I can hardly believe it’s almost May and here we are talking about the chance of more snow…and some of it heavy in parts of KELOLAND.  Winter storm watches and warnings are already in effect for western SD for tomorow and tomorrow night.  The best chance of heavy snow will be in the Black Hills…and the northern Hills could see as much as 2 feet of snow.  The wind will be strong too…north-northwest at 20-50 mph tomorrow with gust to 60mph.  Combine that with snow…and a blizzard or near blizzard will be possible in some of these areas by tomorrow night.On the maps below, you can see an outline to this storm.  At this time, these maps should be used as a general reference point…we’ll know more specifics later in the day and tomorrow.An area of low pressure will develop tonight and tomorrow in Nebraska.  This will increase the chance of rain in the west tonight…with snow likely in the higher elevations of the Black Hills and areas west.  Notice the wind arrows…strong northwest winds in western SD and stronger east-northeast winds in the east.As moisture increases during the day, rain and thunderstorms will develop in eastern KELOLAND (Sioux Falls area has a 60% chance tomorrow afternoon.)  Pierre and central SD will have a raw, soaking rain tomorrow with an inch of rain by tomorrow night.  Aberdeen will have some rain too…but will be closer to the northern edge of the storm.  Still, around an inch by Friday is possible.  Rapid City will be on the rain/snow line during the day…and with strong north winds, it will be a forecast to watch.The worst of the storm may be later Thursday and early Friday AM in the west.  A blizzard or near blizzard is possible if enough cold air works into the system.  Meanwhile, there may be a break in the rain across the southeast for a time as a dry slot of air moves in from eastern Nebraska and Kansas.  That’s pretty typical with these systems.  But don’t be fooled…all that weather in western SD will be crossing KELOLAND during the day on Friday.  Temperatures will be in the 30s to lower 40s…but a slight change in either direction will play a huge role in how much snow accumulation we see east river Friday AM  through Saturday AM.  Pierre, Aberdeen, and Mitchell are all in line for "some" snow.  A 2-5" band would be good start…but as we saw last week, these dynamic weather systems can be very efficient snow makers.  If enough moisture remains behind the low…some accumulating snow will be possible in Sioux Falls sometime late Friday and Friday night.  I’m not going to predict an amount yet because we have too many variable to watch.  However, for those of you who are curious, the GFS (American) model outputs about 6" of snow with this system in the Sioux Falls area.  I typically evaluate 3 computer models for input on these storms and the other 2 are less than that for the southeast.  Oh my…what an interesting forecast.  Tomorrow is May 1st….right???Stay tuned…Brian Karstens

Here are the final totals from the snowfall yesterday… some amazing totals and numerous records set!PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT…SUMMARYNATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ABERDEEN SD1133 AM CDT SAT APR 26 2008..TIME…   …EVENT…      …CITY LOCATION…     …LAT.LON…..DATE…   ….MAG….      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. …SOURCE….            ..REMARKS..1122 AM     SNOW             1 N MANSFIELD           45.26N 98.56W04/25/2008  E1.0 INCH        BROWN              SD   PUBLIC1145 AM     SNOW             GANN VALLEY             44.03N 98.99W04/25/2008  E3.0 INCH        BUFFALO            SD   NWS EMPLOYEE0420 PM     SNOW             BLUNT                   44.52N 99.99W04/25/2008  E2.0 INCH        HUGHES             SD   CO-OP OBSERVER            MAXIMUM SNOWFALL 2 INCHES, BUT MOST HAS MELTED ALREADY.0425 PM     SNOW             HIGHMORE                44.52N 99.44W04/25/2008  E1.0 INCH        HYDE               SD   LAW ENFORCEMENT            MOST ALREADY MELTED0500 PM     HEAVY SNOW       HAZEL                   44.76N 97.38W04/25/2008  E10.5 INCH       HAMLIN             SD   PUBLIC0630 PM     HEAVY SNOW       6 ENE DANFORTH          44.29N 98.77W04/25/2008  E6.0 INCH        HAND               SD   TRAINED SPOTTER0757 PM     HEAVY SNOW       4 S GARDEN CITY         44.90N 97.58W04/25/2008  E10.0 INCH       CLARK              SD   TRAINED SPOTTER0815 PM     HEAVY SNOW       HILLSIDE COLONY         44.74N 98.05W04/25/2008  E8.0 INCH        SPINK              SD   PUBLIC0835 PM     HEAVY SNOW       LANGFORD                45.60N 97.83W04/25/2008  E6.0 INCH        MARSHALL           SD   TRAINED SPOTTER1000 PM     SNOW             REDFIELD                44.87N 98.52W04/25/2008  M4.5 INCH        SPINK              SD   CO-OP OBSERVER1100 PM     