Winter Storm Warning Issued for Eastern Upper Michigan; Up to 9 Inches of Snow Expected
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Chippewa and Mackinac counties, effective Wednesday, with heavy mixed precipitation and high winds forecast.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Gaylord, MI, has issued a Winter Storm Warning for portions of Eastern Upper Michigan. The alert is in response to expected heavy mixed precipitation, including significant snowfall and ice accumulation.
Affected Areas
The warning covers the following geographic regions in Eastern Upper Michigan:
- Western, Central, and Southeast Chippewa County
- Western and Eastern Mackinac County
- Mackinac Island and Bois Blanc Island
What You Should Do
Residents are advised to delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Maintain a safe distance from other motorists and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns.
If you must travel, ensure your vehicle is winterized and keep an emergency kit inside, including:
- A flashlight
- Food
- Water
Expected Conditions
- Snowfall: Total accumulations between 5 and 9 inches, with locally higher amounts possible.
- Ice: Accumulations around a light glaze.
- Wind: Gusts as high as 35 mph.
- Impacts: The combination of strong winds and the weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. Travel is expected to be very difficult, specifically impacting the Wednesday morning and evening commutes.
Timeline
The Winter Storm Warning is effective from 1:00 AM EST to 10:00 PM EST on Wednesday, February 18.
Source: NOAA Official Notice