Travel became nearly impossible as strong winds and heavy snow brought whiteout conditions to the area.

Tuesday’s blizzard forced the closure of the South Dakota stretch of Interstate 29 from Exit 73 to the Iowa border. South Dakota State Trooper Lt. Jeff DeVaney says conditions deteriorated quickly that stranded some vehicles and forced the closure.

“We did a sweep of that stretch of Interstate after it was closed in conjunction with the Department of Transportation.” DeVaney says people will just have to be patient. “There are some vehicles for safety reasons that will be removed in the morning (Wednesday). It wasn’t safe for crews to go out there during the blizzard.”

DeVaney acknowledges that rescue crews may be needed for those who want to risk travel on closed roads, but there will be consequences. “If someone does get on the Interstate and they have to call for us, we will respond. They should expect to get a ticket if they do not heed to the closure.”

In his time as a patrolman, DeVaney also notes that rural residents tend to stay put while those from the population centers take things for granted. “They don’t have assets in the smaller communities (to clear the roads). I worry about people from the population centers because they are going to drive into danger.”

Plows will be out once conditions warrant and Interstate 29 will re-open when it is deemed safe for travel. Likewise for Interstate 90 due to its closure between the Minnesota line east to Albert Lea.


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