Winter Storm Warnings Intensify in Michigan, Minor Changes for Detroit and Ann Arbor
The winter storm affecting Michigan is developing as anticipated, with important updates to the forecast. Winter storm warnings are now in effect for areas along the Sunrise Side shoreline, stretching from Saginaw Bay to Alpena and Rogers City. Additionally, parts of Mackinac County in the Upper Peninsula are included in these warnings.
Winter Storm Warnings in Michigan
While much of the state is under winter storm warnings, the Thumb and eastern Detroit area are seeing winter weather advisories. Snow totals in these regions are expected to be slightly lower, ranging from one to two inches less than other areas. The warnings are represented in pink on the latest updates, while the advisories are in purple.
Timing of the Winter Storm
- Warnings End Times: Central Michigan warnings conclude by 10 a.m. Sunday, while eastern sectors close at 1 p.m. The southwest corner anticipates ongoing lake-effect snow until 7 p.m.
- Affected Areas: Ann Arbor and Detroit may see primarily snow, with a potential brief period of rain early Sunday.
The storm’s trajectory runs through Ann Arbor into the Thumb, which could lead to a mix of precipitation in areas southeast of the storm track. However, forecasters expect the prevailing weather to be mostly snow.
Forecast Details
Key timing for snowfall includes:
- Light snow expected in the first two hours.
- Eastern and northern Lower Michigan may see snow by midday.
- By 5 p.m., widespread snow will create slick road conditions, affecting eastern Michigan and areas north.
- By 8 p.m., heavy snow will cover most of Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula.
Snowfall Expectations
Snowfall amounts have remained consistent, with projections indicating:
- Western Michigan: 6 to 10 inches, including key areas like Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.
- Traverse City and Cadillac: Expected accumulations of 5 to 8 inches.
- Eastern Lower Michigan: Anticipated totals of 4 to 7 inches, particularly in Lansing, Jackson, and Ann Arbor.
- Detroit Area: Forecasted totals of 3 to 5 inches.
By Sunday afternoon, there may be some relief as temperatures in the southern region of Michigan could rise to around 33 degrees, improving road conditions subsequently. However, the lake-effect snow belts near Lake Michigan may still experience intense snowfall.
Residents and travelers should monitor local updates and consider delaying travel until safer conditions emerge later in the day.
