Power Outage in Armour, SD

Blizzard conditions led to a shutdown of government offices and schools, and travel was not recommended due to the widespread whiteout conditions. Storm-total snowfall from 12 to 20 inches occurred, with 18.0 inches 10 miles west of Dimock, 14.0 inches 2 miles south of Armour and 13.0 inches 5 miles west of Armour. With winds gusting at times to around 50 mph, many areas had snow drifts of several feet, making roads impassable. Ice accumulation of one to two tenths of an inch occurred, resulting in spotty power outages as wind increased.

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.

Freezing rain produced ice accumulations, estimated at a couple tenths of an inch or more. The freezing rain was followed by 3 to 6 inches of snow. Strong northwest winds produced drifting snow and areas of blowing snow. Roads were made very icy before becoming snow covered. There was damage to power lines and resulting power outages, and school classes were cancelled.

An extended period of precipitation began with freezing rain quickly producing moderate to heavy ice accumulations, ranging up to more than a quarter of an inch. The precipitation then changed to sleet and then snow, with sleet and snow accumulations reaching 8.5 inches near Armour. Numerous branches and power lines were downed by the weight of ice and accompanying wind, with much of the power line damage affecting rural electric cooperatives. Trees and tree debris blocked roads, and damaged some vehicles and homes. Several power outages were reported. The winter precipitation made travel impossible in many areas, resulting in schools and businesses being forced to close.

Snow accumulating 6 to 9 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 9 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.

Freezing rain caused significant icing of roads, trees, and power lines, and was accompanied by 5 to 8 inches of snow. Travel was greatly slowed, and numerous vehicles slid off roads. Ice accumulation was up to a quarter inch at some places.

Freezing rain caused significant icing of around a quarter inch, which caused branches and power lines to break in a few places. The freezing rain was followed by 1 to 3 inches of snow. Travel was greatly slowed. Classes for December 21st were cancelled at several schools.

Thunderstorm winds damaged trees and power lines, resulting in a power outage.