The South Dakota Department of Transportation has closed a 74-mile stretch of Interstate 29 due to heavy snow and high winds that are causing treacherous driving conditions.
As of 10:00 a.m., on Monday, January 22nd, the highway was closed between Tea, South Dakota, (Exit 73) to the Iowa Border, in both directions.
Heavy snow, white-out conditions, and wind gusts up to 60 miles-per-hour have been recorded in the area.
“Numerous jackknifed and stuck vehicles, heavy snow and strong winds are making travel through the corridor impossible,” a South Dakota DOT press release read.
“We understand people want to be on the roads and about their business, but we ask for patience while the storm moves through this area of the state,” said Southa Dakota DOT’s Greg Fuller. “Traveling in these hazardous conditions puts your life and the lives of first responders in danger,” he added.
INTERSTATE CLOSURE: I29 both north and southbound lanes are closed from North Sioux City, SD to Sioux Falls, SD.
There is a TOW BAN in place for much of northwest Iowa, including Woodbury County.
Please DO NOT travel unless it’s an EMERGENCY!
— Woodbury County EMA (@Woodbury_Co_EMA) January 22, 2018
Here is the view a Trooper had near the #VermillionSD exit on I29. #keepSDsafe #winterstormwarning #WinterStorm pic.twitter.com/Y4FJyWqRhO
— SD Highway Patrol (@SDHighwayPatrol) January 22, 2018
As of 4:14 p.m., the 70+ mile stretch of Interstate 29 was still closed. The state is asking motorists to shut down and postpone travel until Tuesday, January 23rd.
You can keep up-to-date with the latest road closures using South Dakota DOT’s interactive travel map.