GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Following the warm winter start, Michigan is anticipating several larger stormfronts early this week bringing snow and intense wind to parts of the state. 

A Winter Storm Watch is issued when “there is the potential for significant and hazardous winter weather within 48 hours,” according to the National Weather Service (NWS). “It does not mean that significant and hazardous winter weather will occur…it only means it is possible.” 

Central and Eastern Michigan expects snow and wind.

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Metro Detroit is projected to have snow and winds through Wednesday. 

“Strong west winds are expected to develop Wednesday in the wake of the storm system,” the NWS predicted. “Wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph will be possible with the strongest winds from Metro Detroit southward to the Indiana and Ohio border.” 

The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids is forecasting roughly four inches of snow north of the snow line. 

Snow in Northern Michigan may pack a punch.

In the lower portion of Northern Michigan, roughly 6-10 inches of snow is expected for areas including: Petoskey, Cheboygan, Rogers City, Paradise, Trout Lake, Rudyard, Sault Ste. Marie, Brimley, Kinross, Sugar Island, Detour Village, Goetzville, Drummond Island, Engadine, Naubinway, Epoufette, St. Ignace, Brevort, Les Cheneaux Islands, Mackinac Island, St. James, and Charlevoix. 

A winter storm watch is in effect from Tuesday morning through Wednesday morning according to the National Weather Service. 

“Travel could be very difficult,” the advisory said. “The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning and evening commutes.” 

Mid-Michigan is expected to be hit by heavy snowfall.

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According to forecasts from WNEM, who predict the heaviest lower peninsula snowfall to occur in the Saginaw Bay area.

  • The Bay Area, the Thumb, and Flint-Owosso-Lapeer are not out of the woods though. Accumulating snowfall is expected Tuesday morning for ALL of Mid-Michigan, likely leading to difficult travel Tuesday morning and early afternoon. We urge you to begin to consider factoring in extra time for that drive.
  • Though we are anticipating melting, some locally higher amounts are certainly possible (particularly in our northern counties).

Northern Michigan braces for more than five inches of snow.

A forecast from the NWS in Marquette shows sustained snowfall beginning Monday evening through Tuesday night, with a 50% chance of at least 6 inches of snow for the east-central Upper Michigan region. 

“Snow is forecast to be fairly wet and difficult to clear,” a NWS advisory said. “Blustery north winds develop Tuesday night with patchy blowing snow and potential for a few power outages.” 

National Weather Service recommends storm preparations. 

During winter storms, the NWS encourages those in the affected areas to be sure their food and field supplies will last for the duration of the storm. 

“Stock up on needed medicines and batteries for flashlights and radios,” the NWS said in a statement. “Be extremely careful when using oil or kerosene stoves, grills, and fireplaces for emergency heating and cooking. These devices and the rooms they are used in must be well ventilated. Fumes and carbon monoxide from incomplete combustion can kill you.” 

The NWS also recommended taking precautions to prevent fires as they can be caused by overheated heaters and furnaces, and the fire department may not be able to arrive in time.