Dakota Weather, Inc.

08/21/2024

It's Weather-Ready Wednesday, this week we are talking about...
Lightning Safety
Lightning strikes the U.S. 25 million times a year, which sometimes results in death or permanent injury. On average, 20+ people are killed, and hundreds more are injured each year - often in devastating and permanent ways. Thunderstorms produce deadly lightning capable of striking up to 10 miles away from the storm — so, even if you don't see rain, you could be in harm’s way.

Remember these simple messages: “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!” & “See a flash, dash inside!”

08/07/2024

This week's weather Wednesday topic is: Extreme Wind

Did you know that nearly 50% of all severe weather reports are from damaging wind? Winds are considered severe when they reach 58 mph, with the strongest of thunderstorms capable of producing wind speeds in excess of 100 mph. Strong winds can knock over semi-trucks, trees, powerlines, and mobile homes, and are capable of producing damage paths hundreds of miles long.

During high winds, you are safest indoors. Immediately go inside a sturdy building and move to an interior room or basement away from windows. If you are in a mobile home, move to a sturdy building before the winds pick up or the storm system reaches your location.

07/24/2024

Its weather Wednesday, this week we will be discussing

Understanding Severe Thunderstorm Outlook Categories

Do you know the risk categories for severe weather? How about the difference between a Watch vs. a Warning? Let’s explore each a little deeper:

Outlooks: Issued up to several days in advance of severe weather for a broad region on a scale of 1 to 5 (1-Marginal, 2-Slight, 3-Enhanced, 4-Moderate, 5-High). These outlooks highlight and categorize the areas of risk for severe weather.

Watch: A watch means Be Prepared. Stay informed and be ready to act, because conditions are favorable for severe weather but not imminent. Typically, issued hours before severe weather and for a large area. Watches come in the form of either a severe thunderstorm watch, or a tornado watch.

Warning: A warning means take action! Take shelter in a strong building, because severe weather is occurring or is imminent. Warnings are typically issued minutes before severe weather and for a smaller area. Warnings are issued separately for severe thunderstorms, and for tornadoes.

07/03/2024

This week's topic for weather Wednesday is asking the question are you Weather-Ready for Nature?

Summer brings ample opportunities to spend time outdoors, which may involve breaking out the tent and hitting the campsite. While spending time outdoors is great, this also comes with increased exposure to potentially dangerous weather hazards such as flash flooding, lightning, and excessive heat. Before you and the family head to the campgrounds, identify which hazards you may be at risk for during your trip by checking the latest forecast information and how you can mitigate those risks.

06/21/2024

06/21/2024

Please stay off the roads if you see water on them. Please keep yourself and our first responders safe.

06/05/2024

This weeks Weather Wednesday topic is
Extreme Heat Planning

Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths most years. Warm temperatures can quickly rise to dangerous levels - especially in the summer months and in parked cars. Children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses are especially vulnerable to heat exposure.

Children should NEVER be left in a car, no matter the time of year. Vehicular heatstroke has occurred when outside temperatures are below 70 degrees F - sunlight can cause the inside of a car to heat up VERY quickly. In addition, ensure that your loved ones and neighbors are safe from the heat when conditions warrant, especially if they don’t have air conditioning.

Don’t wait until the heat arrives to begin protecting yourself. If the forecast calls for extreme heat, begin preparing NOW. Stay Weather-Ready.

05/10/2024

Today we are going to talk about Tornado Safety, do you know what to do or where to go?

Your NOAA Weather Radio or phone go off for a tornado warning, do you know what to do? For many who have lived here for a while, you may know where your designated tornado shelter is at home, work, school, etc. Others may need a refresher on what constitutes a good tornado shelter. To keep it simple, find an interior room on the lowest level of the building with no windows or outside walls.

04/05/2024

A wound up storm system is forecast to develop across much of the region Friday through Monday, with the strongest winds occurring Saturday afternoon and evening. There is potential for wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph, out of the southeast, to impact locations ahead of incoming showers and thunderstorms by evening. Strong southeast to east winds gusting at 30 to 45 mph will continue through Sunday afternoon, before gradually decreasing and turning northeast to north Sunday evening through early Monday morning.

