Michigan State Police: Prepare For Hazardous Winter Storm
DETROIT (CBS DETROIT) - The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory which will take effect Monday 9 a.m. and last until 9 p.m.
The National Weather Service says precipitation will begin between 9 am and noon. It will begin as sleet mixed with some freezing rain before transitioning to all freezing rain late in the afternoon.
Expect some minor sleet accumulations with the heaviest precipitation between noon and 5 p.m. -- during rush hour.
The Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Lenawee , Livingston , Macomb , Monroe , Oakland , St. Clair , Washtenaw, and Wayne counties.
In light of the storm watch issued Sunday night the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division are encouraging people to prepare for a hazardous winter storm expected to affect most of the Lower Peninsula.
The National Weather Service is forecasting freezing rain with a quarter- to half-inch of ice accumulation. Western Michigan is expected to experience the worst conditions with 50 mph winds and the highest ice accumulation totals. These conditions are likely to cause widespread power outages and dangerous traveling conditions.
"Now is the time to prepare for this winter storm," said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. "Freezing rain has the ability to be very destructive, causing both long-term power outages and hazardous travel conditions. I strongly recommend anyone who may be affected by this storm to ensure they have enough supplies to last three days per person. Travel may not be possible right away."
Road crews across Southeast Michigan are on-alert in advance of Monday's storm. Craig Bryson with the Road Commission for Oakland County says this storm could prove "tricky."
"Well, at this point we are just watching to see how it comes, when it comes, what the weather is going to be preceding it -- right now our forecast is saying it should hit around 2 pm tomorrow," said Bryson. "The big question for us right now is what it's going to do before it hits - if it's raining there isn't much we can do - that's going to make things tricky when it changes over to ice."
Anyone in the path of this weather system is strongly encouraged to make alternative plans in case weather conditions disrupt daily routines. Preparations include charging cell phones and other devices in case power is interrupted, evaluating whether driving is necessary, stocking up on gas for generators and vehicles, and gathering essential supplies for your car and home in case they are needed.
Travelers are encouraged to go to www.michigan.gov/roadconditions and www.michigan.gov/drive to check road conditions before traveling. Weather and road conditions are also available by calling the MSP Travel Advisory Hotline at 1-800-381-8477.
The MSP/EMHSD asks that you view these websites or call the Travel Advisory Hotline rather than calling your local MSP post or 911. If the weather forecast and road conditions look dangerous, reschedule or postpone the driving trip.
If you must travel, keep an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle (e.g., a hand-crank flashlight and radio, cell phone charger, windshield scraper, emergency contact list, blanket, "Help" signs, jumper cables, tow strap, fire extinguisher, cat litter or sand for better tire traction, shovels, flares, first aid kit, bottled water and non-perishable, high-energy foods).
If you are stranded in a winter storm, do not leave your vehicle. Stay with the vehicle and wait for help.
Power Outage Safety
Ice accumulation is a serious threat to trees and utility lines and has the ability to cause widespread power outages.
Stay Safe During A Power Outage:
During and after a storm, stay at least 25 feet from any downed lines and assume that every line is "live" and dangerous.
If clearing trees or limbs, make CERTAIN they are not in contact with a power line. Trees and branches can conduct electricity and electrocute you on contact.
Do not call 911 to ask about the power outage. Report outages to your utility company.
Never run a generator indoors. Ensure it is outside and far away from windows or any other area where exhaust can vent back into a living area. Carbon monoxide can cause injury or death.
Gas stations and ATMs may not be available if the power is out. Use these services prior to the storm.
Have an emergency preparedness kit ready with supplies to last three days per person (e.g., food, water, first aid kit, flashlight and radio with extra batteries, extra clothing and blankets).
Additional information on the storm – including DTE's online Power Outage Map [HERE]
Get the complete forecast anytime on CBSDetroit's Weather Page.
