Black Hills Residents are dealing with one of the worst snowstorms to hit the area in several years.
An Emergency Operations Center is now open as first responders and emergency managers work to begin disaster recovery.
Law enforcement has closed all roads in Rapid City until 6am on Sunday. County roads are also under a similar closure. Officials ask residents to stay indoors and shelter in place. The weather remains treacherous.
The blowing snow continues to cause visibility problems. The National Weather Service office in Rapid City says drifts may be over 15 feet high in the open areas. Deadwood is reporting 48 inches of snow. Rapid City and many other towns are approaching two feet and the snow is still falling in some areas.
The Pennington County Sheriff is asking for volunteer snowmobile operators to help rescue any stranded motorists stuck in their cars overnight. Volunteers with snowmobiles in Rapid City can call 605-394-2185
Anyone who requires emergency hospitalization should call 911. Crews are working to open one lane on main roads first – emergency vehicles are the only ones allowed on the streets at this time.