Blizzard conditions expected Friday, Battle Creek declares snow emergency

BATTLE CREEK − High winds and nearly a foot of snow are expected in Calhoun County this weekend during a major winter storm that arrives Thursday.

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 in Calhoun County 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.” As of Thursday morning, forecasters were calling for roughly 3 inches of snowfall by early Friday and another 3 inches of snow Friday and Friday night. An additional 2 to 3 inches of snowfall is expected Saturday.

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. In Battle Creek, wind chill values are expected to reach as low as 13 degrees below zero Thursday and Friday night.

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.

Battle Creek declares snow emergency

The city of Battle Creek is declaring a snow emergency at 10 p.m. on Thursday and it will be in effect until further notice, likely through the weekend, city officials said in a release.

Vehicles parked on city streets will have until 10 p.m. Thursday to move. After that, Battle Creek police will work to make contact the registered owners of vehicles still parked in streets and potentially have those vehicles towed "as a last resort."

Battle Creek Transit will continue current hours and service on bus routes, Tele-Transit, and BCGo, city officials said.

The Calhoun County TEMP plan is in effect and provides guidelines for extreme cold weather shelter to the unhoused, and others who need it.

Local cold weather shelters include:

• SHARE Center, 120 Grove St., Battle Creek

• First Congregational Church, 145 Capital Ave NE, Battle Creek

• Haven of Rest, 11 Green St., Battle Creek

• Battle Creek Homeless Shelter, 209 E. Michigan Ave.

• SAFE Place, (888) 664-9832

Major utilities preparing

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.

State officials urge people not to travel

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.

Reporter Ken Palmer contributed to this report

Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com

This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Blizzard conditions expected Friday, Battle Creek declares snow emergency