WEST MICHIGAN — According to multiple news releases, officials from St. Joseph, Allegan, Kent, Van Buren, Berrien, Branch and Cass counties are strongly urging residents to stay off of the roadways unless it is absolutely necessary.
The current weather conditions pose a serious danger to travelers. Emergency personnel are responding, however, they could be delayed by the weather conditions or handling other calls for service.
As of 2 p.m. Monday all Allegan County Offices will be closed including the Courts. Court proceedings that have been cancelled due to weather will be rescheduled and all parties will receive notice of the new date and time.
In addition, Community Mental Health will also be closing. Anyone experiencing a mental health related crisis and needs immediate support should call 1.800.795.6617 or 1.888.354.0596.
The Branch County Sheriff’s Department and the Office of Emergency Management issued the following notice Monday morning:
In order to keep the Branch County Road Commission Trucks Crews focused on clearing the Counties Roadways, the Sheriff’s and the Office of Emergency Management are asking motorist not to travel.
If you must travel, all drivers are asked to stay on plowed roadways only. Travel on unplowed roadways will be at your own risk. Deputies will attempt to respond to calls of stranded motorist but you should be prepared for long response times.
Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department is asking the public to stay off “all major and secondary roadways” because of icy road conditions and high winds causing drifting.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is also asking residents to stay off of roadways and limiting their travel to necessary situations only.
