Winter storm barrels down.

Winter storm barrels down.

#OceanaCountyWeather

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

OCEANA COUNTY – A winter storm that dumped several inches of snow across most of Michigan, along with bitterly cold wind chills, Monday Jan. 28 caused most Oceana County residents to stay home and off the roads.

“We’ve had several slide-offs and motorist assists but no major vehicle accidents,” said Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast. “Our guys are busy. We appreciate that people are staying off the roads and staying home. The roads are treacherous.”

The storm caused all schools in Oceana County to close, along with several organizations and businesses. The Oceana County Courthouse was closed Monday.

Mast said there were two snowmobile crashes, resulting non-life-threatening injuries. In both incidents, the person suffered a broken arm.

Michigan State Police Sgt. Charles Hockanson said Monday morning at approximately 10 a.m. there had not been any major vehicle crashes as a result of the storm.

The National Weather Service of Grand Rapids issued a winter storm warning for the Oceana, Mason, Muskegon, Lake, Newaygo, Osceola, Clare, Mecosta, Isabella, Montcalm, Gratiot, Ottawa, Kent, Ionia and Clinton counties until 7 p.m. Monday.

Additional accumulations of 2-5 inches are expected Monday, with total snow accumulations of 6-10 inches, and winds gusting as high as 35 mph, according to NWS.

“Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The bitterly cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.”

The hazardous conditions will impact Monday’s evening commute. Brutally cold temperatures, gusty winds, and additional snow showers are expected to continue through Thursday.

“A winter storm warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous or impossible. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your
vehicle in case of an emergency,” according to NWS.

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Tags: winter storm