LANSING. The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) encourages residents and visitors to prepare for a winter storm expected to affect parts of the Lower Peninsula from Wednesday morning and into Thursday.
The National Weather Service is forecasting the possibility of up to 12 inches of heavy, wet snow in an area of the state spanning from Southwest Michigan to the Thumb. Northeastern winds of up to 35 mph may lead to extensive blowing and drifting snow Wednesday and Thursday. Near white-out conditions are also possible.
“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. “Consider altering travel plans if possible, and if you must drive during the storm, please allow extra time to get to your destination so you can take it slow on ice and snow.”
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, and gathering essential supplies for your car and home in case they are needed.
The public is encouraged to monitor local news media for up-to-date weather reports and local emergency information.
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.
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).
For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency, visit the MSP/EMHSD on the Web at www.michigan.gov/miready or Twitter at @MichEMHS.
