TRAVERSE CITY — Emergency officials in Grand Traverse County say they were prepared for this week’s winter storm days before it arrived, thanks to advance coordination with the National Weather Service and ongoing monitoring across the region.
Gregg Bird, who works with Grand Traverse County Emergency Management, said the county began receiving regular updates from the National Weather Service’s Gaylord office late Friday. Those updates included storm advisory packets and conference calls with emergency managers, road agencies, and other partners.
“We kind of knew what was coming and what to expect,” Bird said. “For us, it’s really business as normal and being in a state of readiness.”
Bird said the county remains in a monitoring phase but is prepared to activate its Emergency Operations Center if conditions worsen. The center can be staffed on short notice if officials see what they call “cascading events,” such as extended power outages combined with traffic crashes or fires.
The Emergency Operations Center remains in a state of readiness, Bird said, allowing staff to respond quickly if activation is needed.
“All our staff has to do is come in, sign in, get a briefing, and we can start working right away,” he said.
Behind the scenes, officials monitor weather data, live 911 call activity, local media, road conditions, and information from state emergency management agencies. Bird said the county also stays connected with the Michigan State Police and can view emergency activity across neighboring counties.
Emergency officials emphasized that preparation also extends to the public. Bird said residents were encouraged over the weekend to plan ahead by shopping early, adjusting work schedules if possible, and limiting unnecessary travel.
“It’s not about panic,” Bird said. “It’s about awareness and making smart choices.”
Law enforcement officers are also adjusting their response during the storm, according to Traverse City Police Captain Adam Gray.
Gray said officers are dealing with the same hazardous road conditions as the public and are prioritizing safe driving.
“Our officers are not exempt from the road conditions,” Gray said. “They have to follow the same guidelines — drive slower, keep distance and take their time getting to calls.”
Gray said police continue to respond to all calls for service regardless of weather, but warned that severe conditions could lead to slight delays.
“We will respond to calls,” he said. “We need to make sure that we drive there safely so that we can get to the call for service.”
Gray added that officers receive emergency vehicle operations training, which includes learning how to handle vehicles in slippery conditions.
For residents who experience power outages, county officials said warming shelters, libraries, malls, and senior centers are available.
Emergency management staff said they will continue monitoring conditions and stand ready to respond if the storm intensifies.