This Day in Weather History: April 3rd

Weather History - April 3rd

Local and Regional Events:

April 3rd, 1968:

Heavy snowfall, up to ten inches, was accompanied by winds of over 60 mph in South Dakota. Snowdrifts of up to 4 feet were reported, and many roads were closed. Aberdeen was one of the hardest hit areas, with 10.5 inches of snow and wind gusts of 62 mph. The strong winds and localized areas of icing caused considerable damage to utility lines.

April 3rd, 2003:

Dry vegetation and windy conditions caused a grassland burn northeast of Bath, near the James River in South Dakota, to get out of control during the early afternoon hours. Strong north-to-northeast winds of 20 to 35 mph caused the fire to spread quickly south along the James River. The fire became one and a half miles wide and burned six miles to the south before being controlled. A total of 4,000 acres were consumed. The smoke from the fire could be seen from miles around and lowered visibilities enough to close State Highway 12 twice. At one point, traffic had to be diverted on Highway 12 for six hours due to the low visibility in smoke. Also, the smoke delayed the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad in Bristol and Andover on April 3rd. Twenty-one fire departments with around 250 people worked to bring the fire under control.

April 3rd, 2007:

A sharp frontal boundary and an upper-level disturbance brought an unusual band of heavy snow across northern South Dakota. Snowfall amounts of 6 to 12 inches occurred from Eureka to Summit. Roads became snow-covered or slushy, making travel difficult. Due to the poor road conditions, several vehicles ended up in the ditch. Several schools and events were either postponed or canceled. Snowfall amounts included 6 inches at Eureka and Milbank, 7 inches at Conde, 8 inches at Hosmer, Columbia, Summit, and Britton, 10 inches at Webster, and 12 inches at Waubay.

April 3rd, 2009:

An area of low pressure moved across the Central Plains, producing widespread snow over central and north-central South Dakota. Along with the snow came strong north winds of 15 to 30 mph, causing areas of blowing snow and reduced visibility. The snow and reduced visibility caused some travel problems. Snowfall amounts ranged from a few inches to almost a foot of snow. Some snowfall amounts included 6 inches near Presho and Okaton, Fort Thompson, and Timber Lake; 7 inches in Murdo and 16 S Ree Heights; 8 inches 14 NNE Isabel; and 11 inches 3 NW Parade and 6 E Hayes.