All Newaygo Co Government Offices, Courthouse, and State Government Office will be CLOSED on Wed, Jan 30, 2019 due to extreme winter weather conditions

From Newaygo County  Emergency Services Director Abby Watkins

Avoid non-essential travel. STAY HOME IF POSSIBLE. White out conditions are expected with near blizzard conditions at times. Conditions are favorable for multi-car pileups and highway closures. 

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Newaygo County until 1 pm on Thursday. Lake effect snow showers. Blowing and drifting snow. Additional snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches today through tonight. Additional snow accumulations possible Wednesday into Thursday with some blowing and drifting likely. Dangerously cold wind chills expected to develop this evening. Wind chills of 25 to 40 below zero expected tonight through Thursday morning.

These conditions will continue to make travel very hazardous. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

FROSTBITE RISK HIGH

• Stranded motorists in need of rescue face serious frostbite risk tonight through Wednesday night
• Exposed skin will freeze in less than 15 minutes
• Snow shoveling tonight into Wednesday night is dangerous with the frostbite risk
• Coldest temperatures since 1994 for most areas

Avoid non-essential travel. STAY HOME IF POSSIBLE. If you do have to travel, carry emergency supplies in your car in case you get stuck.  
 
WINTER STORM SAFETY! 

• Stay off roads if at all possible. If trapped in your car, then stay inside.
• Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, then wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
• Use electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches and non-glowing elements.
• Reduce the risk of a heart attack. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia and begin treatment right away.
• Check on neighbors. Older adults and young children are more at risk in extreme cold.

 COMMUNITY INFORMATION

• ONLY CALL 9-1-1 TO REPORT EMERGENCIES!   Emergency operators and phone lines are needed to support this incident, please continue to monitor Nixle for updates or call 2-1-1 (not 9-1-1) for general safety information.
• ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL BE RELEASED!   Continue monitoring your radio, Nixle, and Newaygo ES’s Facebook Page for additional information.
• THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION!