National Weather ServiceSouth DakotaBlizzard WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Blizzard Warnings in South Dakota
The National Weather Service issued 7 blizzard warnings for South Dakota in 2025 and 9 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 4th most of any state. 2026 through September: 5, 13% below the average of 6 for those months in 2008-2025. Day was covered most often (61 times since 2008).
How many blizzard warnings does South Dakota get?
Every blizzard warning that covered part of South Dakota. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 5 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2019 | 16 |
| 2018 | 12 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2014 | 14 |
| 2013 | 9 |
| 2012 | 4 |
| 2011 | 5 |
| 2010 | 9 |
| 2009 | 14 |
| 2008 | 12 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does South Dakota get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in South Dakota?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day | 61 | 9 | March 15, 2026 |
| Marshall | 61 | 9 | March 15, 2026 |
| Roberts | 61 | 10 | March 15, 2026 |
| Grant | 58 | 9 | March 15, 2026 |
| Deuel | 52 | 5 | March 15, 2026 |
| Codington | 51 | 5 | March 15, 2026 |
| Hamlin | 50 | 5 | March 15, 2026 |
| Clark | 49 | 6 | March 15, 2026 |
| Spink | 43 | 5 | March 15, 2026 |
| Brown | 42 | 6 | March 15, 2026 |
| Brookings | 39 | 6 | March 15, 2026 |
| Edmunds | 37 | 6 | March 15, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a blizzard warning?
A blizzard warning means sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or more with falling or blowing snow that cuts visibility below a quarter mile, for three hours or more. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. The national record · Every warning type in South Dakota.