CASSOPOLIS — Wednesday evening found most of the countywide system open but snow-covered, reports the Cass County Road Commission.

Blowing snow continued to be a problem on east/west roads.

These roads have required multiple passes to keep them open.

This slowed clearing of gravel roads and subdivision/lake community roads.

The Road Commission estimates that 70 percent of these roads have been opened up.

The Road Commission had a second shift starting at 5 p.m. which will be on for 12 hours.

After going back over primary roads to clear any drifting they will move into the subdivisions and gravel roads.

They intend to start their day crew at 5 a.m. on Thursday and begin salting and sanding intersections.

On Wednesday morning the Road Commission started plowing routes at 5 a.m.

Berrien County Sheriff L. Paul Bailey declared a road emergency.

With this, All Berrien County government facilities were closed.

Sheriff Bailey advised all motorists to refrain from driving, unless it is an emergency, so snow removal crews can get the roads opened.