Weather/Travel Alert - Heavy Snow and Dangerous Road Conditions Expected

Posted on Monday, February 27, 2012

The Lake County area has received approximately 12 inches of snow during the past week. An additional 15 inches of snow accumulation could fall through Thursday. It is possible that some precipitation on Tuesday will come in the form of freezing rain. High winds will worsen the conditions so expect rapidly changing weather and road conditions.

• Travel and Weather Advisories will go into effect during this time.

• Monitor the changing weather conditions at www.weather.gov/fsd

• Check the road conditions at http://www.safetravelusa.com/sd

• Use extreme caution when traveling! Do NOT use your cruise control. Slow down and drive the conditions of the road. Have an emergency kit in your vehicle with additional clothing.

LAKE COUNTY FORECAST (Source NWS/FSD 11:25 am CST February 26, 2012)

Monday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 21. North northwest wind between 3 and 9 mph.

Monday Night: Snow likely, mainly after midnight. Cloudy, with a temperature rising to around 25 by 3am. Southeast wind between 10 and 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than 1 inch possible.

Tuesday: Snow. High near 31. Breezy, with a east southeast wind between 16 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of around 8 inches.

Tuesday Night: Snow. Low around 22. Blustery. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of around 6 inches.

Wednesday: Snow likely. Cloudy and blustery, with a high near 25. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of around 2 inches.

There is a 20% chance of snow on Thursday and Friday.

Myth - Four wheel drive (4WD), all wheel drive (AWD), front wheel drive (2WD), or heavier vehicles can travel safer on snow and ice.

Fact - Once moving the physics for all vehicles are equal, 1WD, 2WD, 4WD, 6WD etc. All motor vehicles need traction for safe steering - 4WD/AWD does not provide extra traction for steering. All vehicles need traction for safe braking - 4WD/AWD does not provide extra traction for braking.

Information Provided By: Lake Co SD Emergency Management