Roads in the unincorporated areas of Hamilton County are now under an orange Travel Watch. A Travel Watch means that conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. Only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergency situations, is recommended and emergency action plans should be implemented by businesses, schools, government agencies and other organizations.

The sheriff’s office said that road conditions have quickly deteriorated as snowfall has accumulated rapidly since it began shortly before 3 p.m. Most travel in the county is slow going at best. Blowing and drifting will create further problems as gusty winds pick up the powdery snow. Only essential traffic should be attempted in the county until conditions improve.