SNOW             DOLAND                  44.89N 98.10W04/25/2008  M4.5 INCH        SPINK              SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0100 AM     HEAVY SNOW       CLARK                   44.88N 97.73W04/26/2008  M9.0 INCH        CLARK              SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0224 AM     HEAVY SNOW       BRITTON                 45.79N 97.75W04/26/2008  M6.0 INCH        MARSHALL           SD   LAW ENFORCEMENT0234 AM     HEAVY SNOW       WEBSTER                 45.34N 97.52W04/26/2008  E12.0 INCH       DAY                SD   LAW ENFORCEMENT0243 AM     HEAVY SNOW       HAYTI                   44.66N 97.20W04/26/2008  M11.3 INCH       HAMLIN             SD   EMERGENCY MNGR0300 AM     HEAVY SNOW       WATERTOWN               44.91N 97.17W04/26/2008  M19.0 INCH       CODINGTON          SD   TRAINED SPOTTER0331 AM     HEAVY SNOW       ROY LAKE STATE PARK     45.71N 97.43W04/26/2008  M8.0 INCH        MARSHALL           SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0400 AM     HEAVY SNOW       CLEAR LAKE              44.77N 96.68W04/26/2008  M17.0 INCH       DEUEL              SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0500 AM     HEAVY SNOW       ORTONVILLE              45.30N 96.44W04/26/2008  E10.0 INCH       BIG STONE          MN   LAW ENFORCEMENT0500 AM     HEAVY SNOW       2 SSW MILBANK           45.19N 96.65W04/26/2008  M13.0 INCH       GRANT              SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0515 AM     HEAVY SNOW       2 W SISSETON            45.66N 97.09W04/26/2008  M10.0 INCH       ROBERTS            SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0530 AM     HEAVY SNOW       WHEATON                 45.81N 96.50W04/26/2008  M9.5 INCH        TRAVERSE           MN   CO-OP OBSERVER0603 AM     HEAVY SNOW       4 NNE VICTOR            45.92N 96.80W04/26/2008  M16.0 INCH       ROBERTS            SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0800 AM     HEAVY SNOW       1 W TINTAH              46.01N 96.34W04/26/2008  M9.0 INCH        TRAVERSE           MN   CO-OP OBSERVER…SOUTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA…   CARTHAGE                                17.0   MITCHELL 1.1 N                          13.9   BROOKINGS AIRPORT                       11.6   MITCHELL                                11.2   DIMOCK 10.2 W                           10.5   BROOKINGS 1.4 SW                        10.5   BROOKINGS 2.8 SSW                       10.5   ARMOUR 4.6 W                            10.0   WHITE LAKE                              10.0   PICKSTOWN                               10.0   MONTROSE 5.8 NW                          9.0   BROOKINGS 0.2 SSW                        9.0   WINFRED                                  9.0   WHITE LAKE 10.9 S                        8.5   HURON AIRPORT                            8.5   ASTORIA                                  8.0   HARTFORD 6.4 S                           5.5   VIBORG 0.2 NNE                           5.0   SIOUX FALLS 3.4 WSW                      5.0   CHAMBERLAIN                              5.0   MARION 0.5 NE                            4.5   DALLAS 8.8 S                             4.0   YANKTON AIRPORT                          4.0   SIOUX FALLS AIRPORT                      3.5   HERRICK 4.5 NW                           2.0   GAYVILLE 1.8 SSW                         1.8   GARRETSON 7.3 WSW                        1.5…SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA…   MARSHALL AIRPORT                         4.0   TRACY AIRPORT                            3.0   PIPESTONE                                1.0…NORTHWEST IOWA…   HARRIS 0.1 NNE                           0.1   EVERLY 0.3 WSW                             T

Here is a look at some snowfall records and totals from across the area… the snow is now pushing out of here and we should be melting it off quickly.  HOPEFULLY, this will be the last time we have to talk about snow for awhile!  But after the spring we have had I am not ruling it out until June!!!  …RECORD DAILY MAXIMUM SNOWFALL SET AT SIOUX FALLS…HURON ANDMITCHELL SOUTH DAKOTA…THE SNOWFALL TOTAL FOR FRIDAY…APRIL 25 2008 AT SIOUX FALLS WAS3.5 INCHES. THIS BREAKS THE DAILY RECORD OF 0.2 INCHES IN 1953.THE SNOWFALL TOTAL FOR FRIDAY…APRIL 25 2008 AT HURON WAS9.0 INCHES. THIS BREAKS THE DAILY SNOWFALL RECORD OF 1.0 INCH IN1937.THE SNOWFALL TOTAL FOR FRIDAY…APRIL 25 2008 AT MITCHELL WAS11.2 INCHES…EASILY SURPASSING THE DAILY RECORD OF 0.5 INCHES IN1937.SNOWFALL THIS LATE IN THE SEASON IS NOT THAT UNCOMMON. BACK ONAPRIL 28TH 1994…10.5 INCHES OF SNOW FELL IN SIOUX FALLS. THELATEST MEASURABLE SNOWFALL OF AT LEAST 0.1 INCH…WAS RECORDED ONMAY 18TH 1968.TOTALS0300 PM     SNOW             VERMILLION              42.78N 96.93W04/25/2008  M1.0 INCH        