ZEELAND, Mich. (WOOD) — Plow crews were busy in Ottawa County Monday trying to keep up with the snow.

The Ottawa County Road Commission had more than 50 snowplows on the roads and brought in crews early, knowing they would be needed.

“It’s a big challenge with over 1,700 miles of roadway. That’s a lot of area to keep up with, especially when we have snow events such as this where you have the lake-effect,” road commission spokesperson Alex Doty said.

Crews will continue to work into the night, focusing on roads that see the most traffic.

“With the amount of snowfall we’re getting, especially along the lakeshore, they’re focused primarily on the higher volume roads — so that’d be like your state routes, highways and larger volume roads — and they’re also working their way into more localized areas,” Doty said.

At Zeeland Ace Hardware, the snow means trying to keep the shelves stocked.

“People either replace their shovel or move and they come to find out they can’t find it,” store owner Greg Visser said.

The shovels were almost gone Monday afternoon. The owner says they always sell out, especially at the beginning of the season.

“It happens every year. We either get a lot or we don’t get any. So we’ll get replenished again in a day or two, but it’s not too unusual for us to sell out of everything because of the weather,” Visser said.

Salt is also a hot commodity to combat icing.

“We did get a replenishment this morning because we were out completely, so we had a neighbor that extended us some extra,” Visser said.

If you are driving, the road commission wants you to give plow drivers space and is reminding people about a new law requiring it.

“If a truck has its flashing green lights on, it’s dropping salt or sand and it’s plowing or pushing snow, drivers are required to stay at least 200 feet behind that truck, which is equivalent to about 12 to 13 car lengths just to make sure they have room to stop,” Doty said.

The Ottawa County Road Commission also says you are now required by law to give an active plow 20 feet of space when stopped at intersections in case they need to back up.