Just one week after posting a record high temperature of 66 degrees on Dec. 1, the Mitchell area is preparing for its first snowstorm of the season.
A winter weather system is forecast to pass through the upper Midwest late Thursday night and throughout Friday, calling for variable snowfall amounts across south central and southeastern South Dakota.
As of Thursday morning, the National Weather Service had issued a winter storm warning across South Dakota's entire southern border, including Bon Homme, Charles Mix, Davison, Douglas, Hanson, Hutchinson and McCook Counties.
Mitchell could see up to 8 inches of snow beginning early Friday morning and lasting into the evening.
Areas to the south are likely to see more — Burke, Lake Andes and Menno are forecast to receive up to 9 inches of snow. Localized pockets of additional snow could result in an even higher amount. Areas of northern Nebraska could accumulate as much as 12 inches.
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Here is a look at the range of snowfall amounts at several cities. This event is still UNCERTAIN and snowfall amounts CAN STILL CHANGE. Continue to monitor future forecasts. ❄ pic.twitter.com/AoNlEC1KJi
Expected snowfall predictions
Burke: 6”
Chamberlain: 4”
Freeman: 8”
Kadoka: 3”
Lake Andes: 7”
Mitchell: 6”
Sioux City, Iowa: 5”
Sioux Falls: 8”
Vermillion: 5”
White Lake: 5”
Woonsocket: 4”
Winner: 6”
Yankton: 7”
Moderate winds paired with temperatures dipping into the 20s and wind chills in the teens could create moderate travel hazards such as patchy blowing snow and low visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact morning and evening commutes on Friday.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol says, if travel is necessary during winter snowstorms, to slow down and leave extra space between vehicles on wet, snow covered or icy roads.
Friday's forecast involved a significant upgrade in the likelihood of higher snow amounts, as meteorologists have been tracking the development of the system as it pushes northeast through Nebraska.
The National Weather Service says the formation of narrow snow bands are likely, but their locations are largely unknown. These snow bands lead to higher localized snowfall totals that may serve as an anomaly to overall forecasts.
Snow is expected Friday, and there are signs we could have high amounts in some areas.
HOWEVER, there remains uncertainty on where a narrow heavy snow band that brings high snow totals may form.
Here's a closer look at why that is and what you should do to prepare. pic.twitter.com/F7J0WsyGy1
As the first winter weather system of the season enters the area, officials are reminding the public that snowfall predictions may change as the storm develops, and encourage residents to monitor local news media and National Weather Service websites for the latest information.
The information in this article is current and valid data from the National Weather Service as of 12 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021.
