Blizzard Conditions Prompt Power Outages and School Closures

Over 2200 area Ottertail Power Company customers are currently without power today, January 21.  Approximately 1029 customers are without power in Big Stone County. In Deuel County, 1236 customers are not receiving power. OTP hopes to have the restoration completed this afternoon. Several schools in the area were also closed due to snow and high winds.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol stated, “Roadways in the northeast corner of the state are icy and blowing snow is reducing visibility. Law enforcement are responding to multiple crashes and slide-ins.”

The South Dakota Department of Transportation reports, “Temperatures have warmed enough to cause roads to become slick. Conditions are considered particularly dangerous for high-profile vehicles.”

The National Weather Service in Aberdeen reports wind gusts have peaked in the 50-60 mph range across much of central and western South Dakota with a few locations in the Pierre area reporting gusts over 70 mph. The winds are expected to decrease this afternoon. Very little snow accumulation is anticipated.

South Dakota State University closed its campus at 11:30 a.m. due to a blizzard warning in the Brookings area. All classes and events are canceled for the day, and students and staff are encouraged to stay inside. The campus will reopen for normal classes and operations on Thursday, January  22.

Here in Milbank, evening activities at Central Church are canceled.

Early School Dismissals in northeast South Dakota and southwest Minnesota:
Ortonville –10:45 a.m.
Milbank –  1:30 p.m.
Castlewood –10:30 a.m.
Summit -11 a.m. – Lunch was served
Deuel – 11:30 a.m.
Wilmot – Noon
Sisseton  – 1:30 p.m.
Webster – 2 p.m.
Enemy Swim Day (Waubay) – 3 p.m. No OST or activities
Wheaton – 10:15 a.m.
Waverly – South Shore – 11. a.m.