How to prepare for possible winter storm hitting southeast Michigan Friday
That ice storm that tore through tree limbs and power lines is so last week.
This time, Michiganders will need to drag out their shovels. A "major" snowstorm with heavy, wet snow is targeting metro Detroit, according to the National Weather Service in White Lake:
What to know
While it's too early to say exactly how much snow will fall, NWS meteorologist, Steve Freitag said Friday's snow will be heavy and definitely enough to stick to trees.
Accumulating snowfall possible across Michigan, pending the track of a low pressure system. Impactful snow potential will be highly contingent on where the rain/snow line sets up. Monitor future updates as this system has the markings for a major winter storm. #miwx pic.twitter.com/FyfilCdwau
— NWS Detroit (@NWSDetroit) February 28, 2023
This could bring additional power outages following the recent outages from last week's ice storm, particularly in Wayne and Oakland counties. The weather service is calling for a 90 percent chance of precipitation on Friday, with a high of 39 degrees and a low of 34.
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How to prepare for a winter storm:
Here is a guide offering steps to prepare, including:
How to winterize your car
What you should have in your vehicle winter safety kit
Winter driving safety tips
What to do before a winter storm arrives
How to protect your home, including preventing freezing pipes
How to prepare for power outages
How to remove snow, including shoveling tips
The weather service suggests that drivers plan early, not in the midst of a winter storm. There is a possibility for slower commute time due to weather conditions.
What to do in a potential power outage
Here are a few tips from DTE's website on how to prepare for a power outage:
Assemble an emergency kit in advance
Battery-powered radio or television (the news media will provide updates on when electricity will be restored)
Flashlights or battery-operated lanterns
Extra batteries
Candles with holders
Matches
Bottled water
Manual can opener
Nonperishable food
Disposable plates and utensils
Wind-up or battery-powered clock
Corded telephone (cordless phones don't work when the power goes out and your cell phone may not work if cell towers are affected)
DTE and Consumers Energy offer outage maps to check to see how many residents have outages.
Free Press writer Bill Laytner contributed to this article.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan snow forecast: How to prepare now for Friday's storm