Editor's note: Brown County Sheriff John Merchant provided an update on the road situation in the county Sunday afternoon.

The crews are out in force trying to open roads blocked by drifting snow. Some are having equipment issues due to the below zero temperatures, but everyone is working together to get roads opened as quickly and safely as possible.

One of the main obstacles the road crews are facing are abandoned vehicles in
the roadways. It has taken them many hours to either work around them or move them so the plows can continue.

A few of these were folks that had to be out, however--most were people who should have stayed home and this is causing a lot of down time.

Several medical emergencies have been avoided due to the road crews responding without question to those in need. The worst reported issue so far has been potential frostbite from people stranded in their vehicle.

A State of Emergency has been declared by the county and the state is assisting with opening roads in the county.

"We have been very fortunate so far, and very blessed to have the caliber of road crews, emergency responders, county employees and citizens who have helped when needed to make the best of a bad situation."