed weather gurus and prognosticators are to be believed, this year’s winter isn’t just going to knock politely; it’s planning to kick down the door, track snow across your carpet, and raid your stash of hot chocolate!

Sounds like we’re in for a La Niña winter, which translates to below-normal temperatures and above-average amounts of “frozen sky dandruff.” In other words, keep that John Deere snowblower gassed up and ready, you’re going to need it.

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The crew in the Dakota News Now Severe Weather Center is calling for a pattern that could bring colder-than-average temperatures and more frequent snowstorms. Basically, it’s shaping up to be a perfect season for snowmen and misery. Two of my favorite things about South Dakota winters… NOT!

Time to Make a Winter Game Plan

If these forecasts come true, and they typically do, now’s the time to put together a winter weather plan for you and your family.

Step one: Build an emergency kit. One for your home and one for your car.

So, what goes into a good winter survival kit?

Experts recommend including the basics: extra clothing, a blanket, a first aid kit, a phone charger, snacks, and a flashlight. Because nothing says “bad day” like being stuck in a snowbank with 3% battery and no granola bars on hand.

Having that kit handy will give you some peace of mind if you ever find yourself stranded during one of those classic “it looked fine when I left” South Dakota blizzards.

Don’t Forget Fido and Bessie

And while you’re making plans for your family, don’t forget about the four-legged members!

Patty Brooks, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Eastern South Dakota Chapter, told Dakota News Now, “Leaving animals outside during these conditions is not a great idea. Bring pets in out of those weather conditions. In South Dakota, we’ve got a lot of farmers and ranchers, so think about your livestock being outside and how you can get them into warm winter shelters as well."

Let's be honest, you don't want to sleep outside in that wind chill, neither do your dog, your cat, or your cows.

The Bottom Line

Prepare now, and you won’t have to panic later. Stock up, plan ahead, and make sure everyone, human and furry, has a warm place to ride out Mother Nature's winter fury!

And speaking of planning ahead, does anyone know what a couple of last-minute airline tickets to South Florida are going for right now? Asking for a friend.

10 Wild South Dakota Snowstorms

Even though snow is blanketing the Sioux Empire, some snowstorms still do not compare to these ten dreadful snowstorms that hit South Dakota.

Only In Your State highlighted ten snowstorms in South Dakota as a reminder for people to always be aware of the road during the winter. South Dakotans are well aware of the fact that the state’s winters can be harsh which is why it is always a good idea to plan ahead and prepare for the worst.

Do you remember any major snowstorms that hit South Dakota?

Gallery Credit: KXRB