Early Wednesday morning Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey issued a statement to motorists, urging them to avoid travel on roadways if possible.

The statement came after a powerful winter storm moved through the Michiana area, making for treacherous road conditions and packing powerful winds which caused numerous snowdrifts.

Bailey declared a road emergency for Berrien County and said all county government facilities would be closed Wednesday. Motorists are advised to “refrain from driving unless it is an emergency, so that snow removal crews can get the roads open.”

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) also addressed road conditions Wednesday morning.

According to the MDOT southwest regional office, state roads are considered in “relatively good shape” considering the snowfall, high winds and drifting snow that began early Tuesday evening. Still many roads are mostly snow covered and icy and there is significant drifting on many limited-access roadway ramps.

Crews are working to clear snow off the roadways as quickly as possible but cold temperatures and strong winds are posing challenges to plow drivers.

MDOT officials say with temperatures under 19 degrees, salt will not work to break down slick surfaces and melted snow is refreezing faster. Drivers should expect roads to be icy and should take precautions.

Roads are expected to remain a challenge until the storm is over, officials said, adding that drivers should slow down allow extra time for trips and avoid venturing out at all if possible.

‘Historic proportions’

The National Weather Service is calling a massive winter storm that wreaked havoc on much of the country from Oklahoma and Texas to the already hard hit eastern region including New York and Massachusetts a storm of “historic proportions.”

The snow has been forecast to taper off by Wednesday afternoon but high winds could still pose problems in regard to drifting snow.

In Illinois, preliminary snowfall totals are measuring 16 inches, slightly less than the two feet predicted to fall from the storm but officials expected measurements to be difficult due to blowing snow. Few areas in Michigan and Indiana have yet to report an estimated snowfall.