State Police Urges Michiganders To Prepare For Winter Weather

MICHIGAN — The potential of heavy snowfall and gusting winds in parts of Michigan Thursday night and Friday has prompted the Michigan State Police to urge Michiganders to prep for what they called a potentially hazardous winter storm.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for much of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and a winter weather advisory for all of the Lower Peninsula. The NWS is forecasting snow to arrive late Thursday afternoon, creating slick roads and low visibility.

Conditions are expected to worsen by Friday morning, as gusty winds, drifting snow and falling temperatures are added to the mix.

“Travel may be extremely dangerous during periods of heavy snowfall and gusting winds over the next two days,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, the deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. “If planned travel is non-essential, you are encouraged to postpone it and stay home. Fewer vehicles on the roadways help snowplows clear roads more quickly and safely.”

The NWS in Grand Rapids said precipitation would reach southwest parts of Michigan around 3 p.m. Thursday before moving northeast.

The NWS in Detroit is forecasting rain and snow leading up to around 8 p.m., when just snow is expected to ball until around 1 a.m. before more rain is expected.

Winds could gust as high as 31 mph in Detroit, according to the NWS, and about 3 inches of snow are expected.

The Michigan State Police said to stay safe during a winter storm, residents should stay inside if possible and wear protective gear if required to go outside.

Police also recommended residents check heating units, noting that poorly operating or damaged heating units can release carbon monoxide gas.