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By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
MASON 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 Mason County were closed Thursday.
A winter storm warning issued by the US National Weather Service continues until 1 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6. NWS is predicting “heavy lake effect snow bands” with additional accumulations up to 6 inches and winds gusting as high as 40 mph for the duration of the storm.
Mason County Emergency Management Coordinator Heath Scarbrough reported no major incidents resulting from the storm.
“Crews in Mason County crews were out overnight responding to various calls for vehicle slide offs and trees down,” said Scarbrough. “There were isolated power outages. Under 200 people were affected.”
Scarbrough offered some advice for local residents during major storms.
“Emergency crews would like to remind people of the following:
- When watches are issued, please be sure to prepare by filling your vehicles up with gas and conduct your grocery shopping and other business in the days leading up to the storm.
- When the storm arrives, refrain from travel if you can. If you do travel, please allow extra time to travel safely.
- Have an emergency kit.
- Monitor weather reports.
- Remember that if you are approaching an emergency vehicle, utility vehicle or tow truck with its warning lights activated, please slow down and move over to proceed around if you are able to do so.
“Road crews are continuing to work around the clock on snow removal,” said Scarbrough. “Michigan in July passed a law regarding vehicles following municipal snow plows. Michigan law requires drivers to stay 200 feet behind the snow plow — unless passing the snow plow — and no closer than 20 feet behind the snow plow while stopped at an intersection. Failure to do so may result in a fine.” Read the law here: MCL – Section 257.643b – Michigan Legislature
“Please follow the Mason County Emergency Management’s Facebook page for information and preparedness tips,” he said.
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