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The Muskegon County sheriff has advised motorists to avoid the northern portions of the county, where roads are drifting closed and stranded drivers have been forced to abandon their vehicles.

(MLive file photo)

MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI -- "Extremely hazardous" road conditions have forced motorists to abandon their vehicles and the Muskegon County sheriff to advise drivers to stay off the roads.

Blowing snow and slippery pavement have caused multiple accidents in Montague and White River townships, Muskegon County Sheriff Dean Roesler said in a travel advisory issued Friday morning. Conditions are especially hazardous in the northern portion of the county, he said.

In addition, eastbound I-96 in Ottawa County in Ottawa County was closed around 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21 because of multiple accidents. Drivers were being diverted at Exit 10, which is 112th Avenue, and reentering the freeway at 68th Avenue.

Snow whipped by high winds has reduced visibility throughout the area while dropping temperatures have caused areas that thawed over the past two days to refreeze.

Roesler said blowing snow has made some roads impassable and tow truck drivers are unable to get to stranded motorists.

"Vehicle occupants are being brought to areas of safety and their vehicles will be recovered when the weather breaks," he said.

The sheriff asked that drivers "avoid or minimize travel."

Lynn Moore is a reporter for MLive Muskegon Chronicle. Email her at lmoore8@mlive.com and follow her on Twitter and Facebook.