CLAY               SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0336 PM     SNOW             3 E ETHAN               43.55N 97.92W04/25/2008  M10.0 INCH       HANSON             SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0353 PM     SNOW             CHAMBERLAIN             43.81N 99.32W04/25/2008  M5.0 INCH        BRULE              SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0356 PM     SNOW             YANKTON                 42.89N 97.39W04/25/2008  M4.0 INCH        YANKTON            SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0357 PM     SNOW             WHITE LAKE              43.73N 98.71W04/25/2008  M10.0 INCH       AURORA             SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0403 PM     SNOW             13 WNW PLATTE           43.49N 99.06W04/25/2008  M10.0 INCH       CHARLES MIX        SD   TRAINED SPOTTER            SNOW DRIFTS ESTIMATED 12 FEET HIGH.0406 PM     SNOW             SIOUX CITY              42.50N 96.39W04/25/2008  E0.1 INCH        WOODBURY           IA   OFFICIAL NWS OBS0406 PM     SNOW             LAKE ANDES              43.16N 98.54W04/25/2008  E9.0 INCH        CHARLES MIX        SD   LAW ENFORCEMENT            8 TO 10 INCHES ON THE GROUND0415 PM     SNOW             3 N DELMONT             43.31N 98.16W04/25/2008  M7.0 INCH        DOUGLAS            SD   EMERGENCY MNGR0426 PM     SNOW             MADISON                 44.01N 97.11W04/25/2008  E9.0 INCH        LAKE               SD   PUBLIC0439 PM     SNOW             WOONSOCKET              44.05N 98.27W04/25/2008  E8.0 INCH        SANBORN            SD   EMERGENCY MNGR0440 PM     SNOW             2 S DAVIS               43.23N 97.00W04/25/2008  E4.5 INCH        TURNER             SD   LAW ENFORCEMENT0441 PM     SNOW             PARKER                  43.40N 97.14W04/25/2008  E4.5 INCH        TURNER             SD   LAW ENFORCEMENT0445 PM     SNOW             WESSINGTON SPRINGS      44.08N 98.57W04/25/2008  M8.0 INCH        JERAULD            SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0450 PM     SNOW             BERESFORD               43.08N 96.78W04/25/2008  E2.5 INCH        UNION              SD   LAW ENFORCEMENT0457 PM     SNOW             TYNDALL                 42.99N 97.86W04/25/2008  E6.0 INCH        BON HOMME          SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0600 PM     HEAVY SNOW       FORESTBURG              44.02N 98.11W04/25/2008  M15.0 INCH       SANBORN            SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0605 PM     HEAVY SNOW       FAIRFAX                 43.03N 98.89W04/25/2008  M7.0 INCH        GREGORY            SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0642 PM     HEAVY SNOW       ARMOUR                  43.32N 98.34W04/25/2008  M11.2 INCH       DOUGLAS            SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0645 PM     HEAVY SNOW       HURON                   44.36N 98.22W04/25/2008  M8.5 INCH        BEADLE             SD   OFFICIAL NWS OBS0645 PM     HEAVY SNOW       5 W HENDRICKS           44.50N 96.53W04/25/2008  M8.0 INCH        BROOKINGS          SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0715 PM     HEAVY SNOW       MITCHELL                43.73N 98.03W04/25/2008  E14.0 INCH       DAVISON            SD   TRAINED SPOTTER0800 PM     HEAVY SNOW       PLATTE                  43.39N 98.84W04/25/2008  E12.0 INCH       CHARLES MIX        SD   PUBLIC0834 PM     HEAVY SNOW       W HOWARD                44.01N 97.52W04/25/2008  M8.0 INCH        MINER              SD   TRAINED SPOTTER0834 PM     HEAVY SNOW       2 SSE WINFRED           43.97N 97.35W04/25/2008  M8.0 INCH        LAKE               SD   TRAINED SPOTTER0840 PM     HEAVY SNOW       SSE DE SMET             44.38N 97.55W04/25/2008  M10.5 INCH       KINGSBURY          SD   TRAINED SPOTTER0847 PM     HEAVY SNOW       BROOKINGS               44.31N 96.79W04/25/2008  M10.5 INCH       BROOKINGS          SD   TRAINED SPOTTER0848 PM     HEAVY SNOW       SSW HENDRICKS           44.50N 96.43W04/25/2008  M8.0 INCH        LINCOLN            MN   TRAINED SPOTTER0852 PM     HEAVY SNOW       1 NE IVANHOE            44.47N 96.24W04/25/2008  M6.0 INCH        LINCOLN            MN   TRAINED SPOTTER0857 PM     SNOW             TRACY                   44.24N 95.62W04/25/2008  E3.0 INCH        LYON               MN   LAW ENFORCEMENT            NEAR ZERO VISIBILITY0857 PM     SNOW             ESE TYLER               44.28N 96.13W04/25/2008  M5.0 INCH        LINCOLN            MN   TRAINED SPOTTER0859 PM     SNOW             MARSHALL                44.45N 95.79W04/25/2008  E4.0 INCH        LYON               MN   TRAINED SPOTTER0906 PM     SNOW             NNE FLANDREAU           44.05N 96.59W04/25/2008  M6.0 INCH        MOODY              SD   TRAINED