National Weather ServiceSouth DakotaWinter Storm WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Warnings in South Dakota
The National Weather Service issued 11 winter storm warnings for South Dakota in 2025 and 19 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 22nd most of any state. 2026 through September: 4, 69% below the average of 13 for those months in 2008-2025. Northern Black Hills was covered most often (123 times since 2008).
How many winter storm warnings does South Dakota get?
Every winter storm warning that covered part of South Dakota. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 4 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2023 | 26 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2020 | 22 |
| 2019 | 34 |
| 2018 | 29 |
| 2017 | 14 |
| 2016 | 14 |
| 2015 | 17 |
| 2014 | 19 |
| 2013 | 26 |
| 2012 | 9 |
| 2011 | 20 |
| 2010 | 21 |
| 2009 | 25 |
| 2008 | 16 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Black Hills | 123 | 16 | April 3, 2026 |
| Central Black Hills | 88 | 8 | March 6, 2025 |
| Southern Black Hills | 68 | 6 | March 6, 2025 |
| Northern Foot Hills | 65 | 4 | April 4, 2023 |
| Deuel | 60 | 9 | March 14, 2026 |
| Grant | 60 | 10 | March 14, 2026 |
| Marshall | 59 | 7 | April 3, 2026 |
| Roberts | 59 | 9 | April 3, 2026 |
| Clark | 55 | 5 | March 14, 2026 |
| Codington | 55 | 6 | March 14, 2026 |
| Hamlin | 55 | 6 | March 14, 2026 |
| Sturgis/Piedmont Foot Hills | 53 | 4 | April 4, 2023 |
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 winter storm warning?
A winter storm warning means significant snow, sleet or freezing rain is expected that will make travel very difficult or impossible. Each office sets the amounts for its area. 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.