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Heavy Rain and Gusty Winds in the Central Plains; Severe Weather and Heavy Rainfall in the Lower Mississippi Valley

Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds are expected across the Central Plains into the Mid Missouri Valley. Widespread precipitation and heavy mountain snow will continue across the Northwest. Severe thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and evening from parts of east Texas into Louisiana. Heavy rainfall is likely tonight across eastern Louisiana and southern Mississippi. Read More >

Overview

A potent and long-lasting low pressure system brought widespread snow and blizzard conditions to much of the northern Plains from late Monday, December 12, 2022 through Friday, December 16. Conditions gradually improved late Friday, December 16. 

The storm started with a period of freezing drizzle, mainly across the South Dakota plains. Ice accumulations resulted in slippery roads and hazardous travel conditions, even before the snow started. 

Precipitation changed over to snow by Tuesday. Snow continued through Wednesday and Thursday before finally ending on Friday. Strong northwesterly winds, gusting to 60 mph or higher, led to blowing and drifting snow throughout the event, and contributed to upslope-enhanced snowfall over the northern Black Hills and foothills. Those locations received the highest amounts of snow, with around 3 feet reported in the Spearfish and Sturgis areas and around 4 feet reported in the Cheyenne Crossing and Lead/Deadwood areas. From Pine Ridge eastward into central SD, 2 to 3 feet of snow were reported. Many locations across our area received a foot or two of snow. Due to the effects of downsloping winds, the southern Black Hills and foothills were spared from the worst of the snow and strong winds; only a couple inches of snow were reported in those areas. The strong winds lasted through Friday, so even after the snow ended, blizzard conditions continued for much of the South Dakota plains. More information about the storm can be found at the Satellite Liaison Blog.

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Photo from Kelly Hunter in the Swett/Martin area
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