SPOTTER0920 PM     HEAVY SNOW       NW ALEXANDRIA           43.66N 97.79W04/25/2008  M8.0 INCH        HANSON             SD   TRAINED SPOTTER0922 PM     SNOW             NW LAKE WILSON          44.00N 95.96W04/25/2008  E1.0 INCH        MURRAY             MN   TRAINED SPOTTER0922 PM     SNOW             ENE WALL LAKE           43.53N 96.95W04/25/2008  M6.0 INCH        MINNEHAHA          SD   TRAINED SPOTTER0925 PM     SNOW             SIOUX FALLS             43.54N 96.73W04/25/2008  M3.3 INCH        MINNEHAHA          SD   OFFICIAL NWS OBS0925 PM     HEAVY SNOW       HURON                   44.36N 98.22W04/25/2008  E9.0 INCH        BEADLE             SD   OFFICIAL NWS OBS            SNOW HAS ENDED0925 PM     SNOW             ESE MENNO               43.24N 97.57W04/25/2008  M6.0 INCH        HUTCHINSON         SD   TRAINED SPOTTER1010 AM     SNOW             CASTLEWOOD              44.72N 97.03W04/25/2008  E1.0 INCH        HAMLIN             SD   EMERGENCY MNGR            VISIBILITY 1/4 MILE IN HEAVY SNOW1050 AM     SNOW             CLEAR LAKE              44.77N 96.68W04/25/2008  E2.0 INCH        DEUEL              SD   CO-OP OBSERVER            VISIBILITY LESS THAN A QUARTER MILE IN HEAVY SNOW.1110 AM     SNOW             MILBANK                 45.22N 96.63W04/25/2008  E0.5 INCH        GRANT              SD   LAW ENFORCEMENT            SNOWING HEAVY IN MILBANK WITH LESS THAN A QUARTER MILE            VISIBILITY.1112 AM     SNOW             HAYTI                   44.66N 97.20W04/25/2008  E3.0 INCH        HAMLIN             SD   LAW ENFORCEMENT            SNOWING HEAVY IN HAYTI WITH 100 FOOT VISIBILITY. ROADS            SLUSHY.1115 AM     SNOW             SISSETON                45.66N 97.05W04/25/2008  E0.5 INCH        ROBERTS            SD   LAW ENFORCEMENT            1/4 MILE VISIBILITY IN SNOW.1120 AM     SNOW             CLARK                   44.88N 97.73W04/25/2008  E3.0 INCH        CLARK              SD   LAW ENFORCEMENT            HEAVY SNOW IN CLARK WITH 3 INCHES OF SNOW ON THE GROUND.1122 AM     SNOW             1 N MANSFIELD           45.26N 98.56W04/25/2008  E1.0 INCH        BROWN              SD   PUBLIC1127 AM     SNOW             SSE WEBSTER             45.33N 97.52W04/25/2008  E0.5 INCH        DAY                SD   EMERGENCY MNGR            SNOW WITH VISIBILITY 1/2 MILE.1145 AM     SNOW             GANN VALLEY             44.03N 98.99W04/25/2008  E3.0 INCH        BUFFALO            SD   NWS EMPLOYEE1155 AM     SNOW             WATERTOWN               44.91N 97.17W04/25/2008  E3.0 INCH        CODINGTON          SD   EMERGENCY MNGR            HEAVY SNOW WITH VISIBILITY LESS THAN A QUARTER MILE IN            WATERTOWN.1230 PM     HEAVY SNOW       5 S REE HEIGHTS         44.44N 99.20W04/25/2008  M6.0 INCH        HAND               SD   TRAINED SPOTTER0100 PM     HEAVY SNOW       WATERTOWN               44.91N 97.17W04/25/2008  M6.0 INCH        CODINGTON          SD   EMERGENCY MNGR            HEAVY SNOW AT WATERTOWN WITH NEAR ZERO VISIBILITY.            INTERSTATE-29 BLOCKED AT MILE MARKER 161 AND 162. TRAFFIC            AT A STANDSTILL.0100 PM     HEAVY SNOW       CLARK                   44.88N 97.73W04/25/2008  M4.0 INCH        CLARK              SD   LAW ENFORCEMENT            HEAVY SNOW WITH LESS THAN A QUARTER MILE VISIBILITY.0143 PM     HEAVY SNOW       HAYTI                   44.66N 97.20W04/25/2008  M4.0 INCH        HAMLIN             SD   EMERGENCY MNGR            EMERGENCY MANAGER REPORTS ZERO VISIBILITY IN HEAVY SNOW            IN HAYTI AND ACROSS MUCH OF HAMLIN COUNTY. NO TRAVEL            RECOMMENDED IN HAMLIN COUNTY.0200 PM     HEAVY SNOW       WATERTOWN               44.91N 97.17W04/25/2008  M8.0 INCH        CODINGTON          SD   PUBLIC            EIGHT INCHES OF HEAVY SNOW REPORTED AT LAKE KAMPESKA.0215 PM     HEAVY SNOW       CLEAR LAKE              44.77N 96.68W04/25/2008  M5.0 INCH        DEUEL              SD   CO-OP OBSERVER            HEAVY SNOW FALLING IN CLEAR LAKE WITH 5 INCHES ON THE            GROUND.0216 PM     HEAVY SNOW       MILBANK                 45.22N 96.63W04/25/2008  E4.0 INCH        GRANT              SD   LAW ENFORCEMENT            HEAVY SNOW FALLING IN MILBANK WITH LOW VISIBILITY.0217 PM     SNOW             REDFIELD                44.87N 98.52W04/25/2008  E4.0 INCH        SPINK              SD   EMERGENCY MNGR0230 PM     SNOW             NNE WEBSTER             45.34N 97.52W04/25/2008  E4.0 INCH        DAY                SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0233 PM     SNOW             BRITTON                 45.79N 97.75W04/25/2008  M2.0 INCH        MARSHALL           SD   TRAINED SPOTTER0235 PM     SNOW             WILMOT                  45.41N 96.86W04/25/2008  M4.0 INCH        ROBERTS            SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0238 