Sioux Falls saw its first few snowfalls during the week of the Thanksgiving holiday and also saw some icy roads.
The city saw 189 accidents over the Thanksgiving holiday, Sioux Falls Police Department spokesman Sam Clemens said Monday in the police briefing for the media. This number includes six accidents that occurred Monday morning before the police briefing.
Sioux Falls saw its first snowfall of the year on Wednesday, with just over half an inch of snow accumulating, according to the National Weather Service.
While the city experienced intermittent heavy snow showers throughout the weekend, another snowfall of more than an inch hit the city Sunday evening, according to the National Weather Service.
More: Most roads in southeastern SD are partially covered in snow, NWS reports
On Wednesday, the majority of holiday crashes occurred in Sioux Falls, with 97. The afternoon snowfall left roads icy, even in areas with small amounts of snowfall, the National Weather Service said.
Saturday saw the lowest number of accidents of the weekend, a total of 18.
In 2023, there were a total of 328 crashes over the Thanksgiving holiday in the state of South Dakota, according to a 2023 report from the Department of Public Safety, the Office of Highway Safety/Accident Records and Governor Kristi Noem. The 2024 statistics have yet to be released.
Here’s a look at how many accidents were reported to the Sioux Falls Police Department per day over the holiday weekend:
Wednesday: 97 crashes
Thursday: 19 crashes
Friday: 30 crashes
Saturday: 18 crashes
Sunday: 19 crashes
Monday morning: 6 crashes
More: SD will likely experience below-average temperatures this winter, NWS says. Here’s how to prepare
According to the National Weather Service, snow can cause driving hazards such as snow-covered roads, poor visibility and icy bridges and overpasses. The NWS urges motorists to drive carefully and take extra time on the road.
Additionally, drivers can prepare their car for the winter months by checking engine and fluid levels, testing the car battery, using defrost fluid, switching to synthetic oil, inspecting tire tread, installing winter tires and to test headlights and taillights, according to a checklist on the National Weather Service website.
The NWS also encourages motorists to carry a “winter car survival kit,” which may include a flashlight, first aid kit, snow shovel, ice scraper, blankets, non-perishable food, bottled water, jumper cables, extra clothing, sand or a cat. litter and a bright object such as a flare or a triangle, according to the same checklist.
According to the NWS, Sioux Falls may not see more snowfall anytime soon. There is a chance of showers on Wednesday.
This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Snow and icy roads during Thanksgiving week led to nearly 200 accidents
