In the countdown to this major Christmas week storm, the National Weather Service and Michigan State Police are urging people to get their holiday chores and travel done early. Motorists should also prepare for hazardous travel conditions if they find themselves on the road when conditions begin to deteriorate later this week.
“Try to complete Christmas travel, errands and shopping by Thursday evening as conditions will deteriorate rapidly with the arrival of a major winter storm,” National Weather Service meteorologists in Grand Rapids said today. “Be prepared for the possibility of stormy conditions Friday and Friday night.”
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A rough timeline of deteriorating road conditions in West Michigan and mid-Michigan: “Roads will likely become slick after 5:00 PM Thursday in Lakeshore, 6:00 PM along US 131 and 8:00 PM along US 127. Roads Friday morning will be snow-covered and slippery.”
Friday is also when potentially dangerous storm conditions will begin.
Here’s a timeline of the winter storm’s impact shared by the NWS:
Wrapping up all that work and vacation travel until Thursday, the National Weather Service is calling on people in its latest forecast ahead of the next storm.
“Travel is expected to be hazardous statewide Thursday through Saturday,” Michigan State Police said in an alert sent out today. “The National Weather Service predicts storm chances in the Upper Peninsula beginning Thursday and in the Lower Peninsula beginning Friday. Stormy conditions are expected to last through Saturday with winds between 40-50 mph and gusts over 60 mph possible at times Friday through Saturday.
State Police are encouraging residents to have essential items in their homes and vehicles in the form of a winter emergency kit in case of a power outage.
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“Winter weather can be very unpredictable and we encourage residents to start their journey early if possible, or delay if plans are flexible,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, state deputy emergency management director and commander of the Management of Emergencies and Homeland of the MSP. Security Division. “The most important thing residents can do to stay safe during extreme weather is to be ready ahead of time by stocking their homes and vehicles with basic emergency preparedness items and developing an emergency plan.”
Winter preparedness tips shared by the Michigan State Police include:
- Develop a 72-hour emergency supply kit that includes essential items such as a three-day supply of food and water, a battery-powered or handheld weather radio, blankets, flashlights with extra batteries, and emergency contact information.
- Know the difference: a Winter Storm Watch means a winter storm is possible in your area; A winter storm warning means that a winter storm is happening or will happen soon in your area.
- Identify a safe alternative heat source and fuel supply in the event of a power outage.
- Listen to the radio and TV for weather reports and emergency information.
- Stay inside during winter storms. If you must go outside, wear several layers of light clothing, hats and gloves to prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
- For those who need oxygen, make sure you have a backup power source in case of long-term power outages.
Tips for automotive readiness:
- Keep an emergency supply kit in your vehicle with essential items such as salt, sand, a shovel, food and blankets.
- Make sure your car has the right mixture of antifreeze and water in the cooling system and that the windshield washer fluid is topped up.
- Keep tires at the car manufacturer’s recommended pressure and routinely check tire pressure during cold weather.
- Keep the fuel tank close to full to prevent the fuel line from freezing.
- When you travel, let someone know your destination, route and expected time of arrival.
“Motorists are encouraged to check travel conditions and weather reports before driving. Major road closures can be found at www.michigan.gov/MiDrive. Additional resources can be found at www.michigan.gov/RoadConditions. MSP/EMHSD asks that you tune in to local news and/or check these websites instead of calling your local MSP post office or 911 for travel conditions.”
