Travel Advisory Issued in Starke County

Officials in Starke County have issued an advisory level travel advisory which means routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation, and individuals should use caution or avoid those areas.

The travel advisory will be in effect until further notice. 

Travel Advisories, Watches in Effect

 
 

Starke, Marshall, Pulaski and LaPorte Counties are under an orange-level travel watches. That means 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 emergency situations, is recommended, and emergency action plans should be implemented by businesses, schools, government agencies, and other organizations. Additionally the Starke County Highway Department will stop plowing roads at 6 p.m. today. Plowing operations will resume tomorrow at 6 a.m. Continue reading

Soft, Wet Roads Create Travel Problems

  
 

Gravel roads throughout the area are extremely soft and in poor condition due to melting snow and standing water. Motorists are advised to avoid these roads if possible. In Starke County, the highway department has placed high water signs at the intersections of 275 West and 500 South; 100 West and Toto Road; and 250 North and 600 East.

Starke County has also issued an advisory travel status. That’s the yellow level and means routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation, and individuals should use caution or avoid those areas. Starke County officials say roads are free of ice and snow cover, but pooling and ponding conditions are occurring on many county roads. Much of the remaining snow will melt today because daytime temperatures will remain above freezing. However, the frost line is too deep in most places for the ground to absorb the water. Additionally, overnight temperatures will be at or below freezing, so roads will be slick tonight and tomorrow morning.

Confusion Rampant Regarding Warning Level Travel Advisories

  
 
With the high number of local travel advisories that have been issued during this harsh winter, many people are left wondering how these travel advisories can affect them, their plans, and even their ability to go to work. During a “warning” level travel advisory, travel may be restricted to emergency management workers only, directing individuals to refrain from all travel, comply with necessary emergency measures, cooperate with public officials and disaster services forces in executing emergency operations plans, and obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers.

Continue reading

Marshall County EMA Director Reviews Travel Advisory Categories

  
 
As we brace for another round of snow storms today, Marshall County Emergency Management Agency Director Clyde Avery reminded the commissioners yesterday of the three travel restrictions that could be issued during a snow event.

The “advisory” level means that routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas and individuals should use caution or avoid the areas. The “watch” level means that conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. Only essential travel is recommended, such as to and from work or in emergency situations. Continue reading

Marshall County Elevates Travel Advisory Level to Watch

  
 
The Marshall County Commissioners earlier this evening made the decision to elevate the travel status from its previous advisory level to a watch level beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday night. A press release from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office indicates strong winds and blowing snow will make drifting roads a significant issue for travelers by tomorrow morning.

Continue reading