PM     HEAVY SNOW       SUMMIT                  45.30N 97.04W04/25/2008  M8.0 INCH        ROBERTS            SD   PUBLIC0240 PM     SNOW             ROY LAKE STATE PARK     45.71N 97.43W04/25/2008  M2.0 INCH        MARSHALL           SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0240 PM     SNOW             4 NNE VICTOR            45.92N 96.80W04/25/2008  M2.0 INCH        ROBERTS            SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0245 PM     SNOW             ARTICHOKE               45.40N 96.16W04/25/2008  M3.0 INCH        BIG STONE          MN   CO-OP OBSERVER0255 PM     HEAVY SNOW       7 SE WEBSTER            45.27N 97.40W04/25/2008  M8.0 INCH        DAY                SD   TRAINED SPOTTER            VISIBILITY 150 FEET IN HEAVY SNOW.0327 PM     HEAVY SNOW       HAYTI                   44.66N 97.20W04/25/2008  E7.0 INCH        HAMLIN             SD   EMERGENCY MNGR            VISIBILITY LESS THAN 400 FEET0339 PM     HEAVY SNOW       SISSETON                45.66N 97.05W04/25/2008  E4.0 INCH        ROBERTS            SD   EMERGENCY MNGR            VISIBILITY NEAR ZERO AT TIMES0350 PM     HEAVY SNOW       DOLAND                  44.89N 98.10W04/25/2008  E3.0 INCH        SPINK              SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0420 PM     SNOW             BLUNT                   44.52N 99.99W04/25/2008  E2.0 INCH        HUGHES             SD   CO-OP OBSERVER            MAXIMUM SNOWFALL 2 INCHES, BUT MOST HAS MELTED ALREADY.0425 PM     SNOW             HIGHMORE              &nbs

Snow continues to fall west and north of Sioux Falls.  Several reports of 8-10" have been received near White Lake and Corsica.  Even Lake Andes is reporting between 6-8".  We have more analysis on the storm in the previous blog and a direct link to the latest warnings and advisories.  At this time as of 1pm,  Watertown is now in a winter storm warning where travel is not advised.Here are some pictures we have received so far from our viewers.Planting the garden before the storm in Watertown.Now…it’s a little white.   Now, 6" and counting in Watertown…more than in this picture.  Stay tuned for more through the day.BK

In KELOLAND…the weather can do just about anything it wants.  And unfortunately, winter has returned for the day in many areas.  Rain is changing to snow as of 8am with heavy snow being reported in northern Nebraska.  Visibilities are dropping in the heavy snow area below 1/4 mile.  The big issue today is how much of the falling snow will accumulate?  The wind will be blowing in colder air through the day at speeds of 15-30 mph.  An area of low pressure in Iowa will continue to move to our east today.  Colder air will continue to move in behind the system with the sleet and freezing rain changing to snow.  The heaviest accumuation will be in the southeast.  Winter weather advisories have been posted for the combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain.  It appears the heaviest accumuation will be just  north and west of Sioux Falls.  Some locations may get around 6".  Strong northwest winds of 15-30 mph will also blow some of the snow in the rural areas.As always, stay tuned to KELOLAND TV through the day.  Feel free to comment about the weather in your area in the comments section below.-Brian Karstens

I thought I would share a couple of photos with you folks who check the blog… the first photo is one that we had sent to us yesterday, it is from the Canby, MN which is just across the South Dakota border into Minnesota.  This is one of the areas where we saw some of the heaviest snowfall… they were sent to us by J.D. who estimates that they had about 16 inches of snow.  The heavy snow took out a few trees in his yard as well.Now onto the next group of pictures which were sent to us today by Carissa.  They were taken in the Rapid City area where they actually had thunderstorms today.  The photos are of some pretty significant hail.  You can see from that picture that it was really coming down.  Looking at the temperature profiles for when the storms moved through there could have been some snow mixed in with the rain and hail!  The thunderstorms were actually fairly weak, the reason they produced hail was because we had so much cold air close to the surface.  So I guess we shouldn’t be too surprised being that we live in the Midwest where it seems almost ANYTHING can happen weather wise.  Though it certainly was an interesting day (Saturday) with lingering snow falling in eastern South Dakota while thunderstorms with hail fired up in western South Dakota.  Thankfully, it appears we will leave winter in the dust this week with temperatures soaring into the 70s statewide.  The week also looks quiet with no serious storm systems on the horizon!

