South Dakota highways begin to reopen after blizzard shutdown; no travel advisory continues

The South Dakota Department of Transportation has announced two major highways have started to re-open, following a multi-day winter storm that quickly deteriorated road conditions and visibility.

Interstate 90, both eastbound and westbound, from Sioux Falls to the Minnesota state line reopened as of 10:30 a.m., according to the department.

Interstate 29, northbound and southbound, from Watertown to the North Dakota state line has been reopened as of 12 p.m., the department stated.

More:Gov. Kristi Noem declares 'winter storm emergency' for South Dakota; activates National Guard

However, much of the state's road conditions remain under a statewide no travel advisory. And Gov. Kristi Noem declared a state of emergency Thursday evening to activate the South Dakota National Guard and help tribes on the west side of the state.

"SDDOT anticipates currently closed sections of Interstate 90 and Interstate 29 to begin reopening late morning through late afternoon, as conditions improve," the department stated on Twitter.

The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office stated early Friday afternoon the county would be pulling snow plows off of roads at 1:30 p.m.

"This is due to reduced visibility and vehicles still stuck on the county highways," the office stated on Twitter. "Traveling in the storm may quickly become a life threatening situation. No travel advised."

The office reported earlier on Friday that several state highways remained impassable, and several vehicles had to be left in roadways overnight while people inside were rescued by deputies.

More:Sioux Falls Regional Airport will close through much of Friday due to blizzard

"Conditions remain life threatening," the office stated on Twitter. "If you get stranded you will need to literally be rescued. If you are stranded, stay with your vehicle and prepare to be there for a long period of time."

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office also stated at noon on Facebook that Lincoln County Highway Department had pulled the majority of their plows off the roads. There will be a few v-plows and blowers out to address drifting in problem areas. They will resume operation at 4 a.m. Saturday.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: South Dakota highways begin to reopen after blizzard shutdown