Michigan's Winter Storm: What's Coming and How to Prepare

Michigan is preparing for another round of severe winter weather. A powerful storm system is expected to bring heavy snow, strong winds, and blowing snow, particularly affecting the Upper Peninsula and the snow belts of lower Michigan.

Storm Timeline and Impacts

• When: Late Sunday through Tuesday
• Conditions:
• Rain may mix in for parts of lower Michigan on Sunday before turning to snow Sunday night into Monday.
• Heavy snow, whiteout conditions, hazardous ice, and dangerously cold wind chills are expected.
• Winds: Sustained at 20 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph.
• Risk of flash freezing on paved surfaces.

Areas Most Affected

The Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast will all be impacted. Northern Michigan will experience the most intense conditions on Monday, with snowbelt areas potentially seeing over 12 inches of snow.

Expected Snowfall Amounts (by Tuesday Morning)

Power Outages and Travel Warnings

• Over 28,000 people in Michigan were still without power from a Friday ice storm.
• The new storm could cause additional outages.
• Travel is expected to be very difficult or even impossible Sunday into Monday morning.

Winter Storm Watch

A winter storm watch means there is a potential for heavy snow or significant ice accumulations. Watches are issued when there is a 50% or greater chance of bad weather, giving people time to prepare.