Updated at 8:43 p.m.
Interstate 90 between Mitchell and Sioux Falls (both east and westbound lanes) is now open.
The section of I-90 between Chamberlain and Mitchell opened earlier this evening. There are no sections of Interstate 90 closed to traffic at this time.
I-29 between Watertown and Sioux Falls will remain closed until sometime Monday morning.
Updated at 8:12 p.m.
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Department of Transportation officials announce Interstate 29 between Sisseton and Watertown is now open.
I-29 between Watertown and Sioux Falls is expected to remain closed until weather conditions improve and crews are able to open the roadway on Monday morning.
Officials continue to assess the situation on Interstate 90 between Mitchell and Sioux Falls and a decision will be made later in the evening regarding the closure status.
State officials say a thick layer of ice, combined with blowing and drifting snow and areas of low visibility are continuing to make travel hazardous on Interstate 29 between Watertown and Sioux Falls.
The Highway Patrol has also said there are several stuck vehicles which are blocking the roadway. It is likely that crews will be unable to clear those vehicles and plow that area until morning. All drivers and passengers in those vehicles have been transported to safety.
"We are asking motorists to please not go around barricades or enter closed sections of Interstate at uncontrolled access points,” says Transportation Secretary Darin Bergquist. “Vehicles that get stuck block traffic and can cause heavy drifting when they are unable to be pulled out right away. This creates more work for maintenance crews and delays reopening the roadway."
Blowing and drifting snow, which may continue to accumulate overnight at bridge ends and in sheltered areas, can make travel conditions extremely dangerous. Winds are expected to subside during the overnight hours, but wind chills will be remain dangerously low.
Updated at 1:15 p.m.
Officials from State Departments of Transportation and Public Safety are closing lanes in both direction on Interstate 90 between Chamberlain and Sioux Falls and Interstate 29 from Sioux Falls to Sisseton.
This is because of blizzard conditions causing adverse road conditions.
Drivers that use closed sections of the interstate will be in violation of state law.
There are criminal penalties and civil fines of up to $1,000 for being on a closed highway.
A stranded traveler could be charged up to $10,000 for rescue efforts.
