The winter landscape in eastern Michigan is poised for significant weather changes as an expanded winter weather advisory takes effect. This advisory encompasses major urban centers including Lansing, Ann Arbor, Detroit, Flint, Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland. The advisory indicates a combination of snow and powerful winds that could lead to hazardous conditions.
Winter Weather Advisory Details
- Advisory Area: Southeast Michigan, encompassing various counties
- Snow Accumulation: Expect one to two inches of snow
- Wind Gusts: Speeds up to 40 mph
- Wind Chill: Bitterly cold temperatures
The western third of lower Michigan is under a winter storm warning, with anticipated snowfall reaching six to ten inches by Tuesday morning. This region is expected to face severe blowing and drifting due to light, dry lake-effect snow.
Forecasted Snowfall
The snowfall forecast indicates that areas marked in yellow on the map will receive at least six inches. Some regions could see totals exceeding one foot by Wednesday morning. This significant accumulation will make travel perilous.
Wind Forecast
Wind gusts are projected to intensify across western lower Michigan between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. Monday, spreading into eastern regions by the late morning. Key wind gust expectations include:
- 6 a.m. Monday: Gusts increasing in southwest lower Michigan, including Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.
- 9 a.m. Monday: Gusts of 35 to 45 mph may impact the Traverse City area.
- 1 p.m. Monday: Peak gusts anticipated in Saginaw, Flint, Ann Arbor, and Detroit.
Blizzard Conditions Ahead
Blizzard conditions, defined by wind gusts over 35 mph and visibility reduced to a quarter of a mile, may affect parts of the region. These conditions are possible if the severe weather persists for three hours or more. Regardless of official blizzard status, driving will be extremely risky across western lower Michigan, with dangerous conditions spreading to eastern areas by Monday afternoon.
Residents are urged to stay updated on the situation as winter weather impacts begin Wednesday morning. For the latest forecasts and alerts, visit El-Balad.
