Michigan Braces for 7 Inches of Snow Amid Ongoing Bitter Cold
Southeast Michigan is preparing for another round of significant snowfall amid ongoing bitter cold temperatures. A Winter Weather Advisory is currently active, impacting several counties until Saturday morning.
Winter Weather Advisory Details
- Counties Affected: Mason, Lake Oceana, Newaygo, Muskegon, and Ottawa.
- Advisory Duration: Until 7 a.m. Saturday.
- Snow Accumulation: Expected 3-7 inches in southwest and west-central Michigan.
On Thursday afternoon, parts of southeast Michigan had already experienced over 6 inches of snow. Snow plow drivers were actively working to clear roadways, preparing for an additional 1-3 inches expected on Friday.
Forecast for Counties
- Kent, Allegan, and Van Buren: Anticipated snowfall of 2-5 inches.
- Leelanau, Benzie, and Manistee: Lake effect snow could bring 3-6 inches, particularly along the M-22 corridor.
Impact on Transportation and Local Services
Wednesday’s snowfall led to widespread disruptions, with hundreds of schools closing throughout the area. Based on reports, Wixom recorded 6 inches, Rochester 5.8 inches, and Romulus approximately 4 inches, while Detroit saw around 2 inches.
In the 24 hours following the storm, the Michigan Department of Transportation recorded at least 44 crashes affecting traffic across Metro Detroit highways. Michigan State Police responded to 106 incidents, complicating Thursday’s morning commute. Traffic was slow due to snow-covered roads, especially in Macomb County.
Emergency Measures and Cold Weather Alerts
In response to the severe cold, Detroit’s Chief Public Health Officer declared a cold-weather health emergency. An overnight standby shelter was established to assist residents facing the frigid temperatures. This shelter, located at 13130 Woodward Ave., will operate until noon on Tuesday.
The city has made available over 1,700 emergency shelter beds through local partnerships. Residents in need are encouraged to call the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine at (866) 313-2520.
Current and Upcoming Weather Conditions
As of Thursday afternoon, Detroit recorded a high of 17 degrees with wind chills dropping to as low as minus 5 early in the day. The forecast indicates that very cold temperatures will persist, with snow continuing into the weekend.
Extended Weather Forecast
| Day | Weather | High/Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | Snow | 34/26 |
| Saturday | Mostly Cloudy | 32/14 |
| Sunday | Mostly Cloudy | 22/11 |
| Monday | Mostly Cloudy | 19/5 |
| Tuesday | Partly Sunny | 14/5 |
| Wednesday | Mostly Cloudy | 22 |
The upcoming days in Michigan will see continued snow and cold weather, with forecasts predicting dangerously low wind chills early next week.
