Winter as we know it may have gotten off to a slow start this season, no snow and above normal temperatures had us getting around pretty easily through the end of 2023.
January 8th however brought with it a reminder of where we live.
The first major winter storm of the 2023-24 winter season moved through on Monday and Tuesday last week, forcing the first official weather cancellation of school this calendar year along with countless other events and gatherings.
The National Weather Service reports that snow developed early on the 8th across the Tri-State area, with snowfall at a rate of 1-2 per hour. Accumulation was reported anywhere from 4 to 8 inches for most in the region by mid-morning.
The countys official weather spotter in Flandreau reported just 5.5 inches of official snowfall with others locally seeing a few inches more. Drifting, as it always does, created additional challenges for homeowners and drivers.
Another brief round of heavy snow fell midweek catching many off guard, including drivers along the interstate who found themselves in the median or off the road due to the slick conditions.
The start of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend saw temperatures dropping well below zero. The conditions made for an unbelievable show of light pillars on Friday light pillars form only in temperatures of -10 to -20 degrees when it is extremely calm and cold with no wind.
On Sunday, most churches in Moody County called off in person services due to the cold, wind and blowing snow.
More snow, extremely cold temperatures and high winds over the weekend had many staying bundled up at home due to the ground blizzard conditions it created.
Life-threatening wind chills for all in the region were set to follow throughout the week.
Winter Weather finally settles in
