Winter Storm Warning Issued for Northeast Michigan Counties Through Wednesday Night
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Alpena, Cheboygan, Emmet, Montmorency, and Presque Isle counties, with heavy snow and ice expected to impact travel on Wednesday.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Gaylord, MI, has issued a Winter Storm Warning for several counties in Northeast Michigan. This alert is effective from 1:00 AM to 10:00 PM EST on Wednesday, February 18.
Affected Areas
The warning covers the following geographic regions in Michigan:
- Emmet County
- Cheboygan County
- Presque Isle County
- Montmorency County
- Alpena County
Expected Conditions
Heavy mixed precipitation is forecast for the region. Residents should expect total snow accumulations between 4 and 8 inches, with locally higher amounts possible near the Lake Huron shoreline. Ice accumulations of up to one-tenth of an inch are also anticipated. Wind gusts are expected to reach as high as 35 mph, further complicating conditions.
Timeline
The hazardous weather event is expected to begin at 1:00 AM EST on Wednesday, February 18, and continue through 10:00 PM EST that evening. The most significant impacts are expected to occur during the Wednesday morning and evening commutes.
What You Should Do
Travel could be very difficult as roads become slick and hazardous due to wet snow. The National Weather Service recommends the following actions:
- Delay Travel: Persons should delay all travel if possible.
- Emergency Supplies: If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
- Safe Driving: Drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Ensure your car is winterized and in good working order.
Source: NOAA Official Notice