South Dakota Receives Snow Storms

Sioux Falls, South Dakota - South Dakotan's are no strangers to snow. Winters here start early and end late. Snow is just another part of life. Those who live here are accustomed to the snow, but never enjoy receiving it. For when it comes, they must prepare. They have to have right equipment to be ready and they must ready their vehicles for the punishment the cold winters will put them through. When their preparation time is cut short or the snow comes suddenly and quickly with little warning the people are not happy campers.

I live in the south eastern part of South Dakota, in one of the larger cities in the state, a town called Sioux Falls. I have lived here long, but one winter is long enough to teach you to prepare for the snow and cold weather. The snow storms that have come through the state cut the preparation time. On Wednesday, the 5th, most people could be seen wearing short sleeve shirts, and some even in shorts. The weather on Thursday had changed and most people threw on a small jacket or a pullover. While people were talking of reports of snow in the western part of the state and that we too were to receive snow, most were doubtful. It was simply too warm. By Thursday afternoon the temperature had cooled even more, by nightfall many began to worry. Waking up on Friday morning I was hopeful, as I looked out my window my hope faded...and quickly. There was already an inch of snow on my vehicle, and more was coming down.

I grabbed my coat and began the task of clearing the snow and ice off my windshield and windows. The streets were still too warm to keep snow and the snow melted as soon as it hit the road. The snow was coming down lightly but continuously until some time around noon. The noon sun began to melt the snow left on the vehicles, but the temperature cooled down in the afternoon before all would be melted. The afternoon sky remained clear and no more snow fell.

Sioux Falls was relatively lucky compared to the other parts of the state and North Dakota. Although the snow did come quickly, the amount we received was small, and the roads remained clear for safe travel. The people still have a little more time to get their things together and ready themselves for the coming onslaught of snow and cold weather of this winter.