Patrol: Take It Slow During Morning Commute

Sioux Falls

The South Dakota Highway Patrol is warning drivers to take caution while driving to work or school as the conditions could create areas of black ice or snow-covered roadways. Trooper Angel Duran says taking it slow is a good idea.

"A lot of the times the speed limits we have here in South Dakota are a little bit high," Duran said. "You know you're going 80 miles per hour, 75 miles per hour, even 65 miles per hour in most of the areas here in Sioux Falls. That's pretty fast when you have poor conditions out on the road."

In eastern South Dakota, SDDOT reports blowing snow and scattered slippery spots on Interstate 90 from Chamberlain to the Minnesota border. Road conditions are similar for Interstate 29 north of Sioux City to Watertown, as well as Interstate 229 in Sioux Falls.

Several roads in the Custer area of the Black Hills have scattered packed snow, while conditions are reportedly better in areas around Hot Springs north through Rapid City and Sturgis.

For the latest road conditions in South Dakota, visit the Safe Travel USA website.

While traveling in the winter, Duran suggests that each car should be stocked with at least extra blankets, a first-aid kit and a shovel.

"With the conditions, your car can be disabled. So if you lose your heater, you're probably going to get cold so make sure you're dressed properly and bring extra blankets just to cover up yourself," Duran said. 

Other suggestions from the Red Cross include a cell phone charger, bottled water, and high-protein snacks.

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