Winter storm warning issued for southeast Michigan, starting Thursday night

Chandra Fleming, Detroit Free Press
·4 min read

Get your remaining holiday shopping done now to avoid being stuck in a snowy mess later this week.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Wednesday afternoon for southeast Michigan, starting 7 p.m. Thursday evening and ending 4 a.m. Saturday, ahead of a potential blizzard that's set to hit much of the Midwestern United States. Affected counties include Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, Washtenaw, Monroe, Lenawee, St. Clair, Lapeer, Genesee, Shiawassee, Saginaw, Bay, Midland, Huron, Tuscola and Sanilac.

The snow is expected to begin Thursday evening, with most snow falling Friday and continuing into Saturday evening. NWS meteorologist Ian Lee said earlier Wednesday most of metro Detroit is projected to get at least 4 inches of snow, though that could change. Further north, Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair, Livingston, Oakland and Macomb counties are projected to get 3-7 inches.

"Still trying to figure out the exact snowfall totals for the metro region," Lee said. "Right now, it looks like we'll see at least a couple inches. The highest sort of high snowfall totals are going to be north and west."

More:8 steps to prepare for a Michigan winter storm

Temperatures are expected to plummet later this week, too. Though Thursday's high is projected to be 41 degrees, it will drop to 13 that night, when the winter storm warning begins. Friday's forecast calls for a high of 23 before falling into the single digits that night. Saturday's high is 18 and Sunday's is 19.

Also complicating matters, winds of potentially 50 mph or higher may hit the area Friday, which could cause blizzard effects and possible chances of a white-out, the NWS said. Wind chills are expected to range from 0 to 15 degrees below zero Friday and Saturday.

The high winds also could cause widespread or scattered power outages and bring down tree branches.

More:Planning to travel this winter? Here are some winter weather driving tips

NWS said the high winds, combined with the heavy snow, could make travel difficult and almost impossible, advising residents to plan ahead and check weather conditions before commuting.

In southwest Michigan, the National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning from 4 p.m. Thursday to 7 p.m. Saturday, affecting Allegan, Barry, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lake, Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Ottawa and Van Buren counties. The expected snow accumulation in this area is 6-12 inches.

Tips for shoveling snow and snow removal

If you're elderly or have disabilities, try to get help removing snow.

Here are some other snow removal tips:

  • Apply some deicer or rock salt to your sidewalk and steps. That can make clearing snow and ice a little easier.

  • Don't shovel after eating or while smoking.

  • Stretch out before you begin and don't overexert yourself. Take frequent breaks and pay attention to how your body feels. Shovel fresh, powdery snow. Push snow rather than lift it.

  • If you do lift it, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel. And lift with your legs, not your back. Do not work to the point of exhaustion or if you have a history of heart disease.

  • If you feel tightness in the chest or dizziness, stop immediately.

Power outage tips

Make sure your laptops, cellphones, and any other devices that use rechargeable batteries are charged up. And consider purchasing a backup charger and get that ready, too.

Know where your fuse box is located and how to turn the power and circuit breakers on and off. Mapping and labeling each circuit breaker to its relative appliance or room is also a good idea.

If you lose power, the weather will be cold enough to keep food or perishable items in a sealed plastic bin on your porch, vehicle, or in the garage.

Use flashlights, headlamps, battery-operated lanterns or glow sticks rather than candles or other flammable lighting sources.

Do not use cooking grills or fuel-powered generators indoors as they emit carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.

Stay at least 20-25 feet away from downed power lines.

Broken DTE Energy power lines can be reported through DTE's website. To report downed Consumers power lines, call 911 and 800-477-5050.

Emma Stein and Frank Witsil contributed with previous reporting.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Winter storm warning for southeast Michigan, starting Thursday