While many people are not ready to think about snow, Marshall County Emergency Management Agency Director Clyde Avery has it in his thoughts. He presented a Winter Preparedness Plan to the commissioner this week for consideration.
Avery said this winter season could get interesting.
Avery stated, “The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released their winter forecast last week and basically we’re going to be in a La Niña pattern this year. What that means for us is we’re going to see equal chances for above normal and below normal temperatures, but more chances for precipitation. Whether that’s in the form of rain or snow is yet to be seen.”
In the plan, Avery said he will work with Highway Superintendent Jason Peters to report travel conditions to the commissioners and the commissioners will make any decisions on travel restrictions as necessary. He said the three restrictions are a watch level, warning level and emergency level. The watch level means that routine travel could be hazardous. Avery commented the warning level means conditions are threatening to the safety of the public.
“We recommend only essential travel, like to and from work, and emergency situations take place. We also encourage businesses and schools to implement their emergency plan. The next level would be the emergency level and that’s where conditions have gotten so bad that we’re not able to keep up with the snow conditions and we basically have to put restrictions in place.”
Avery added that he will coordinate with the Red Cross to make sure they are available in case motorists are stranded and shelter is needed.
The commissioners will come together with Avery, the highway superintendent and the school superintendents soon to brush up on the plan before severe weather hits.
