The Allegan County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday evening reported that it has “additional deputies on overtime assigned to the highways due to the high volume of incidents and treacherous conditions of drifting and limited visibility.

“These are expected to escalate after dark. We urge motorists to use extreme caution and only travel in cases of extreme importance or emergencies until conditions improve”

The Yankee Springs/Wayland and Leighton Township fire departments reported the U.S.-131 expressway from Martin (Exit 55) to Dorr (Exit 68) was shut down indefinitely beginning at 7 p.m. Martin residents reported a plethora of trucks and other vehicles traveling through the downtown and Wayland police were keeping motorists from entering the freeway west of the city.

The Leighton FD posted, “Please stay off the roads. The Allegan County Road Commission won’t be back to plowing until 5 a.m. Most roads are drifting and becoming impassable along with white-out conditions.

“As we all know, it is winter in Michigan, but this isn’t our normal. Look at the bright side, we are one-third of the way through this winter storm. Looks like maybe 40s this weekend!”

Martin Township Fire & Rescue reported early this afternoon that U.S.-131 was closed northbound at the Shelbyville exit 59.

The department, in an official plea, stated, “Please avoid the area! Solid ice!”

Area authorities also reported the expressway northbound had a big accident between 142 and 146th Avenues north of the Dorr exit with multiple cars involved.

Matt Miner said on Facebook, “I got through that area and now stopped a mile south of 100th street near the Auto Auction. Find an alternate route if in the area.”

Michelle Miller-Spicer posted, “Dad (Fire Chief Joe Miller) called and said there is a four-semi and up to 10-car pileup on 131. Stay off the highway people.”

Yankee Springs Chief Dan Miller reported five inches of snowfall at the Yankee Springs department since 6 a.m., featuring “Considerable blowing and drifting presently with visibility poor.”

COVER PHOTO: The Allegan County Sheriff’s Department posted on Facebook, “This is at the Dorr Entrance ramp to NB US-131, we have a deputy at the top of the ramp not letting cars on northbound.”