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Back-to-Back Pacific Storms to Impact the West Coast; Heavy Snow in the Central Appalachians

Back-to-back powerful Pacific storm systems to impact the Pacific Northwest and northern California through the end of this week with heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, and higher elevation mountain snow. A strong, long-duration atmospheric river will accompany the Pacific storms, bringing excessive rainfall and flash flooding to southwest Oregon and northwest California through the week. Read More >

Overview

A potent and long-lasting low pressure system brought widespread snow and blizzard conditions to much of the northern Plains from late Monday, December 12, 2022 through Friday, December 16. Conditions gradually improved late Friday, December 16. 

The storm started with a period of freezing drizzle, mainly across the South Dakota plains. Ice accumulations resulted in slippery roads and hazardous travel conditions, even before the snow started. 

Precipitation changed over to snow by Tuesday. Snow continued through Wednesday and Thursday before finally ending on Friday. Strong northwesterly winds, gusting to 60 mph or higher, led to blowing and drifting snow throughout the event, and contributed to upslope-enhanced snowfall over the northern Black Hills and foothills. Those locations received the highest amounts of snow, with around 3 feet reported in the Spearfish and Sturgis areas and around 4 feet reported in the Cheyenne Crossing and Lead/Deadwood areas. From Pine Ridge eastward into central SD, 2 to 3 feet of snow were reported. Many locations across our area received a foot or two of snow. Due to the effects of downsloping winds, the southern Black Hills and foothills were spared from the worst of the snow and strong winds; only a couple inches of snow were reported in those areas. The strong winds lasted through Friday, so even after the snow ended, blizzard conditions continued for much of the South Dakota plains. More information about the storm can be found at the Satellite Liaison Blog.

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Photo from Kelly Hunter in the Swett/Martin area
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