Major winter storm headed here this weekend

Saturday, March 14, 5 p.m. Update

The National Weather Services (NWS) in Chanhassen, Minn., has issued a Blizzard Warning for our greater area from 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, through 4 a.m. on Monday, March 16. They are calling this a "historic March winter storm on track to bring extreme snow accumulations and strong winds." 

The warning calls for a broad swath of 12 to 18 inches of snow over the region, with some area approaching two feet, with winds between 35 and 45 mph, with gusts to 55 mph, even after the snow starts to taper off.

The blizzard warning also states that "travel is expected to become very difficult or impossible late tonight (Saturday) through Sunday evening" and that "the amount of water in the snowpack will make it very heavy, leading to the potential for infrastructure damage and a health hazard for those shoveling." Damage to power lines and trees is also possible.

It finally notes that "travel should be restricted to emergencies only" and to "prepare now for road closures." People are encouraged to shelter in place rather than travel. The NWS said in the warning that "whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening."

Original Friday Message

    The National Weather Service (NWS) in Chanhassen, Minn., has issued a Winter Storm Warning for our area from 7 p.m. Saturday, March 14, through 7 a.m. Monday, March 16, with the possibility of 10-18 inches of snow, sleet and ice accumulations, and winds gusting to as high as 50 mph, noting that conditions could change or worsen blizzard conditions.
    Forecast discussion about the system noted, “High confidence in a widespread swath of 8"+ of snow across the Winter Storm Warning locale. It`s likely that most locations observe snowfall totals between 10-16", with a narrow band of heavier snow amounts approaching 20". (SE MN into western WI).” As well, the NWS talked about monitoring possible shifts in the system north or south of its current trajectory. They say the storm will make “travel very difficult to nearly impossible.”
    People can be kept up-to-date on the latest forecasts, advisories, watches, and warnings by the NWS by visiting weather.gov and clicking on their area.
    Area church services and events are already preparing for the winter storm by either cancelling or postponing events. 
    The City of Montgomery has already posted on their social media to, “Be Ready for Snow Emergencies,” as well as Le Sueur County issuing warning about the storm.

Updated Cancelled or postponed events due to the winter storm

• CITY OF MONTGOMERY - SNOW EMERGENCY declared starting on 12 a.m. on Sunday, March 15, until further notice.
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• Calvary Church of New Prague - Sunday, March 15, services and activities are cancelled.
• Community Babtist Church of New Prague - Sunday, March 15, services are cancelled but a previous livestream sermon will air on their website at 10:30 a.m.
• Faithpoint Lutheran Church of New Prague - Sunday, March 15, services will be online only at 8:30 a.m. on their website. All in person services and other activities are cancelled.
• Hillspring Church of New Prague -- Sunday, March 15, services are cancelled.
• Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of New Prague — Sunday, March 15, worship is cancelled. Members should attend service on Wednesday, March 18, 6 p.m.
• Le Center St. Patrick’s Day Event — Saturday, March 14, evening JoyRide free sober cab rides are cancelled. The parade and event is still scheduled to happen as normal otherwise.
• Montgomery Area EMS Trivia Night — Postponed until Saturday, March 28, at the same time.
• NewDay Church of New Prague — Saturday, March 14, 8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study, 10 a.m. Women’s Brunch & Bible Study, 1 p.m. worship service with children, youth ministry and YouTube live. Sunday, March 15, all services are cancelled. Talent show is rescheduled for Wednesday, March 18, 5:30 p.m.
• New Prague Catholic — High School Youth Group on Sunday, March 15, is cancelled. Masses at St. John the Evangalist of Union Hill, and St. Scholastica of Heidelberg on Sunday, March 15, are cancelled. Mass at St. Wenceslaus in New Prague on Sunday will continue and a live stream will be available through their website.
• Spirit of Life Church of New Prague - Sunday, March 15, services are cancelled.
• St. John Lutheran Church of Montgomery — Sunday, March 15, services cancelled, and the St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast moved to Sunday, March 22.
• St. Nicholas Catholic Church Family Bingo — Postponed until a later date (Was Saturday, March 14, 6:15 p.m.).
• The Little Mermaid Musical, Jr. — New Prague Middle School’s Sunday, March 15, performance is cancelled. The other three performances are still scheduled.
• Tri-City United Schools -- The TCU Pool will be closed Sunday, March 15, and swim lessons are cancelled.
• Trondhejem Lutheran Church of Lonsdale - Worship on Sunday, March 15, is cancelled.

(Updated: 5:45 p.m., March 14, 2026)