County, Courts, State Offices Closed Thursday Jan. 31

Newaygo County Government, Newaygo County Courthouse, and all State Government Offices are closed today, Thursday, January 31, 2019 due to extreme winter weather conditions. Numerous facilities remain closed. Avoid non-essential travel. 

Travel will remain very hazardous. STAY HOME IF POSSIBLE. If you must, please drive very slow as many road surfaces are covered with packed on snow and ice.  Widespread blowing snow is expected to significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the morning and evening commutes.

The State of Michigan remains under a State of Emergency issued by the Govenor for the Polar Vortex. A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Newaygo County until 7 pm on Thursday. Lake effect snow showers. Blowing and drifting snow will continue to reduce visibilities to near zero at times. Additional snow accumulations of up to 2 inches through tonight.

Dangerously cold wind chills of 25 to 45 below zero will last through this morning before slowly improving on Thursday. These wind chills can 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, drive slowly and 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!