MITCHELL, S.D. (Mitchell Now) — As temperatures drop across Davison County, local and state officials are urging drivers to prepare their vehicles and adjust driving habits before the first major snow arrives.
The City of Mitchell’s Street Department and the South Dakota Department of Transportation have begun seasonal preparations, including readying plow routes, stockpiling sand and salt, and checking snow emergency signage. Crews are also completing minor shoulder work along Highway 37 south of Mitchell before the onset of winter conditions.
City officials remind residents to review snow emergency parking zones, especially in downtown Mitchell and near Burr Street, where vehicles may be towed during active snow removal.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol recommends residents take extra precautions to winterize their vehicles before the first snow. That includes:
- Checking tire tread and pressure to ensure proper traction on icy roads.
- Inspecting batteries and charging systems, since cold weather can reduce battery power.
- Refilling windshield washer fluid with a winter-grade solution and checking wiper blades.
- Maintaining at least a half tank of gas to prevent fuel line freeze-up.
- Packing an emergency kit with blankets, food, water, jumper cables, and a small shovel.
Drivers are advised to slow down, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns on icy roads. The Davison County Sheriff’s Office will post travel advisories and snow alert updates on its official Facebook page throughout the winter.
Residents can find detailed snow route maps, service notices, and citywide updates on the City of Mitchell’s website, and the South Dakota DOT’s updates page for current roadway conditions.
WEATHER UPDATES: To get the latest, day-by-day weather updates, visit Mitchell Now’s weather forecast.