Three Weather Alerts Issued for Parts of South Dakota for Hazardous Weather Conditions, High Risks of Fire Weather, Dangerous Winds 

As hazardous weather conditions move in, including high risks of fire weather and dangerous winds, the NWS issues three weather alerts over portions of South Dakota.

Over the next few days, a potent cold front will move through the Central US and into the East. Strong to severe thunderstorms will be produced by this front today from the Upper Mississippi Valley through the central Plains, and the northern and central Plains will experience elevated to critical fire weather conditions.

In parts of South Dakota, however, three weather alerts are in effect for hazardous weather conditions.

Hazardous Weather Outlook

Strong northwest winds will advance this afternoon across parts of north central South Dakota on Day One of the alert, today and tonight.

This afternoon, there will be heightened fire danger conditions due to strong northwest winds and falling relative humidity levels.

On Day Two, Wednesday, Much of north central and central South Dakota could experience stronger northwest winds. On Wednesday, conditions with severe fire danger are possible throughout central and northern South Dakota.

Fire Weather Watch

On Oct 11, Tuesday at 10:14 AM, NWS Aberdeen South Dakota issued an urgent fire weather message.

Areas affected include Corson, Campbell, McPherson, Walworth, Brown, Edmunds, Dewey, Hughes, Potter, Faulk, Spink, Stanley, Sully, Lyman, Hyde, Hand, Jones, and Buffalo.

The wind is blowing out of the northwest at 25 to 35 mph strong gusts are as high as 50 mph. On Wednesday, the relative humidity will drop as low as 28%.

Over parts of north-central and central South Dakota, there may be hazardous fire weather conditions due to the interaction of low humidity, gusty and strong winds, and cured fine fuels.

Critical fire weather conditions are anticipated when there is a fire weather watch. Residents are advised to tune in for future forecasts and potential Red Flag Warnings.

At 12:46 PM NWS Sioux Falls, South Dakota has upgraded their Fire Weather Watch to a Red Flag Warning.

Read also: Forecasts Warn Rain and Severe Thunderstorms to Threaten Midwest, East Coast

High Wind Watch

The other urgent alert from National Weather Service Aberdeen, South Dakota is a High Wind Watch issued on October 11 at 10:13 AM.

Areas affected include Campbell, Walworth, Potter, Stanley, Sully, Hughes, Jones, and Lyman. The alert is also in effect in cities including Herreid, Mobridge, Onida, Gettysburg, Fort Pierre, Pierre, Kennebec, and Murdo.

Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday night, the High Wind Watch alert is still in effect. It's possible to experience northwest winds of 25 to 30 mph with gusts as high as 60 mph in Campbell, Walworth, Potter, Sully, Stanley, Hughes, Lyman, and Jones Counties.

High winds have the potential to move loose debris, harm property, and disrupt power. Traveling could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

Locals are advised to follow the most recent forecasts and warnings for updates on this situation. Additionally, experts advise that you secure loose items or shelter them in a secure area before strong winds arrive.