Good morning, Netizens...

The road report from South Dakota this morning is better than yesterday, when Interstate 90 was closed from the Wyoming State border nearly the entire way across the state of South Dakota. An early-spring blizzard packing winds of upwards of 60 MPH accompanied by two feet of snow shut down nearly all the region's highways, stranding thousands of motorists and isolating homeowners. Drifts in some places were as high as 20 feet, completely blocking highways.

They have the Interstate highways open as of this morning, although there are still vast areas without electricity, and the National Guard are assisting area residents who are without power and water in some areas.

I cannot help but wonder what kind of havoc and pandemonium would take place here in Spokane if we were visited with such a storm. As demonstrated by storm last winter, contrary to what our City Fathers tell us, we do not have a plan in place for blizzard conditions. It has been nearly a decade since the last storm with true blizzard conditions hit the Inland Northwest which closed not only portions of the Interstate but nearly all north-south highways. However, that storm only provided us drifts of 10 feet in places.

Twenty foot drifts in downtown Spokane? Accompanied by 60 MPH winds? Power lines down throughout the region? Nah, it wouldn't happen here. Wouldn't we have fun?

Dave