‘Historic’ Black Hills blizzard rages, 37 inches and counting, 68 mph winds

Image: Rapid City NWS

In the Black Hills of South Dakota, winter came on October 4th.

566 spearfish cam
Image: South Dakota Department of Transportation

Heavy snow and blizzard conditions are raking the Black Hills in western South Dakota today. I-90 has been closed from the Wyoming state line into the Black Hills. The storm has already produced 37 inches of snowfall at Lead, and many totals may reach 3+ feet in the Black Hills.  Here's a look at snowfall totals so far from the Rapid City NWS.

566 bh2
Image: Rapid City NWS

So far the heaviest snowfall report comes from Lead, where 37 inches has fallen, and it is still snowing.

566 lead 37
Image: Rapid City NWS

Wind are gusting over 60 mph with the storm. The Rapid City NWS recorded a gust to 68 mph Friday afternoon in downtown Rapid City! That's a severe thunderstorm and blizzard all in one.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

566 68 mph
Image: Rapid City NWS

 

The Rapid City NWS is calling this an 'historic' storm, with snowfall forecasts up to 3 feet in the Black Hills.

566 bh nws facebook
Image: Rapid City NWS/Facebook

Bands of heavy snow continue to rake the Black Hills. Here's the Rapid City doppler shot Friday afternoon.

566 rap radar
Image: Weather Underground

Sustained winds of 36 mph and gusts to 60 mph have downed trees under the stress of heavy wet snow. Near zero visibility has closed numerous roads.

566 WindSpd3_unr
Image: Rapid City NWS

This is an historic blizzard for Rapid City and the Black Hills region. Thankfully Minnesota is on the milder side of this potent storm.