Blizzard — Perkins, South Dakota

2009-03-23 to 2009-03-24 · Perkins, South Dakota

Wider weather episode

A powerful spring storm brought rain, snow, and very strong winds to western South Dakota. Precipitation started as rain, then changed to snow, and blizzard conditions developed. The heaviest snow fell over the northern Black Hills, where 18 to 48 inches of snow was measured. Ten to 20 inches of snow fell across far northwestern South Dakota, with drifts as high as ten feet. Most other locations received at least six inches of snow. Sustained winds of 30 to 55 mph, with gusts over 80 mph, were reported. Interstate 90 and other highways were closed for more than 24 hours. Some power outages were reported, mainly across the northern Black Hills and northwestern South Dakota. Tens of thousands of livestock perished.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 154893. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.