The statement issued Monday was clear.
"If you are thinking about driving tonight — don't," they wrote. "Conditions across Grand Traverse County are becoming life threatening."
Grand Traverse County Emergency Management said there were three feet of snow on the ground and wind gusts creating drifting snow and whiteout conditions. Many roads are impassable, they said.
The heightened concern came as nightfall arrived and temperatures began to drop. Windchills on Monday night and Tuesday were expected to be below zero.
"If you choose to travel tonight and become stranded, emergency responders may be severely delayed reaching you," the statement said. "For your safety and the safety of first responders, please stay home and continue to ride out the remainder of the storm."
Road clearing operations were expected to continue through the night and well into Tuesday.
A blizzard warning for Leelanau, Emmet and Cheboygan counties was extended into Tuesday morning. The Upper Peninsula is also under a blizzard warning.
"Cold air will continue to filter into the region, with single digit temperatures tonight and Tuesday night, with even colder wind chill temperatures," said a statement from the Gaylord office of the National Weather Service. "Consequently, for those without power, dangerously cold temperatures are expected through mid week."