As of the morning hours on Friday snow continues to fall in a large part of KELOLAND.  Our winds will also continue to be a major problem through a large portion of the area throughout the day today.  The snow is heaviest right now through the James River Valley from Redfield south through MIller and into Chamberlain then east into Watertown and then south down to Mitchell.  This is also where the Blizzard Warning will continue into the afternoon and evening hours.  The winds throughout the area will also remain very gusty up to 45 miles per hour over the span of the day today.  As far as advisories go we still do have a Blizzard Warning in effect through the evening hours for much of east central South Dakota as you can see by the white shaded counties.  We also have a few Winter Storm Warnings in Red and a Blowing snow advisory in pink.Here are a few of the snow totals from todays event… of course with the snow continuing to come down in many areas we will continue to see snow pile up through the evening hours tonight although as a general rule the snow should be dimininishing… if you have any snow totals you would like to add feel free to do so in the comments section.  Also keep in mind that because of the blowing and drifting of the snow and the nature of this particular storm we will have some extremely varied reports.  Thank you also for all of your pictures and snow reports through the day.0700 AM     HEAVY SNOW       1 W WATERTOWN           44.91N 97.19W04/11/2008  M10.0 INCH       CODINGTON          SD   CO-OP OBSERVER            WATERTOWN FIRE DEPT REPORTS 10 INCHES OF SNOW.0700 AM     HEAVY SNOW       3 W SISSETON            45.66N 97.11W04/11/2008  E6.0 INCH        ROBERTS            SD   TRAINED SPOTTER0938 AM     SNOW             LUVERNE                 43.65N 96.21W04/11/2008  M1.9 INCH        ROCK               MN   PUBLIC0850 AM     BLIZZARD         4 S GARDEN CITY         44.90N 97.58W04/11/2008                   CLARK              SD   TRAINED SPOTTER            WHITEOUT TO 1/2 MILE AT TIMES WITH 35 TO 40 MPH WINDS AND            4 TO 5 INCHES OF SNOW.0825 AM     BLIZZARD         4 NNW GANN VALLEY       44.09N 99.02W04/11/2008                   BUFFALO            SD   CO-OP OBSERVER            1/4 MILE VISIBILITY IN BLOWING SNOW. 5 INCH TOTAL            SNOWFALL.0800 AM     BLIZZARD         BROWNS VALLEY           45.59N 96.83W04/11/2008                   TRAVERSE           MN   CO-OP OBSERVER            WHITEOUT CONDITIONS AT TIMES DURING THE NIGHT. OBSERVER            COULD NOT SEE NEIGHBORS HOUSE ACROSS THE STREET AT TIMES            DURING THE NIGHT. SNOWFALL 6 INCHES.0800 AM     HEAVY SNOW       4 NNE VICTOR            45.92N 96.80W04/11/2008  M10.5 INCH       ROBERTS            SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0921 AM     SNOW             HUMBOLDT                43.65N 97.07W04/11/2008  E5.0 INCH        MINNEHAHA          SD   TRAINED SPOTTER0800 AM     HEAVY SNOW       ETHAN                   43.55N 97.98W04/11/2008  M8.0 INCH        DAVISON            SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0800 AM     HEAVY SNOW       BROOKINGS               44.31N 96.79W04/11/2008  M9.0 INCH        BROOKINGS          SD   TRAINED SPOTTER0748 AM     SNOW             7 SW RAPID CITY         44.00N 103.33W04/11/2008  M5.0 INCH        PENNINGTON         SD   NWS EMPLOYEE0800 AM     HEAVY SNOW       4 NW MILBANK            45.26N 96.69W04/11/2008  M10.0 INCH       GRANT              SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0800 AM     HEAVY SNOW       WHEATON                 45.81N 96.50W04/11/2008  M9.9 INCH        TRAVERSE           MN   CO-OP OBSERVER0800 AM     HEAVY SNOW       WILMOT                  45.41N 96.86W04/11/2008  M11.0 INCH       ROBERTS            SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0800 AM     HEAVY SNOW       CLEAR LAKE              44.77N 96.68W04/11/2008  M15.0 INCH       DEUEL              SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0800 AM     HEAVY SNOW       ROY LAKE STATE PARK     45.71N 97.43W04/11/2008  M8.0 INCH        MARSHALL           SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0649 AM     HEAVY SNOW       2 NE DEADWOOD           44.40N 103.70W04/11/2008  M8.6 INCH        LAWRENCE           SD   NWS EMPLOYEE            PRECIPITATION 1.51 INCHES0600 AM     SNOW             SIOUX FALLS             43.54N 96.73W04/11/2008  M2.8 INCH        MINNEHAHA          SD   OFFICIAL NWS OBS            AT AIRPORT

