SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO-AM) – Interstate 29 from Tea Exit 73 to the Iowa border is closed, and Interstate 90 in Minnesota is closed from the South Dakota border, until the Tuesday blizzard subsides.
Visibility at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport has been down to a half mile to a quarter mile most of the day. Airport Manager Dan Letilier says that is the minimum at which airlines like to operate, so some flights have been canceled or delayed. He says it is best to contact your airline for the latest if you have a scheduled flight..
Sioux City already has ten inches of snow prompting the closure of I-29. Lieutenant Jeff Devaney with the South Dakota Highway Patrol says some motorists are stranded on the Interstate.
State transportation officials say heavy snow and high winds are creating white-out conditions with zero to near zero visibility and making roads in the area impassible.
Sioux Falls police are advising no travel until the snowfall and wind subside. Visibility is currently near zero. Scattered slippery spots and heavy accumulations are making travel dangerous.
KELO Radio's Mike Leischner, driving on 57th near Cliff Avenue, says he struggled with white-out conditions. He says he couldn't even see the cars that were coming at him head-on.
“No Travel Advisories” are currently posted on many state highways in this area. Check conditions at www.safetravelusa.com/sd or by dialing 511 before heading out.
Travel will become increasingly difficult throughout the day as snow and 25-45mph winds move north into the Sioux Falls area.
Officials advise staying off affected roadways during this storm. In addition, stranded vehicles create a hazard for maintenance and emergency vehicles and create delays for crews clearing roads.
The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning until 4 a.m. Wednesday for several counties along the Interstate 29 corridor in southeastern South Dakota.