ANDERSON -- The Madison County Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency, working with the Madison County Commissioners and the Madison County Sheriff, have reduced the travel status for the county, according to MCEM's Todd Harmeson.

As of 8 p.m. Saturday, Madison County's status was downgraded to a travel watch, which means conditions are threatening to the safety of the public. Only essential travel is recommended (ie: to and from work, emergency situations, etc).

East and west roads are still drifted, hazardous and may still be closed or impassable. Highway crews will continue to focus on all roadways and provide support to emergency crews. At night, travel can be much more hazardous due to limited visibility.

In addition, residents can help fire departments by shoveling out nearby fire hydrants. Accumulated snow around fire hydrants can hamper emergency responders should a fire occur.