Update: I-29 from Watertown to N.D. border closed; airport cancels flights

South Dakota officials have closed Interstate 94 from Watertown to the North Dakota border due to blizzard conditions.

It will remain closed until conditions improve and crews are able to resume winter maintenance operations.

Officials continue to plan for adverse winter weather later today.

The Jamestown Regional Airport has canceled today's 9 p.m. flight to Minneapolis, as well as its 7:15 a.m. Wednesday flight, and the airport will close at 5 p.m. tonight.

The City Engineer’s Office has issued a no travel advisory from 6 p.m. today through noon on Wednesday in anticipation of wind-driven snow reducing visibility and blocking roads.

“Even a 1- to 2-inch snow with a 40- to 50-mph wind brings whiteout conditions,” said Reed Schwartzkopf, city engineer. “Our crews will continue to work until the weather deteriorates, then we will pull all crews.”

Schwartzkopf said the weather forecasts indicate that may occur sometime between 3 and 8 p.m. today.

City street crews will be stationed at the Jamestown Fire Department hall and the street department shop through the storm.

“Call 911,” Schwartzkopf said. “We will be set up to get to an emergency.”

The National Weather Service forecast includes a blizzard warning for the Jamestown area through 6 p.m. Wednesday. Forecasts include snow accumulations of up to 12 inches with winds gusting as high as 46 mph.

Sun reporter Keith Norman can be reached at 701-952-8452 or by email at knorman@jamestownsun.com

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