04/04/2024

Stronger winds are slated to return on Saturday which will bring not only an increase in fire danger, but also hazardous crosswinds for driving and potential for some tree damage. Some of the strongest winds (50+ mph gusts) could occur in conjunction with rainfall spreading into the area later Saturday.

02/07/2024

Rain with a Temperature Near Freezing

Rain may seem like less of a winter driving hazard than snow, but when temperatures are near freezing, that is not the case. Ice can form quickly and make roads slick. In these conditions, slow down, don’t use cruise control, and keep plenty of distance between you and other vehicles. Don’t let this winter hazard sneak up on you!
Safety Tips:

Slow down

Do not use cruise control

Leave plenty of distance between you and other vehicles

01/24/2024

This week's weather topic is:
Driving in Dense Fog

Driving in fog can be dangerous. In patchy fog, fog can lower visibility quickly and unexpectedly, especially if you are driving fast. Dense fog reduces visibility to a quarter mile or less, which could result in motor vehicle accidents.

When fog reduces your visibility while driving:

Use your low-beam headlights

Do not change lanes or pass others unless necessary

Leave plenty of distance between you and other vehicles

Most of all, SLOW DOWN!

01/08/2024

With snow in the forecast, remember to think of the first responders as you do snow removal. If you have a fire hydrant on your property, clean 3 feet around it.

01/07/2024

We are keeping an eye on the upcoming snow storm. Keep an on and local trusted news outlets for the least forecast.

12/20/2023

While we are well into the 2nd half of December, ice conditions on local bodies of water remain largely unsafe across the region due to our continued above normal temperatures.

“As ice continues to go through freeze-thaw cycles on area lakes, ponds, and rivers, many will be tempted to venture out on the ice when it forms. However, given our continued mild temperatures thus far, there is no such thing as safe ice!”

Cold facts about ice:

• You can’t judge ice by its appearance

• Ice formed over flowing water or springs is often dangerous

• Schools of rough fish or waterfowl can impact ice thickness

• As temperatures warm above freezing, ice conditions can quickly change!

How to be prepared:

• Follow the temperature, not the calendar date

• Ask locally about ice conditions and hazards

• Be prepared, have an ice safety kit!

• Know the life-saving actions before you step foot on ice

10/26/2023

It's that time of year again. Here are some winter weather terms you might be hearing.

10/11/2023

If you live in southeast Sioux Falls, please keep a lookout for Paris.She got away from her foster family on 10/09. If seen, call our friends Dakota Dachshund Rescue.

10/04/2023

Harvest Fire Danger

With fall weather comes windier conditions and drying vegetation. Follow these tips to prevent an uncontrolled fire:

Use caution with activities or equipment that may cause a spark

Do not carelessly discard cigarette butts

Avoid planned burning on increased fire danger days

Check harvest equipment and other machinery for components that may unexpectedly cause a fire

Also, be sure to know the different terminology and headlines revolving around fire weather.

Red Flag Warning: Critical fire weather conditions are occuring or will be shortly

Fire Weather Watch: Critical fire weather conditions are possible but are not currently occurring

The latest fire weather conditions and forecast can be found at our local Fire Weather Resource Page

03/30/2023

A message from NWS Sioux Falls:
Isolated severe storms with large hail are possible tonight. Take time to protect property from these mainly nighttime storms.
Wintry conditions will develop Friday and Friday night across the area. While exact snow amounts are still in question, the combination of very strong wind and snowfall will produce significant winter impacts. Icing may also cause some concerns north of I-90.
We are keeping an eye on things and might go out if storms do develop later today.

12/10/2022

We are keeping an eye on the next big winter storm impacting the area Mon-Thurs. Please plan ahead and check the forecast, and have a winter survival kit if you must travel check safetravelusa.com for the latest road reports.

10/19/2022

Now is the time to start getting things ready for winter here are some suggestions from US National Weather Service Sioux Falls South Dakota.