A significant winter storm will bring heavy snow to the area

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - The storm system we have been tracking for a week is moving along the west coast. This will dig into the southwest before ejecting into the northern plains late Monday and Tuesday. Significant impacts are expected across much of KOTA Territory.

The significant storm system is going to be moving into the area Monday, especially through the afternoon and evening hours. Light freezing drizzle is possible in western South Dakota, but looks most likely from a line around Faith to Wall and the Badlands, down to Pine Ridge and areas east.

Projected radar image Tuesday(KEVN/KOTA)

Snow will take over Monday night and increase intensity through Tuesday. Heavy snow is likely for much of the area and will continue into Tuesday night. Significant snowfall is expected for much of the area where many spots will pick up 6″ or more of snowfall. Areas around the northern Black Hills and south-central South Dakota will easily see more than a foot of snow. The heaviest snowfall will move east, but snow showers will linger through much of Wednesday. For the northern Black Hills and part of northeast Wyoming, snow showers could linger into Thursday.

Strong winds are expected to develop Monday with gusts up to 30 mph or a little higher. The strongest winds are likely on Tuesday, where gusts could reach 55 mph or higher in spots. Gusty winds will linger through the end of the week with gusts up to 50 mph for some. The strong winds will create blowing and drifting snow.

Significant travel impacts are expected across the area. With the heavy snow and wind, some roads could become impassable. It is likely there will be no travel advisories issued with chunks of I-90 being shut down. If you have any plans to drive Tuesday, you will likely need to cancel the plans and push them back until road conditions improve.

Once the storm moves out, temperatures are expected to stay below average through the weekend. Longer range models are suggesting a potential Arctic blast of cold temperatures for next week with below zero temperatures possible. The focus right now is on the storm, but once it passes through, all eyes will be on the temperatures the week leading into Christmas.