Blizzard conditions expected Friday across much of Michigan

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for much of Michigan from 4 p.m. Thursday to 1 a.m. Christmas Eve. Snowfall estimates range from 6 to 10 inches, but forecasters say winds gusting to 50 mph or more will likely create blizzard conditions and could cause power outages.

The bulk of the snow is expected to fall overnight Thursday into Friday, and “widespread wind-driven lake effect snow will continue Friday into Saturday as well.”

The weather service estimates the gusty winds and falling temperatures Friday will lead to blizzard or near-blizzard conditions Friday that will continue overnight into Saturday morning.

Livingston County is under a winter storm warning from 7 p.m. Thursday until 4 a.m. Saturday. National Weather Service Meteorologist Ian Lee said people in the Livingston County area can expect about 4-8 inches of snow from this storm. The bigger issue, though, is the wind. The wind gusts will be up to 50 mph, which is going to affect visibility outside.

"Travel is going to be impossible at times, especially due to the blowing snow and the drifting of snow," he said.

The weather service is forecasting the potential for blizzard conditions in the Upper Peninsula beginning Thursday, and in the Lower Peninsula starting on Friday. Blizzard conditions are expected to last through Saturday with wind gusts between 40-50 mph and gusts over 60 mph possible at times Friday into Saturday in some parts of the state.

Adding to the snow and the wind will be dramatically colder temperatures, with wind chills plummeting to at or below zero.

Michigan snowfall predictions: See how much your area will get during winter storm

Livingston County Emergency Management Director Therese Cremonte is encouraging residents to consider changing travel plans.

Both Brighton and Howell have issued snow emergencies, meaning that on-street parking is not allowed. Brighton's snow emergency is in effect from 8 p.m. Thursday through noon Saturday. Howell's snow emergency is in effect from 4 p.m. Thursday through 4 p.m. Saturday. Vehicles left on the street will be towed at the owners' expense.

What Consumers, DTE are doing

The Michigan Public Service Commission and Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division are working with utilities and local providers to pre-deploy staff and crews to help keep the power on, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said.

Officials urged residents to avoid bringing a generator inside a home. Carbon monoxide poisoning could easily happen, as it is odorless gas that is extremely dangerous." A portable generator should be placed at least 25 feet away from any doors, windows or fresh air intakes," according to Consumers Energy. "Never operate a generator inside your home, garage, basement or enclosed area. Proper ventilation is critical."

Stay at least 25 feet away from, and report, any downed wires to your energy supplier. A rule of thumb is to stay a bus length away, said Trevor Lauer, president and COO of DTE Electric.

"We do expect in an event like this that there will be some wires that come down," Lauer said. "We urge the public that if you see yellow caution tape, please stay away."

DTE will have 700 employees in the field working on downed wires as quickly as possible. Another 1,000 employees will be available to assist customers. DTE serves 2.2 million residents in southeast Michigan.

Report any power outages in southeast Michigan and receive restoration updates and preparation tips on DTE's website.

Consumers Energy is also preparing for any outages or hazards during the storm, Consumers Energy President and CEO Garrick Rochow said in a video message. The utility company provides services to 6.7 million Michigan residents in the Lower Peninsula.

He said the company has been preparing all week for the storm and expects high winds to cause outages.

In a Twitter post, Consumers urged customers to stay at least 25 feet away from a downed wire and anything it is touching. Customers should call 9-1-1 and then Consumers at 800-477-5050 if they find downed lines.

To report any outages or gas leaks, see which areas are affected or receive power restoration updates as a Consumers Energy customer, visit the company's website.

To report outages as a DTE customer, visit their website.

State officials urge people not to travel

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer urged Michigan residents to prepare for the storm and to keep their families and neighbors safe.

“The State of Michigan is closely watching conditions as they develop and taking action to prepare for winter weather impacts,” Whitmer said, adding that she is “grateful for the dedicated first responders working to keep Michiganders safe this weekend.”

She urged residents to stay home and avoid travel during the storm and to have enough supplies to endure a power outage or other emergency.

The state is also taking the following actions:

Michigan State Police will direct additional troopers to assist motorists and has established lines of communication with local emergency management coordinators, the Red Cross and Salvation Army.

The Michigan Department of Transportation is prepared to provide additional resources on freeways and other state-plowed roads this weekend.

Many cities and local governments set up warming centers ahead of inclement weather. To find a warming center near you, visit https://mi211.org/ and search “warming centers” or call 2-1-1.

Cold weather tips

Some other tips, according to state officials:

• Stay indoors if possible. If you must go out, wear layers to prevent loss of body heat and cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.

• Keep a three-day supply of food and water, battery-powered weather radio, flashlight and extra batteries, and extra blankets.

• For those requiring oxygen, make sure you have a backup power source in case of outages.

• To protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning, do not use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal burning device inside your home, basement, garage, or near a window.

• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who are at risk and may need additional assistance.

• Follow @MichEMHS for more information on how to prepare before, during, and after an emergency.

For those who decide to travel:

• Keep your vehicle’s fuel tank near full to prevent it from freezing.

• Pack an emergency supply kit with essentials like salt or cat litter, jumper cables, flashlight, shovel, food, water, and blankets.

• Make sure you give yourself extra time to get where you are going safely.

• Avoid downed power lines, which could be carrying live electricity.

• Snowplows have blind spots, especially in a snowstorm. Give snowplow operators a little extra help and “Don’t Crowd the Plow.”

• Before you travel, check MDOT’s MiDrive Website for information on closures, snowplow locations, and other road condition information.

Detroit Free Press reporter Nour Rahal and Lansing State Journal Reporter Ken Palmer contributed.

Sophia Lada is a reporter for the Livingston Daily. Contact her at slada@gannett.com or 517-377-1065. Follow her on Twitter @sophia_lada.

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Blizzard conditions expected Friday across much of Michigan