A rare mid-April blizzard affected most of central and northeast South Dakota from April 13th into April 15th. Heavy snowfall along with high winds brought widespread blizzard conditions to the region. Snowfall amounts from 6 to as much as 20 inches along with wind gusts to over 60 mph brought hazardous, if not impossible travel. In fact, both Interstate-29 and Interstate-90 were closed due to the heavy snow and blizzard conditions.  Parts of both Interstates were re-opened on the 14th, while the rest opened on the morning of the 15th.
Dozens of schools were closed on the 13th along with many state government offices. Many activities and events were also postponed or cancelled. Despite the cancellations and delays, the South Dakota Highway patrol still responded to hundreds of calls for service to assist stranded motorists.  The wet conditions/mud, snow, and wind greatly affected cattle producers trying to protect newborn calves. As a result of the blizzard there were some calf losses across the region. The winds subsided on the 14th for many locations, leading to improved visibility, while periods of snow continued into the 15th across eastern South Dakota.
Snowfall amounts include 6 inches at Onida and Watertown, 7 inches at Murdo, Highmore, and Pierre, 8 inches at Clark and 6 miles east of Hayes, 9 inches at Milbank and Orient, 10 inches at Seneca and 12 miles north of Highmore, and 11 inches at Castlewood and near Vivian.  Locations with a foot or more include 12 inches at Presho, 13 inches at Miller, 14 inches at Gann Valley, 17 inches at Kennebec, 18 inches at Clear Lake, and 20 inches near Gary.  The highest measured wind gust was 66 mph at Danforth in southern Hand county.

Blizzard in JONES, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 13-APR-18 10:00:00 to 14-APR-18 03:00:00 (CST-6)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard in LYMAN, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 13-APR-18 10:00:00 to 14-APR-18 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard in BUFFALO, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 13-APR-18 10:00:00 to 14-APR-18 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard in CODINGTON, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 13-APR-18 13:00:00 to 14-APR-18 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Blizzard in POTTER, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 13-APR-18 10:00:00 to 14-APR-18 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Blizzard in FAULK, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 13-APR-18 09:00:00 to 14-APR-18 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Blizzard in SPINK, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 13-APR-18 10:00:00 to 14-APR-18 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard in HAMLIN, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 13-APR-18 13:00:00 to 14-APR-18 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Blizzard in DEWEY, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 13-APR-18 09:00:00 to 13-APR-18 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Blizzard in SULLY, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 13-APR-18 09:00:00 to 14-APR-18 01:00:00 (CST-6)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard in HYDE, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 13-APR-18 08:00:00 to 14-APR-18 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Blizzard in DAY, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 13-APR-18 17:00:00 to 14-APR-18 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard in GRANT, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 13-APR-18 14:00:00 to 14-APR-18 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard in STANLEY, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 13-APR-18 10:00:00 to 13-APR-18 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Blizzard in HUGHES, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 13-APR-18 10:00:00 to 14-APR-18 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Blizzard in HAND, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 13-APR-18 10:00:00 to 14-APR-18 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Blizzard in CLARK, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 13-APR-18 11:00:00 to 14-APR-18 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard in DEUEL, SOUTH DAKOTA
From 13-APR-18 09:00:00 to 14-APR-18 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer