The National Weather Service has provided an updated forecast for the Winter Storm Event, which now includes a “Winter Storm Warning” that goes into effect at 1:00 am Wednesday morning and remains in effect until 7:00 pm Thursday evening.
The forecast now includes significant snowfall on Thursday as well as plummeting temperatures that will make travel potentially lethal for those who may decide to venture out and get stuck. Additional snowfall amounts of 4 -6 inches of light fluffy snow are forecast for Thursday. In addition, peak winds will be between 30 to 35 mph with sustained winds between 20-25 mph resulting in significant blowing and drifting issues. East/West roads will be the most significantly impacted.
Travel will be extremely dangerous Wednesday into Thursday and possibly lingering into Friday. Roads will become drifted, and some may be impassable. Temperatures on Thursday night will fall into the single digits, 5 – 10 above with wind chills around 9 below zero to 1 above.
A Winter Storm Watch is issued when heavy snow, sleet, or freezing rain is possible. Be prepared to adjust travel plans in case a warning is issued. A Winter Storm Warning is issued when heavy snow, sleet, or freezing rain is expected. Travel will become dangerous. Delay or adjust travel plans until conditions improve.
Marshall County is still under an “Advisory” level travel advisory. This will most likely be increased as the storm moves through, road conditions deteriorate, and travel becomes more hazardous. Schools, businesses, and individuals should review their emergency plans and determine when they will need to be implemented. If you do not need to go out once the storm arrives, please don’t. If you must go out, please remember to drive for the conditions. Give yourself extra time to reach your destination. SLOW down and increase your following distance. Make sure you have an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle. Don’t try to drive down roads with large drifts across them. If you do get stuck, notify the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department to let them know your location so that they can notify the Marshall County Highway Department.
Content provided by Marshall County Emergency Management
