BLIZZARD WARNING AND CANCELATIONS 12/20/08

Here is what we have been expecting. Another blizzard coming one week after the last one. I hope everyone is prepared and avoids travel.
Statement as of 8:20 PM CST on December 19, 2008


... Blizzard Warning remains in effect from 3 am Saturday to 6 am
CST Sunday...

A Blizzard Warning remains in effect from 3 am Saturday to 6 am
CST Sunday.

Snow will begin across northeastern South Dakota and west central
Minnesota late tonight and persist through at least early
afternoon Saturday. 4 to 7 inches of snow are expected across the
warned area... most of which will fall prior to the onset of the
stronger northwest winds. Although... this snowfall combined with
the deep snow pack already on the ground will begin to blow
considerably once the northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph move in.
Right now it appears the strongest winds will move into the
western portion of the warned area by 6 am CST Saturday morning
and around 9 am CST across the I-29 corridor. These strong winds
will last all day Saturday and into the early morning hours on
Sunday... gusting to 45 mph at times. Blowing and drifting snow
will become an issue... with visibilities being reduced to one
quarter mile or less at times. Also... very cold air will
accompany this system and wind chill values during the day on
Saturday will be falling into the 25 to 35 below zero range.
Saturday night the wind chill value will drop to 35 to 45 below
zero. The biggest concern surrounding this hazardous winter event
is the onset of the strong winds... which in the warned area are
still expected to increase while snow is still falling across far
northeast South Dakota and west central Minnesota during the day
on Saturday.

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are
expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds
and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout
conditions... making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If
you must travel... have a winter survival kit with you. If you get
stranded... stay with your vehicle.


You can check out

Weather Underground

Here is a list of some area cancellations from KDIO and KMSD. Keep listening to KDIO/1320 and KMSD/1510 AM radio for up to date cancellations. You can also check out their websites here. KDIO 1350 AM and KMSD 1510 AM


BUSINESS

Bill's Super Valu in Milbank is closing at 6 p.m.
Carlson Srug in Ortonville is closed but it will be open Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. weather permitting.
Cenbank is closed
Community Thrift Store in Milbank is closed today
Curves in Ortonville is closed.
Family Dollar Store in Milbank is closing at 11;30 today.
Gesswein Motors is closed.
Hanson Furniture in Milbank is closed today. The Watertown store is open, though. any questions, call Chad at 605-882-3885 or Jim at 949-0936.
Hardee's is closing at 2:30 p.m.
Hilltop Cafe in Ortonville will be closing at 1 p.m.
Jo Lees in Ortonville is closed today.
Lakewood Lodge in Ortonville will be closed this evening.
Minnwest Bank is closed.

No Ortonville Independent Scrip drawing today. The drawing will be held tomorrow weather permitting.
Radio Shack in Ortonville is closed but it will be open Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
Runnings in Milbank is closed.
No Salvation Army Bell Ringers at Hartman's Super Valu today.
Unity Square is closing at 4 p.m.
Unzen Motors is closed.
Village Crafts in Ortonville is closed today.


CHURCH

Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Milbank will have no Church Services or Sunday School tomorrow morning.

Emanuel Lutheran Church canceling the Sunday School program practice scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Program practice will be held January 3rd at 9:00 a.m. and the program is rescheduled for Sunday, Jan. 4 at 4 p.m.

Tabor United Methodist Church in Big Stone city is canceling the Christmas program practice scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

Marie Zehringer funeral service has been postponed until sunday at 1:00 P.M. at the United Methodist Church in Ortonville. Visitation will be at the church from noon to 1:00 p.m.
St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milbank will not have Saturday evening services. Emanuel Lutheran Youth Bell Choir and youth singing choir for Sunday has been postponed. Church services at Emanuel Lutheran are still on for tomorrow at this point though.
Wilmot Lutheran Church in Wilmot on Sunday morning. the evening children's Christmas program is also postponed.

CITY/GOVT.

Big Stone City is under a snow emergency.
Big Stone City mail has been delivered in the city. The RR carrier will be delivering mail later this afternoon and on passable roads only.

Clinton Rural mail will be selivered on plowed roads today and only if visibility permits.
Graceville Library is closed.
Grant County Library in Milbank is closed today.
Milbank City Landfill is closed today.
Milbank Mail Carriers will deliver where they can. No delivery after 4 p.m. If you want to mail something you need to go to the post office. Also, you cannot pick up your mail today at the Milbank Post Office.
Ortonville is under a snow emergency.
Ortonville Public Library will be closed today.



EVENTS

Big Stone Lake Area Community Forums Birthday Card Shower/Christmas Dance at the Big Stone City School Gym is cancelled this evening.

Clear Lake Mini mainstre scheduled for Saturday 12/20 has been cancelled.The Stockman Community Christmas party for tonight has been postponed until Monday night at 7:30
Santa Guys and Gals won't be out in Ortonville today.

SCHOOL

The Bell Debate and Individual Events speech contest in Brookings scheduled for Saturday 12/20 has been cancelled.

Liebe Drug Invitational in Milbank has been postponed to Jan 3rd at 11 a.m.
BASKETBALL

Big Stone City Girls game for grades 4-5-6 scheduled for Saturday 12/20/08 in Graceville has been cancelled.

CGB Basketball Tournament at Wahpeton schedule changes:
Saturday 12/20 games PPD to Monday, 12/22
Monday 12/22 games PPD to Tuesday 12/23

Ortonville/Milbank game for Saturday 12/20 has been PPD to Jan 9

Ortonville vs. Milbank for Saturday has been rescheduled for Friday January 9th in Ortonville.

Summit vs Sully Butte for Saturday night cancelled
Waverly vs. South Shore GBB game in Averdeen Saturday has been postponed.