If you are planning a road trip during a storm, be sure to take the necessary precautions. From warnings to road closures, this article provides information on how to prepare. You may also want to keep this handy checklist to ensure you are prepared.
Winter storm warnings
If you live in Michigan, you may be under a winter storm warning. This means that heavy snow is expected. The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for several parts of the state, including the Upper Peninsula. Some areas will see 5-8 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 50 mph.
Winter storm warnings are typically issued 12 to 24 hours before a storm. They are designed to keep people safe. During a storm, high winds can cause power outages, blowing and drifting snow, and snow squalls that can limit visibility. Wind chills can be as low as 20 degrees below zero. When it is too cold, people can suffer from frostbite after just 30 minutes of exposure.
A blizzard warning is the most serious warning. It is issued when sustained wind speeds of 35 mph or more are occurring, or frequent gusts of 35 mph or more are occurring. Snowfall can reduce visibility to a quarter mile or less. Blizzard conditions must last at least three hours.
Most of the storm is expected to pass through Friday. There is a slight chance of a rain/snow mix in the morning before noon. That will be followed by an increase in snowfall from southwest to northeast throughout the region.
The storm is also expected to produce wind gusts of 45 mph. This will combine with the snow to create a snow squall, which will bring whiteout conditions. High winds can cause tree branches to fall and blow away, creating power outages.
Ann Arbor is under a winter storm warning. The city has asked residents to stay home. Metro Detroit is expected to get four to six inches of snow. The city will plow school routes.
The National Weather Service has also issued a winter storm watch for parts of the state. They have forecasted that areas south of US-30 will receive 4 to 8 inches of snow. However, counties in the northern part of the state will get closer to a foot.
The Michigan Public Service Commission is ready to help utilities prepare for the storm. They will open service garages to stock snowplows. Also, the Michigan Department of Transportation is preparing for the upcoming storm.
Road closures
The state of Michigan is facing a triple threat of bad road conditions. A snowstorm is en route, bringing the snow and ice, as well as an arctic cold front that will bring freezing temperatures and wind gusts of up to 55 mph. It will also be a cold weekend.
The National Weather Service has predicted a storm with snowfall amounts up to four inches. Roads are likely to be slick, but there are some road signs that will keep drivers safe and show them the way.
The National Weather Service has also issued a Winter Storm Warning for southeast Michigan through Saturday. This warning covers most of the metro area. Wind speeds are expected to be high and visibility will be limited.
The Michigan State Police have advised drivers to stay off the roads. They are also encouraging drivers to use alternate routes and to have a full tank of gas. In an effort to keep motorists from getting stuck on the road, they are urging people to stay home until the storm passes.
There are also many road closures to be aware of. You can check out live updates on the Michigan State website by logging on to MiDrive. Interactive road maps provide information about road construction and weather conditions, as well as the best options for drivers.
One of the more notable signs is the Thornapple River Drive in East Lansing, which will be closed for most of the event. Also of note, the city closed Hannah Community Center on Saturday and canceled the city’s activities for the day.
Among the many things that have happened in the last day or so, a fatal crash occurred in Lincoln Park. As a result, the Ohio Turnpike is being diverted from its usual route at exit 118. Some of the biggest problems are the slippery roads and the windy conditions that will continue into the weekend.
During the worst of it, hundreds of thousands of Michigan customers lost power. To combat this, the State Emergency Operations Center was activated by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. She urged drivers to stay off the roads, and to not pass active plows.
Staying safe
The latest iteration of the big freeze has plowed its way through the Mitten and is a doozy. If you’re in the area, you may want to take precautions. For starters, if you’re driving the highways and byways, do not go solo. You can get yourself into more trouble than a polar bear. Whether you’re heading out for the evening or the weekend, you’ll need to plan accordingly. As with any type of winter driving situation, you need to remember to carry an emergency kit of sorts, whether you’re driving a sled or a hummer.
The old faithful, Detroit, isn’t the only city affected by the storm. Ann Arbor, Flint, and Monroe are also under the weather radar. But the state’s most populous city isn’t the only one that could see a few inches of snow in the coming days. While we’re on the topic of safety, it’s also a good idea to keep yourself out of the cold by announcing your intentions to any motorist that may try to tailgate you. Even the most well-informed driver can be a victim of the cold. Fortunately, you can avoid the embarrassment of leaving a family member in the cold, thanks to a flurry of plow trucks. And if you need a hand, you’re in luck: most Michigan plow drivers are well-equipped with onboard cameras. Just make sure to have a buddy or two on hand to lend a helping hand.
It’s no secret that the metro Detroit area is prone to the aforementioned polar vortex, so the best way to stay ahead of the pack is to assemble a good ole boy sled crew. In addition to a proper ole boy sled team, you’ll need to arm yourself with an emergency kit and a hat or two. Of course, if you’re heading out at night, you’ll need to designate a sober or sober-able driver to keep the peace and order.https://www.youtube.com/embed/kp0DgDDrLzg
