South Dakota Bracing for Sudden Snow Surprises

South Dakota is in for a weather rollercoaster. After a warm start to the week, things are about to get wild. A big shift is coming, with strong winds and possible snow squalls. These are short, intense bursts of snow that can cause whiteout conditions in a flash. The biggest risks will be from late Thursday night into Friday morning. Travel could get really tricky, especially in areas like Couteau des Prairies and north-central South Dakota. The National Weather Service says a blizzard is still possible if everything lines up just right. Even if it doesn't turn into a full-blown blizzard, snow squalls could still make driving dangerous. Temperatures are going to drop fast. After a mild Tuesday, things will get much colder by Thursday night. Rain is expected on Tuesday, but by late Thursday, snow chances go way up. Some places might see up to an inch of snow, especially in Couteau des Prairie.Snow squalls are different from regular snowstorms. They come on suddenly and don't last long, but they can cause big problems. The weather setup looks perfect for these squalls to form. Strong winds will make things even worse, with gusts up to 55 mph. This could lead to whiteout conditions and make travel extremely hazardous. The worst of the snow is expected late Thursday into early Friday. After that, things should start to calm down. But even into Friday afternoon, some light snow or blowing snow might stick around. The key is to stay alert and be ready for sudden changes. It's important to know the difference between a winter storm watch and a blizzard warning. A winter storm watch means bad weather is possible soon. A blizzard warning means there are already strong winds and low visibility. Staying informed and knowing what to expect can help keep everyone safe.