Michigan Winter Storm: When and Where Will It Hit?
It’s coming. We’ve been hearing about the biggest winter storm of the season for Michigan arriving this weekend. Now, the details are starting to get a bit clearer. Darn it. I really thought we had escaped winter this year. December was one of the warmest on record, and I loved it. But, a major Michigan winter storm is coming. Here’s when and where it will hit.
According to Weather.com, a massive storm will impact pretty much all of lower Michigan this weekend. This storm is much different that the one the East Coast saw earlier in the week. Right now, it appears that Southeast Michigan, around Detroit, will get a little relief, because they will have slightly higher temperatures, which will make the snow change to rain for a small period of time. But, everyone is going to get snow and high winds. The high winds are problematic for all areas of Michigan, because they could cause power outages. The last time I lost power in the winter, I packed up my family and drove two hours away, because we couldn’t live for several days without power in subzero temperatures.
Friday morning (Jan. 12) looks pretty good, with just light snow. But, Friday afternoon, according to Weather.com, the snow will start to make its way across lower Michigan, and pretty much everyone will get hit. Temperatures will probably be above freezing for most of lower Michigan, which will help a little, but it will be windy. Friday evening could even bring some rain, but then early Saturday morning, from midnight to sunrise, the temperatures will drop and it will go back to snow. Roads will freeze, making travel very dangerous.
The biggest concern on Saturday is not just heavy snow, but high winds. Because of the high winds, snow will probably blow back onto the roads. That said, travel on Friday night and all of Saturday is not advisable. As for snow totals, the Lansing area is looking at 6-10 inches of snow, Jackson is looking at 4-8 inches and Detroit is looking at 2-4 inches or more. The west side of the state will probably get even more. These totals could change, too. Just stay off the roads, and let’s pray to keep the lights on.
