Interstate 90 closure extends to Sioux Falls

An Interstate 90 closure eastbound and westbound from Rapid City to Chamberlain will be extended to Sioux Falls at 5 p.m. Central today, due to sustained high winds causing blizzard-like conditions, the state Department of Transportation announced.

As high winds move east, low visibility and drifting snow are worsening. The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning in effect through Friday. In addition to blizzard-like conditions, many stuck and stranded vehicles are blocking lanes of traffic.

State officials anticipate the I-90 closure to remain in place through Thursday and into Friday. They’ll continually assess conditions to determine when I-90 can be reopened safely.

Secondary state highways

In addition to the I-90 closure, motorists are reminded that many no-travel advisories and impassable conditions are in place on state highways throughout the central and western part of the state.

Many secondary highways are currently listed as impassable due to high winds, drifting and blowing snow, and low visibility associated with this winter storm system. Motorists should not try to use secondary roads to avoid interstate closures.

When listed as impassable, travel on the road segment is physically impossible due to widespread deep snow, drifts or stranded vehicles. Clearing these secondary roads is expected to be difficult as winds and additional snow are preventing the ability to safely and effectively plow or blow the drifted snow, especially with the added problem of stranded vehicles.

Motorists are asked to avoid travel due to the extremely serious weather conditions and rapidly deteriorating roads. Significantly reduced visibilities and blizzard-like conditions, along with extreme wind chills, make travel very dangerous.

For the latest on road and weather conditions, visit https://sd511.org or dial 511.