Rapid City sees earliest snowfall since 1888...An early September winter storm in the Black Hills has dumped up to 8 inches of snow in the area, while Rapid City received its earliest snowfall in more than 120 years.
Jon Chamberlain, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Rapid City, said almost 1 inch of snow had fallen in downtown Rapid City by 8:30 a.m. while 2 inches was measured in higher elevations in town.
The snowfall in downtown Rapid City is the earliest in the city since 1888, the NWS said. The previous early snowfall mark was seven-tenths of an inch on Sept. 13, 1970.
Chamberlain said while it is unusual for Rapid City to see snowfall this early, it isn't for the Black Hills.
"It's a little on the high side, though," he said.
Downtown Custer reported 8 inches of snow, while 7 inches was reported at Mount Rushmore. Other snowfall totals: 6 inches five miles south of Hill City; 4,5 inches in HIll City and 4 inches in Sundance, Wyo.
See the radar and hourly forecast at ArgusLeader.com/weather.
Chamberlain said roads in the Black Hills are staying relatively snow-free because the snow is melting once it hits the pavement and ground.
A winter storm warning is in effect until noon Mountain time Thursday for the northern and central Black Hills including the cities of Lead, Deadwood, Hill City and Mount Rushmore.
The NWS says many areas across far western South Dakota might experience a hard freeze by Friday morning as temperatures are expected to dip into the 20s and even teens in the Black Hills.
The high will be 51 Friday, 60 on Saturday, 62 on Sunday and 67 on Monday.
For road conditions call 511 or visit
www.safetravelusa.com/sd/.
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Sioux Falls forecast from NWS
The forecast is much more mild in eastern South Dakota.
Today: A chance of rain, mainly between 2 and 5 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 53. North northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tonight: A slight chance of rain before 7 p.m., then a chance of rain after 2 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 40. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday: A chance of rain before 8 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 56. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 36. North northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 61. South wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.
Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 66.
Sunday night: A chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Monday: A chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Monday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 47.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70.
Tuesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.
Wednesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 69. Chance of precipitation is 20%.