Rapid City Airport Closes Due to Extreme Weather

RAPID CITY, SD. (AP) – Rapid City Regional Airport has closed due to deteriorating weather conditions. Heavy snowfall and gusty winds are creating blizzard-like conditions in parts of South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota and Wyoming.

The airport closed its main commercial runway 14-32, citing extreme visibility and safety issues related to current conditions. Airport officials say the airport will re-open as soon as conditions will allow.

Travelers are being advised not to come to the airport and to contact their airline for updated flight information.

A winter storm warning remains in effect until 5 p.m. (12/31), for the the cities of Lead, Deadwood, Spearfish, Hill City, Mt. Rushmore, Custer, Four Corners, and Sundance. A Blizzard Warning remains in effect until 11 a.m. (12/31) for Rapid City, the Pennington County Plains and Sturgis/Piedmont Foot Hills, including the cities of Rapid City, Wall, Sturgis, and Union Center.