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Don't drive if you don't absolutely have to, Kent County Road Commission says

West Michigan is facing blizzard-like conditions on the roads, as wind gusts over 40 mph and plenty of snow begins to accumulate.

KENT COUNTY, Mich. — If you don't absolutely have to be out on the roads Friday, road officials are asking people to just stay home

West Michigan is facing blizzard-like conditions on the roads, as wind gusts over 40 mph and plenty of snow begins to accumulate.

Still, the Kent County Road Commission will have snow plow drivers out Friday night through the weekend clearing the roads. 

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They're asking people to be patient as plows make their way through the county. Crews will start with the main roads first before getting to the neighborhood streets. 

If you do happen to be traveling Friday night, be sure to keep your distance from the snow plows, Jerry Byrne with the road commission says.

"Most of these trucks have an extension wing that sticks six plus feet out behind the truck," said Byrne. "So, while you think you can pass, don't pass because that wing is out there to make our drivers more efficient, make it safer for you.

"They are lit, but when the wind is blowing and the snow is blowing, it's hard for that light to shine through. So, if you see a cloud of snow dust, if you will, don't just blast through it, because it could be one of our trucks," he said.

RELATED: Consumers Energy prepared as winter storm heads for West Michigan

Another thing to keep in mind, especially with the low visibility, is to make sure that pets, children and even adults are not on the road when the plow trucks are clearing the street. 

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