SOUTH BEND — Plow crews were already out Monday night preparing for what could be a very messy commute Tuesday. Leaders in many local counties are also keeping a close eye on the roads to decide whether a "state of emergency" might have to be declared.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 10 PM Monday until 7 PM Tuesday for all of Southwest Lower Michigan and most of Northern Indiana. Heavy snow and strong winds are expected to create extremely hazardous driving conditions for much of the day Tuesday.

A Blizzard Watch is also in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday afternoon. Heavy snow and even stronger winds could result in widespread whiteout conditions.

But exactly who makes the call that those conditions warrant an emergency, and what the declaration means, depends on where you live. It also depends on what's causing the problems, whether it's ice, snow, whiteout conditions, or all of the above.

Each type of emergency declaration is a simple term, but we asked a handful of drivers what they mean and got a handful of different answers!

"It means you should stay off the roads if at all possible," said driver Mike Wickersham.

"It means it's illegal to drive. You can be arrested for it!" said driver Chuck Niebauer.

"I think it means that there's a whole lot of snow coming," said driver Melissa Barth.

The truth is, there is more than one definition.

In fact, in most Indiana counties, there are now three, corresponding with a new state mandate for emergency management.

"Level 1 is the highest one, the red alert," said Elkhart County Commissioner Mike Yoder (R-Middlebury). "That pretty much shuts down the county; only emergency vehicles. Then you go down to level 2, and that's a little bit more open. We might have schools implement an emergency response plan or something. And then level 3 is a major caution. [It means] don't go anywhere unless you have to."

In most local counties, a "level 3" state of emergency is actually fairly common. Some will issue it a few times each winter.

But a level 2 declaration is fairly rare, and can result in certain roads being shut down.

Level 1 is even more rare, but it does happen. The latest call came on December 26, when roads across the area froze solid.

"We are ready to declare whatever level is needed, but in my four years as a commissioner, that's the first time we've ever done a level 1," said Yoder.

In most counties, including Elkhart and St. Joseph, at least two of the three County Commissioners must agree to declare any of the emergency levels.

In many local cities, that job falls to the mayor. As for the criteria they use to decide?

"It gets to be pretty complicated," said Yoder. "First, we ask the sheriff and the county highway department to give some input, tell us what the road conditions are. The highway department says how quickly they can get roads cleared. Then, county commissioners talk with the emergency management director, and we make a decision, and declare whatever level it is."

"We rely heavily on the highway department and emergency management agency to make our determination," agreed St. Joseph County Commissioner Bob Kovach (D-Mishawaka).

But ultimately, the call is up to the the commissioners.

"It is still very much a local decision," said Yoder.

And, even though they're rare, level 1 declarations can happen.

When they do, stay off the road means just that.

"During that ice event last month, we did have county police stationed at the state line, and they told people to turn around and go home. And, it does depend on how the county words it, but you could get a ticket [if you're caught driving during a level 1 emergency]. Generally, we're not that heavy handed, but we do want people to stay off the road," Yoder said.

"We do take into account the effect of a closure on businesses and schools, but the number one goal is safety," agreed Kovach.

Still, they know, not every driver will heed the warning.

"There's always some drivers who will get out no matter what," said driver Carol Wiggins. "If you have to work, it seems like you have to get out. But, not me!"

"It's not worth it," agreed Niebauer. "It's not worth risking your life. I don't care what you're doing, or where you're going. If it's too dangerous, it's too dangerous."

South Bend police are also warning drivers that all vehicles parked on public thoroughfares must be moved every 72 hours. If it's not moved, your car is at risk of being towed.

Authorities say snowed-in vehicles make it very difficult for crews to clear city streets.

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