Schools, government offices closed as officials plead for blizzard preparedness

Think spring, just realize another blizzard is on the way.

That news is certainly unpopular with most folks given that Tax Day is approaching, but there’s nothing more to do than get prepared.

At least parents will be able to call on their kids to help move snow as classes in Aberdeen have already been canceled for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Preparation is the message from local weather, emergency and city officials.

After 10 inches of snow fell in Aberdeen on Friday, March 31, another major system will roll through the region starting Tuesday, April 4.

This time around, it’s likely Aberdeen will get between 10 and 18 inches, according to the latest NWS projections.

Combined with gusting winds that will make travel practically impossible at times, said Kari Fleegel, a meteorologist with the NWS office in Aberdeen.

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By all accounts, getting around could be difficult for a few days.

People should make sure they have extra bread, milk, diapers and other staples, Fleegel said.

She said the NWS staff is just as tired of winter as everybody else.

So is Brown County Emergency Director Scott Meints, who added that gas tanks should be full, and drivers should have emergency kits in their vehicles.

Blizzard warning starts Tuesday as snow could be heavy

“So even if the snow ends (earlier), we’re still going to have some significant drifting,” Fleegel said.

The NWS has issued a blizzard warning that runs from 7 a.m. Tuesday through 1 a.m. Thursday.

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In other words, don’t put the snowblowers, shovels and winter overalls away yet, even though it feels past time to do so.

Classes have been canceled at Aberdeen public for Tuesday and Wednesday. Travel conditions will be evaluated before a decision is made about school on Thursday, according to information from the public school district.

Classes are canceled Tuesday for Aberdeen Catholic schools.

Brown County offices are also closed Tuesday and the county commission meeting is rescheduled for 8:45 a.m. Thursday.

Aberdeen City Manager Joe Gaa is asking residents to stay home when things get bad. He sent out an email outlining the city’s requests, plans and expectations with the storm lingering. The highlights follow.

• A no-travel advisory for Brown County, including Aberdeen, is likely. During a no-travel advisory, everyone should stay off the roads and streets unless travel is absolutely necessary. If the predicted snowfall accumulations occur, even the most capable four-wheel drive vehicles will face challenges. 
• If the impact of the storm is as predicted, city offices will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
• If a no-travel advisory is issued, public safety personnel like police officers, firefighters and others will face many challenges and will only be able to respond to extreme emergencies.
• Stuck vehicles that are blocking roadways could be towed and impounded.
• Once the snow has stopped, the Public Works Department will begin snow removal in town. Given the projected amounts of snow, the process will take longer than normal. Be patience and keep vehicles off the street. More details about plowing will be issued as available.

Northern State University has already announced that the remote classes will be offered Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Campus offices will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday. State offices are also closed in several counties including Brown County.

Ride Line, Aberdeen’s public transportation service, will not be offering rides on Tuesday or Wednesday, the agency has announced. K.O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library will also be closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Other city entities have also announced they will be closed.

All federal court hearings scheduled for Wednesday in Aberdeen have been moved to April 11, according to information from the office of Judge Charles B. Kornmann. Hearing times remain unchanged.

Some business closings have already been announced Tuesday and more are likely throughout the day and Wednesday.

If generators are needed, keep them outside

Chef Joe Weig of Aberdeen Fire & Rescue said that with gusts of 60 mph possible, there could be a loss of power. If people use generators, they should be outdoors and well-vented, he said.

While the temperatures outside won’t be bitterly cold, the wind will make conditions nasty. Folks who use space heaters should make sure they are properly plugged in and leave at least 3 feet of space around them, Weig said.

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NorthWestern Energy sent an automated message to customers Monday encouraging them to clear snow from their natural gas meters and vents.

Aberdeen already has 24 more inches of snow than normal

Aberdeen has had 62.9 inches of snow this winter season, Fleegel said. That’s about 24 inches more than normal. The average amount of snow for Aberdeen in April is 4.2 inches, she said, so that total is going to be surpassed, she said.

Snow depth is at record high for this time of the year in Aberdeen at 17 inches, Fleegel said.