The Marshall County Emergency Management Agency is warning citizens in Marshall County of the projected winter weather headed our way.

A cold front will move across the area Thursday, bringing much colder weather into the weekend. Lake effect snow will develop as much colder air spreads over the relatively warm waters of Lake Michigan. Current thoughts are 3 to 8 inches over areas near the lake with lesser amounts farther inland. Winds will be from the west, gusting up to 30 mph at times Thursday night into Friday.  This may cause some blowing and drifting snow. Wind chill values will drop into the single digits for most of the area (especially south of the lake effect snow bands) late Thursday and early Friday.
REMEMBER: Snow, slush and icy conditions are an indication that drivers need to slow down, increase their following distance, and allow extra time to reach their destination.
• Black Ice: Roads that may appear dry, could actually be covered with a thin layer of ice making them slippery and dangerous. Slow down when approaching intersections.
• Reduce your speed when visibility is poor.
• Four-wheel drive does not mean better stopping ability or the ability to maintain control once you lose traction.
REMINDER: Be careful around Snowplows:
• Give snow plows room to work. The snowplow drivers are out on the roads to keep them clear of snow and ice in order to keep you safe!
• Snowplows travel below the posted speed limit. Be patient.
• A snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they don’t always see you. Keep your distance and watch for sudden stops or turns.

This event may not merit implementing any types of travel advisories, but it’s never too early to do a review of the travel advisory process.  Travel advisories or restrictions for Marshall County will be implemented based on the conditions of the roads and the impact they have on safety as determined by the Marshall County Sheriff, Marshall County Highway Superintendent and the Marshall County Emergency Management Agency Director.  A decision to close county roads is made by the Marshall County Board of Commissioners.
The Commissioners do not have authority over Interstate and State roads such as U.S. 30 and U.S. 31, State Roads 17, 10, etc… They also do not make decisions regarding travel restrictions inside city or town corporate boundaries.
There are three (3) levels of restrictions that can be implemented:
Advisory (Yellow – the lowest level)Means that routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation, and individuals should use caution or avoid those areas.
Watch (Orange – second level)Means that, conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. During a “Watch” local travel advisory, only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergency situations is recommended.  Businesses, school, government agencies, and other organizations should be implementing their emergency action plans.  And finally,
Warning (Red – highest level) *requires a signed declaration -The highest level of local travel advisory, means that travel may be restricted to emergency management workers only. During a “warning” local travel advisory, individuals are directed to:

  • refrain from all travel;
  • comply with necessary emergency measures;
  • cooperate with public officials and disaster services forces in executing emergency operations plans; and
  • obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers.
    Travel status for all counties in Indiana can be found at: http://www.in.gov/dhs/traveladvisory/

For more information regarding winter preparedness information, contact the Marshall County Emergency Management Agency at 574-936-3740.