The storm that we have been talking about for a few days is here…and will likely be a memorable one for many areas for the month of April.  The graphic below lists the current warnings and advisories in effect for KELOLAND.As you can see, many areas of eastern and central KELOLAND are included in a blizzard warning.  Strong north-northeast winds will play a major role in this storm and heavy blowing and drifting snow will occur in these areas.  Other warnings and advisories are in effect for many spots east and west.  This map will be updated through the storm.You can see how large this storm is.  Areas of severe weather and heavy rain have been moving through Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas.  On the back side of the system, snow has been falling much of day in western Nebraska into Colorado.By this evening, a band of heavy snow should develop behind this area of low pressure across much of central SD into Nebraska.  Areas near Sioux Falls and the southeast will have rain changing to snow.  That exact change-over will be critical to the snowfall forecast.Lingering snow will continue behind the low tomorrow with a gusty north wind at 20-35mph.  Areas of blowing and drifting snow may continue…so travelers will want to monitor the latest conditions.Here’s a closer look at Futurescan.  At 5pm, snow will be likely in much of northern Nebraska with a rain/snow mix farther east.  Sioux Falls will likely see more rain than snow through the late afternoon.By 9pm, a rapid transition to heavy snow will happen west and north of Sioux Falls where conditions will worsen quickly.  Again, the rain/snow line will be very close to Sioux Falls as warm air tries to wrap around the center of low pressure in Iowa through the evening.  This is the most difficult part of the forecast and is one reason why we are forecasting the heaviest snow north and west of Sioux Falls.  By early morning, heavy snow will continue in many areas.  Mitchell, Huron, Brookings, Watertown, and Marshall could see amounts of 6-12".Lighter snow will continue into Friday afternoon with strong north winds.  This snow will affect the remaining parts of Iowa and Minnesota that miss the first heavy band of snow.Our snowfall forecast above will be subject to some change during the day.  Keep in mind the soon we transition from rain to snow, the higher the snowfall totals will be.  Sioux Falls is close to rain/snow line, so I would urge you to check back through the day as we gather new information.  I may post a few thoughts in the comments section below as well as I see things change a bit.  Please be prepared for severe winter weather with this storm and prepare to stay home tomorrow north and west of Sioux Falls especially.  Aberdeen and Pierre are in this too…but Mobridge and north should escape the heaviest snow.  Obviously, the Black Hills will see heavier snow with over 8" possible.  Stay tuned for the latest on the forecast through the day.-Brian Karstens

Well…just we thought we could put all the snow equipment away for the season, another snowstorm appears to be coming together for many areas of KELOLAND.  As of Wednesday AM, a winter storm watch has been posted for many areas of KELOLAND.  I expect some of these areas to be upgraded to a winter storm warning either later today or early tomorrow.One of the factors behind this system is the jet stream.  This is a classic storm with a trough of low pressure moving in from the desert southwest.  This systems typically intensify on the eastern slopes of the Rockies and that’s exactly what we are forcasting in this case.  The question then becomes…where will the track be?Overnight, 2 of the 3 computer models I watch for medium to long-range forecasting are in agreement that the low track will be from Oklahoma and southern Kansas into Iowa through Friday night.  The other (the Canadian model) still indicates a track farther to the west.  This is also a warmer solution and gives Sioux Falls mostly rain with only lighter accumation.  This is due to a stronger storm that wraps up warmer (and drier) air into it.  The slightly weaker solutions actually give the southeast more snow.  Either way,  it’s still a major storm.  Aberdeen gets snow with all 3 tracks…as will Pierre, Chamberlain, and Rapid City.  We’ll know more later today, but here is tenative outline of the most likely storm track.Areas of rain changing to snow are likely in western SD Thursday as the low develops to our south.  Showers are possible farther to the east with a blustery northeast wind of 15-25 mph.The system begins to wrap up Thursday evening with areas of heavy snow developing to the west.  Wind will turn more to the north and northeast as the low gets stronger to our south.  Again, the track of the low is still subject to some slight change.Lingering snow continues on Friday with blustery north winds up to 30-40mph.  Blowing and drifting snow is likely.  Again stay tuned through the day and we will update this blog with latest on the storm track.-Brian Karstens

