BROOKINGS Deep down, you knew we were overdue.
Nearly two weeks of near-spring temperatures gave way to a genuine winter storm on Wednesday, with snow socking in much of Brookings County and cancelling school in the city.
The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls predicted anywhere from 4 to 7 inches of snow before it was all done, thanks in part to the temperatures in the 30s when the storm began.
Total snow accumulations were difficult to forecast as the storm made its way quickly across eastern South Dakota, and began as rain on the southern edge of the cell near Sioux Falls.
Brookings schools dismissed at 12:15 p.m.
Brookings Public Works Director John Thompson issued a statement about the city response late Wednesday afternoon: As of 3 p.m. Wednesday, the winter storm is expected to lose some of its punch. While we still expect intermittent heavy snowfall into this evening, we do not expect significant snow accumulation. As of 3:30 this afternoon, city crews had completed sanding major roadways and will continue to monitor them until after the evening commute. We plan to dispatch crews at 4 a.m. Thursday to sand and prepare emergency routes, major roadways and bridges for traffic, as needed. After that, crews will work to clean up any trouble spots throughout Thursday.
Though the snow will be a hassle, it will provide some much-needed moisture for the region, which was still bordering on drought status according to National Weather Service meteorologist Samantha Trellinger, who spoke with the Register at the beginning of the month.
Linehan is the Registers managing editor and welcomes comments at [email protected].
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