Blizzard — Brown, South Dakota

2025-11-25 · Brown, South Dakota

Event narrative

Blizzard conditions of 1/4 mile visibility were observed by the Aberdeen Regional Airport ASOS beginning around 10:00 am. The peak wind gust recorded by the ASOS was 60 mph, while the South Dakota Department of Transportation Mesonet station in Frederick peaked at 69 mph. Approximately 1,134 residents lost power during these high winds. A total snowfall of 7 inches was reported by the COOP observer 2 miles northwest of Westport, as well as by the public in both the Frederick and Hecla areas.

Wider weather episode

A strong low-pressure system initially started with rain, followed by rapidly falling temperatures and a transition to snow. This was accompanied by strong winds across central, north central, and northeast South Dakota. The resultant icy roads and white-out conditions triggered several No Travel Advisories by Emergency Management in conjunction with the Department of Transportation, including Corson, Campbell, Dewey, Walworth, Hand, Marshall, Day, Clark, Hamlin, Grant, and Roberts counties. Conditions deteriorated significantly in Roberts County, where the Sheriff's Office responded to 139 calls for service, 65 vehicle slide-ins, 2 accidents with injuries, 7 jackknifed semi-trucks, a backup of an estimated 50+ vehicles, and a rolled snowplow. Interstate 29 was closed by mid-afternoon and remained closed until the morning of November 26th. The strong winds also resulted in power disruptions, with 1,445 customers losing power in Day County and 1,134 customers in Brown County. Winds at the South Dakota Department of Transportation Mesonet station near Frederick measured 69 mph, while the station near Miranda peaked at 68 mph. Twenty-seven additional weather stations recorded a peak wind gust at or in excess of 55 mph. As much as 8 inches of snow was recorded with this system, measured by the COOP observer 4 miles north of Victor in Roberts County.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1297065. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.