With what’s being called by some a ‘historic winter storm’ nearly upon us, authorities in the Thumb are reminding residents to exercise caution over the next few days. With meteorologist John McMurray forecasting between four and eight inches of snow along with freezing rain, ice accumulations and high winds; officials are cautioning that conditions are expected to worsen into the evening and overnight period. Sanilac County Sheriff Paul Rich urges residents to avoid travel if possible. The Sanilac County Road Commission says that if you must travel, remember that major roadways, like state highways, are often the first to be cleared. Rural back roads will likely become impassable over the course of the storm, with road commission officials unable to continually maintain back road conditions.
Sanilac County Emergency Manager Todd Hillman also reminds Thumb area residents that the hazardous road conditions will result in a high demand for emergency responders over the next 36-48 hours. He requests that residents not tie up emergency lines or central dispatch with phone calls inquiring about weather or travel information. Additionally, Hillman says that if there is an emergency, residents should expect response time delays from emergency service personnel.
Sheriff Rich reminds residents who must travel to make sure they have supplies in their vehicle, including a three-day supply of food and water, extra blankets, cat litter for traction, a shovel and flashlights. He says that if you do become stranded, stay in your vehicle and contact Central Dispatch at 1-800-881-5911. That’s 1-800-881-5911.
Stay tuned to WMIC 660-AM/95.3-FM and WTGV 97.7-FM for up to the minute weather related updates, cancellations and announcements.
