High Wind Warning Issued for Central South Dakota Counties Through Wednesday Noon

Alert Details

The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Aberdeen, SD, has issued a High Wind Warning for several counties in central South Dakota. The alert was issued early Wednesday morning as hazardous wind conditions developed across the region.

Affected Areas

The warning impacts the following South Dakota counties:

• Buffalo
• Hand
• Hughes
• Hyde
• Jones
• Lyman
• Stanley
• Sully
• Dewey
• Potter

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the warning area are urged to take the following precautions:

• Secure loose outdoor objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind.
• Use extra caution if driving, especially for those operating high-profile vehicles, as travel could be difficult.
• Be prepared for potential power outages and property damage caused by flying debris.

Expected Conditions

According to the NWS, the region will experience sustained west winds ranging from 30 to 40 mph. Peak wind gusts are expected to reach up to 55 mph. These conditions are capable of moving loose debris and damaging property.

Timeline

The High Wind Warning is currently in effect and is scheduled to expire at 12:00 PM CST (11:00 AM MST) today, February 18, 2026.