Many Michigan Schools, All State Offices Close Due To Heavy Snow

LANSING (WWJ) - With a Winter Storm Warning in effect for a chunk of metro Detroit, and snow falling across lower Michigan, closures began to roll in before noon for schools and other buildings.

While some districts opted to close early on Wednesday, many schools canceled afternoon activities. By early Wednesday afternoon, about a dozen school districts north of Detroit and in the Jackson area had already called a "Snow Day" for Thursday, with snow accumulation estimates as high as 10 inches.

[CHECK THE COMPLETE SCHOOL CLOSINGS LIST]

The state of Michigan closed all state government offices in the Lower Peninsula — including all Secretary of State offices — at noon due to the severe weather.

Customers are advised to follow news reports, check Michigan.gov or visit the Branch Office Locator before driving to an office on Thursday.

All appointments or hearings scheduled for Wednesday afternoon have been adjourned, and those with appointments or hearings Thursday are asked to check before heading out.

People wishing to renew license plates, driver's licenses and ID cards were urged to do so online at www.ExpressSOS.com or call 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424) with any questions.

Genesee County office buildings and Flint City Hall closed at noon Wednesday and will remain closed Thursday.  The State Emergency Operations Center will stay open to manage Flint's water emergency and to monitor storm conditions.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's appearance in Lansing, to speak about a state House plan to restructure the Detroit Public Schools, was also canceled.

Meantime, chatter about snow day celebrations and plans crowded social media.

Fun, superstitious suggestions shared for those seeking a snow day include: a snow dance, wearing your pajamas inside out, putting a spoon under your pillow or ice cubes in the toilet.

Forecasters say a strong storm system will bring both rain and snow to the state through Thursday morning. The storm is expected to intensify later Wednesday and leave the highest snow amounts in the Thumb region.

In the Detroit area, 1 to 4 inches is expected Wednesday followed by another 1 to 3 inches over night and into Thursday. In parts of southwestern and mid-Michigan, the National Weather Service says 8 to 10 inches is possible.

Stay safe and informed: Keep it tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest forecast during traffic and weather, every 10 minutes on the 8s. See the live, local radar now at this link.

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