Berrien County preps for heavy snowfall

BRIDGMAN, Mich. -- Tow truck companies and police are getting ready for what is expected to be another blast of winter weather. Crews in Berrien County are expecting heavy snow, with a number of slide-offs and accidents through the weekend.

A quick blast of water and some suds are just a small part of what it takes to prep for heavy snowfall.

"When the storm is over, the work is gone," Rich Lenardson, Owner of Great Lakes Repair, said. "So you gotta get what you can, while it's there."

He's not sure how much snow to expect this weekend, but either way, he and his crew will be ready.

"Whatever we'll get, I'll be happy with," Lenardson said. "From a wrecker company's standpoint, a lot of snow is always a good thing for business."

The amount of snowfall will vary depending on how much wind passes over Lake Michigan; which is why emergency crews are encouraging drivers to take it easy, and stay alert.

"When the roads are dicey, pay attention to where you're at," Rick Smiedendorf, Berrien Springs Deputy Chief of Police, said. "Because you never know when you might have to make that 911 call for yourself or for someone else."

He'll be out Friday night helping folks who do slideoff.

He's expecting the roads to be rough, which means potential trouble for snow trucks trying to clear the way.

"When you see the guys out there trying to clear the road, just slow down and give them some room," Smiedendorf said.

Otherwise, you might find yourself in the cold asking for help.

"I would say 90 percent of the stuff we do out there is preventable," Lenardson said. "If people would just slow down, or if it's really bad out, not be out when there's not a necessity to be out."

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