Power Outage in Alexandria, SD

Blizzard conditions led to a shutdown of government offices and schools, and travel was not recommended due to the widespread whiteout conditions. Interstate 90 was closed from late on April 10 through noon on April 12. Ice accumulation of one-quarter to one-half inch occurred prior to snowfall. Storm-total snowfall from 8 to 14 inches occurred, with 11.5 inches at Alexandria, third highest 3-day April snowfall on record. Winds gusted at Mitchell as high as 69 mph, and many areas had snow drifts of several feet, making roads impassable. Spotty power outages occurred. Property damage costs include damage to utilities.

High winds from a westerly direction followed a low pressure system which had brought Christmas Day rain and thunderstorms. There were reports of power lines and branches down with resulting power outages, and traffic lights damaged. Sustained winds over 40 mph and gusts over 55 mph were estimated by law enforcement.

Westerly winds behind a cold front reach sustained speed of 40 to 45 mph for a few hours. The high winds caused spotty power line and traffic light damage.

An extended period of precipitation began with freezing rain and freezing drizzle producing light to moderate ice accumulations, then changing to sleet and then snow, with sleet and snow accumulations reaching the 5 to 8 inch range. Several branches and power lines were downed by the weight of ice and accompanying wind. The winter precipitation made travel very difficult to impossible, resulting in schools and businesses being forced to close.

Large hail was accompanied by heavy rain. Local power went out during the storm.

Snow accumulating 5 to 8 inches was accompanied by north to northeast winds gusting to around 40 mph. The combination resulted in visibilities frequently lowering to a quarter mile or less and, along with drifting snow, made travel difficult to impossible. Power outages were reported from snow weighting down power lines, and snow laden trees falling on lines.

Snow, beginning briefly as rain, fell from around noon on April 10th to midday on April 11th. The snow accumulated 5 to 8 inches and was accompanied by north winds averaging around 30 mph and gusting to 45 mph. This produced blizzard conditions for much of the time, with zero visibilities and drifting snow making travel impossible. Schools and numerous businesses were forced to close. Power outages were reported as some power lines were downed by the combination of wet snow and strong winds.

Thunderstorm winds damaged trees and power lines, resulting in power outages.