***UPDATE as of 6:00 pm 12/18: KUOO news has learned all state/U.S. highways in the immediate area have reopened. However, authorities tell us extreme caution is still advised as tow services continue to operate throughout the region removing vehicles.***
***UPDATE as of 5:28 pm 12/18: Both lanes of Highway 18 between Sanborn and Sheldon have re-opened to traffic***
(Undated)– Whiteout conditions throughout the region this (Thurs.) afternoon have resulted in numerous crashes, especially in Clay and O’Brien counties.
Authorities in Clay county are advising no travel in that county due to the pileups with a number of roads closed, including Highway 71 just north of Sioux Rapids. Also, County Road N-14 just south of the Clay-Dickinson county line is closed due to a collision reportedly involving two semi’s and several other vehicles.
Highway 18 is also closed between Sanborn and Sheldon late this (Thurs.) afternoon due to a pileup.
Many of the crashes reportedly involved injuries as well.
