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Flooding not a concern in Black Hills

Weather is sunny, dry here

RAPID CITY, S.D. (6/6/11)– With the Missouri River flooding in central and eastern South Dakota making Page 1 news, Black Hills & Badlands tourist businesses have another headline announcement: There are no Missouri River flooding concerns in Western South Dakota. Located 200 miles west of the Missouri River, Black Hills & Badlands attractions, state and national parks, scenic byways and highways, and historic towns are open for business.

Some area businesses have received calls inquiring about flood conditions and want to stress that visitors can expect good weather – along with a warm, friendly welcome, family-friendly activities and events, reasonable prices and outdoor scenery at its finest.Travelers from the east won’t find any flood-related road closures or detours. I-90 bridges across the Missouri River are open and functioning normally. In fact, the floods are controlled releases, as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers endeavors to lower water levels behind a series of Missouri River dams.

Westbound traffic on Interstate 90 will experience typical summer driving conditions across South Dakota and into the Black Hills. Other major highways crossing the state are open and travel conditions are good.

With Farmers Almanac calling for “nice temps with average rainfall” throughout the summer, visitors can expect Mother Nature to fully cooperate with their vacation activities. In the Black Hills region, the weather is warm and dry, forests and prairies are green and lush, the evenings are cool and bug-free – in sum, vacationers heading to the Black Hills can expect beautiful summer weather conditions. Spring rains in western South Dakota have created optimal outdoor conditions. Now, the region’s weather is following a typical early summer pattern: warm days with plenty of sunshine, and occasional afternoon/evening thunderstorms.

Area businesses want to stress to visitors to not put travel plans on hold. The Black Hills & Badlands of South Dakota and eastern Wyoming are a perfect vacation destination. For travel information, visit www.blackhillsbadlands.com.

FOR MORE INFO/INTERVIEW:
Nort Johnson, President/CEO
Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes Association
605-355-3600
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