The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) has officially opened submissions for its sixth annual “Name the Snowplow” contest, inviting residents, classrooms, and organizations statewide — including in Davison County.
In Mitchell, SD, expect sunshine and mild temperatures through midweek, with breezy and cooler conditions developing by Friday as clouds increase and rain chances return.
With colder weather settling in, Mitchell city crews and the South Dakota Department of Transportation are preparing roads for winter conditions across Davison County. Drivers can expect routine snowplow operations, sand placement at major intersections, and continued traffic signal adjustments at several Mitchell intersections.
Families in Mitchell can expect a chilly, windy Halloween night on Friday, Oct. 31, with temperatures dropping into the upper 20s and gusty northwest winds. The National Weather Service forecasts mostly cloudy skies and advises dressing warmly for evening trick-or-treating.
The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes touched down in South Dakota on Sunday. The stronger twister southeast of Mobridge damaged a grain silo, tipped a semi trailer, and destroyed a farm outbuilding near Highway 12.
South Dakota’s state climatologist says changing weather patterns are increasing the likelihood of extreme weather events across the region. Laura Edwards, with South Dakota State University Extension, explains that rising temperatures allow the atmosphere to hold more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall and stronger winds.
Canadian wildfire smoke drifted into South Dakota over the weekend, prompting an air quality alert from the Department of Health and Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
The National Weather Service has confirmed that multiple tornadoes touched down during last Monday’s severe storms. An EF-1 tornado near Dixon damaged buildings and power poles, while a more intense EF-2 tornado near Bonesteel destroyed a home and several outbuildings.
Mitchell, South Dakota, faced strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding Tuesday night as a severe storm moved through the region. Crews and law enforcement assessed storm damage, while Northwestern Energy addressed downed power lines.
Wildfire smoke from Canada has triggered a statewide air quality alert in South Dakota, with health and agriculture officials warning of low visibility and elevated pollution levels. The alert began Saturday and may continue through the week, depending on conditions.