Marshall County EMA upgrades to "Travel Watch"

At 5:50 p.m. Saturday, the Marshall County Emergency Management Agency upgraded the Marshall County "Advisory" to a “Travel Watch” effective immediately.

A Travel Watch is the middle level of local travel restrictions. It means that conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. During a "watch" local travel advisory, only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergencies, is recommended. Travel watches are signified with orange on statewide travel status maps.

The ongoing winter storm has already dropped 6+ inches of snow in Marshall County, with accumulation expected to continue into Sunday. 25 to 35 mph wind gusts are causing headaches for road crews that are trying to keep roads cleared.

The Marshall County Highway Department is reporting that almost all of their gains from plowing today have been lost due to blowing snow. Dispatch at the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department has been inundated with slide-offs and accident calls throughout the day.

The Travel Watch will remain in place overnight and will be reassessed on Sunday once plowing becomes more manageable.

In the meantime, Marshall County EMA encourages all travelers to stay home and only travel for essential purposes. If you do have to drive, please go extra slow and be courteous to those around you!

Stay tuned to local media and the Marshall County EMA for future updates – including an eventual return to normal travel status.