High Wind Watch to Hit Western South Dakota
The National Weather Service has issued a high wind watch covering western South Dakota from Monday morning into Tuesday.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Forecasts
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The National Weather Service issued a high wind watch for western South Dakota, with the watch running from 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2, through 6 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3. Wind gusts of 60 mph or higher are possible in portions of the region.
Why it matters
Forecast guidance continues to point to the potential for damaging winds across the state. Residents in the watch area should prepare for strong gusts that could bring power outages and difficult driving conditions.
The forecast calls for wind gusts of 60 mph or higher in portions of western South Dakota during the watch period from Monday morning through early Tuesday. It remains unclear whether the watch will be upgraded to a warning or which specific communities will see the strongest gusts.
The players
National Weather Service
The federal agency responsible for issuing weather watches and warnings across the United States, including the high wind watch for western South Dakota.
The details
Strongest winds are expected near and east of the Black Hills foothills, including the Rapid City area, with stronger gusts also monitored near Sturgis, Belle Fourche, Nisland, Newell and areas north toward Buffalo. Strong winds are expected to continue through Monday evening and overnight into Tuesday morning, and heavy rain is also expected in portions of the KOTA viewing area.
Timeline
Monday, Nov. 2, 9 a.m.: High wind watch begins across western South Dakota.
Monday evening: Strong winds expected to continue.
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 6 a.m.: High wind watch expires.
Seasonal Patterns
Early-November high wind watches for the Black Hills and western South Dakota plains are part of a recurring fall and early-winter pattern when strong pressure gradients drive gusty winds down the foothills. The watch-to-warning process used here is the National Weather Service's standard system for escalating wind hazard communication.
Secure outdoor objects such as patio furniture, trash cans and trampolines before Monday evening, since gusts could send them into streets or onto nearby property. Plan for possible power outages and difficult driving conditions in the watch area through early Tuesday.
The takeaway
Monitor local forecasts and warnings from the National Weather Service through Tuesday morning, and secure loose items and plan ahead for possible outages before winds pick up Monday.
What happens next
The high wind watch expires at 6 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, and may be upgraded to a high wind warning before then.
Further reading
For the latest outlooks, see Forecasts coverage for South Dakota.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kotatv.
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