Here are a few more snow totals from today’s impressive snowfall.  Hard to believe that here we are on April 6th when our normal high should be in the mid 50s and we are getting snow totals up to 15 inches.  This was one of the more challenging forecasts of the year because it happened in such a small area and because it was SO warm yesterday.  It seems as if even the data we look at didn’t want to believe that this kind of snow was possible in April, and as a result it didn’t really latch on to the heavy snowfall until it was actually happening.  As we all know South Dakota weather can certainly throw a few curve balls, and this was definitely one of them.    If we try to find a  few positives on the situation,  some school kids will be getting an extra day added on to their weekend and of course we will need all the moisture we can get heading into the summer months.  Unfortuntely, we also know of the struggles ranchers are going through with it being calving season and of course if you had any plans that involved travel today that was a bit of a challenge.  Either way the snow will come to an end late tonight and most of this snow should be gone by the end of the week.  Hopefully by then we can turn the corner and head into what all want, SPRING!!!..TIME…   …EVENT…      …CITY LOCATION…     …LAT.LON…..DATE…   ….MAG….      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. …SOURCE….            ..REMARKS..0229 PM     SNOW             1 NW FAULKTON           45.04N 99.14W04/06/2008  M4.5 INCH        FAULK              SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0229 PM     HEAVY SNOW       13 W GETTYSBURG         45.01N 100.22W04/06/2008  E6.5 INCH        POTTER             SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0235 PM     HEAVY SNOW       BOWDLE                  45.45N 99.66W04/06/2008  M10.0 INCH       EDMUNDS            SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0235 PM     HEAVY SNOW       2 N ONAKA               45.22N 99.46W04/06/2008  M6.3 INCH        FAULK              SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0240 PM     HEAVY SNOW       SELBY                   45.50N 100.03W04/06/2008  E14.0 INCH       WALWORTH           SD   PUBLIC0245 PM     HEAVY SNOW       3 NW MISSION RIDGE      44.72N 100.83W04/06/2008  M6.0 INCH        STANLEY            SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0245 PM     SNOW             MCLAUGHLIN              45.81N 100.81W04/06/2008  E3.0 INCH        CORSON             SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0250 PM     HEAVY SNOW       MOBRIDGE                45.54N 100.44W04/06/2008  E10.0 INCH       WALWORTH           SD   LAW ENFORCEMENT0305 PM     HEAVY SNOW       ROSCOE                  45.45N 99.33W04/06/2008  M7.0 INCH        EDMUNDS            SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0307 PM     SNOW             23 N HIGHMORE           44.85N 99.44W04/06/2008  E0.5 INCH        HYDE               SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0307 PM     SNOW             IPSWICH                 45.44N 99.03W04/06/2008  E4.0 INCH        EDMUNDS            SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0320 PM     HEAVY SNOW       BOWDLE                  45.45N 99.66W04/06/2008  M15.0 INCH       EDMUNDS            SD   CO-OP OBSERVER            UPDATE TO EARLIER REPORT0331 PM     SNOW             ORIENT                  44.90N 99.09W04/06/2008  E4.0 INCH        FAULK              SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0335 PM     SNOW             REDFIELD                44.87N 98.52W04/06/2008  E2.5 INCH        SPINK              SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0340 PM     SNOW             4 W MELLETTE            45.15N 98.58W04/06/2008  E4.0 INCH        SPINK              SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0422 PM     SNOW             1 N AGAR                44.85N 100.07W04/06/2008  E4.0 INCH        SULLY              SD   PUBLIC0430 PM     HEAVY SNOW       6 E HAYES               44.37N 100.90W04/06/2008  E10.0 INCH       STANLEY            SD   TRAINED SPOTTER0441 PM     HEAVY SNOW       2 N HOVEN               45.27N 99.78W04/06/2008  E11.0 INCH       WALWORTH           SD   PUBLIC0602 PM     HEAVY SNOW       NORTHVILLE              45.15N 98.58W04/06/2008  M5.5 INCH        SPINK              SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0712 PM     HEAVY SNOW       11 E HOSMER             45.58N 99.25W04/06/2008  M10.5 INCH       EDMUNDS            SD   PUBLIC            REACHED 6 INCHES AT 10AM CDT.0735 PM     SNOW             POLLOCK                 45.90N 100.29W04/06/2008  E2.4 INCH        CAMPBELL           SD   CO-OP OBSERVER0826 PM     SNOW             2 NE ZELL               44.91N 98.70W04/06/2008  E6.0 INCH        SPINK              SD   PUBLIC