Adams County EMA briefed commissioners after winter storm; travel watch lifted to advisory

Megan, an EMA representative, told the Adams County Board of Commissioners the county briefly reached a red-level travel warning during a winter storm before moving to an orange-level travel watch and then to an advisory. "The warning is more for emergency workers," Megan said, describing the three-tier system (yellow/orange/red) and noting the county was in an orange watch for drifting and wind. She explained that the state travel-advisory mobile app lagged updates during the event; "when we went red, it was still orange" on some phones, and she recommended residents check the state website in addition to social media updates. Commissioners thanked Megan for her transparency and for coordination with highway and sheriff’s offices, which assisted in clearing roads and notifying residents.

Why it matters: The briefing clarified who decides travel restrictions and how the county communicates with residents during weather emergencies. Megan said the county is developing its own travel-advisory app and will continue to use social channels and the state website to reach residents until the local tool is ready.

Details: Megan said the county uses three levels — advisory, watch and warning — and described the operational differences. She said a recent red warning was in effect for a short period and was lifted to orange at 8:30 a.m. Monday. Staff reported plows were dispatched early and that highway and sheriff’s personnel prioritized keeping arterials passable. Commissioners asked about consistency with neighboring counties; Megan said Adams County coordinates color levels and alerts with Allen, Wells and Jay counties where possible.

Next steps: County staff will continue refining public notifications, troubleshoot app-update issues with the state, and convene a post-event review to identify communication improvements.