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‘If you don’t need to go out, don’t. If you do, use care and caution.’
By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
OCEANA COUNTY — A winter storm barreled down on west Michigan Wednesday, Dec. 4, and is predicted to continue through Thursday, Dec. 5.
All of the schools in Oceana County were closed Thursday.
A winter storm warning issued by the US National Weather Service continues until 1 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6.
Oceana County residents are staying safe in the hazardous conditions, said Oceana County Emergency Manager Troy Maloney.
“We have not had any significant issues,” Maloney said. “Last night, we had a bout of trees and wires down calls with a wind event, but basically it’s been a wind and visibility issue.”
There have been no serious injuries from the storm, he said — “just wires down and arcing wires scattered throughout the county, mostly last night. There were only a couple minor accidents reported on the roadways. I think most people said, ‘OK, I’m not going out in this stuff.’
“We’re still expecting — with the temperature dropping — roads to remain icy and we’ll also have moments of whiteout conditions as the snow squalls and winds come through. It will continue on and off through the rest of the day.
“There are no widespread power outages,” said Maloney.
“So far everything is up and running. It’s just slow moving. It’s snow-packed and icy conditions with limited visibility. Everybody seems to be moving at a cautious pace.”
“If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency,” advises the US National Weather Service. “During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow to dry weather just a few miles away. Visibilities can also vary greatly. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions.”
“If you don’t need to go out, don’t. If you do, use care and caution,” said Maloney. “It’s winter in Michigan.”
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