Flint Township View

County prepares as winter storm warning goes into effect


GENESEE COUNTY – The National Weather Service said a winter storm warning is in effect for the Flint area from noon today until 4 a.m. Thursday.

Heavy mixed precipitation is expected with total snow accumulations of 2-4 inches and ice accumulations of one tenth to one quarter of an inch. Also, the weather service said winds gusting as high as 35 mph are possible.

Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice and the National Weather Service warns travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute.

Snow has been developing throughout the morning and is expected to change to sleet and freezing rain by afternoon continuing into the evening before tapering off Wednesday night.

Significant icing is expected, the National Weather Service said.

Snow and sleet are expected before 4 p.m., then sleet, possibly mixed with snow and freezing rain. The high temperature will be near 31 degrees. There will be an east wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent.

Total daytime ice accumulation of less than a 0.1 of an inch possible. Total daytime snow and sleet accumulation of around 2 inches.

Tonight, will see the arrival of freezing rain and sleet, mainly before 2 a.m. The sleet could be heavy at times. Low around 26. Northeast wind 10 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New ice accumulation of 0.1 to 0.2 of an inch possible. New sleet accumulation of around an inch possible.

On Thursday there is a chance of rain after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 39. Breezy, with an east wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west southwest 16 to 21 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

The Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium both announced they were closing at 1 p.m., but are expected to reopen tomorrow during regular hours. Secretary of State offices in Genesee County are closing at 2 p.m.

The Michigan State Police (MSP) is encouraging residents and visitors to prepare for a mix of winter weather that could lead to dangerous driving conditions and power outages.

This winter storm is expected to bring up to a foot of snow to the upper peninsula and northern, lower Michigan and drop a coating of heavy ice across Mid-Michigan in the lower peninsula.

“With potentially dangerous winter weather on the way, it is important to prepare and be ready ahead of time to keep yourself, your family, and your neighbors safe,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “The State of Michigan is closely watching conditions as they develop and taking action to prepare for winter weather impacts. We will continue working hard to protect the health and safety of Michiganders and are grateful for the dedicated first responders working to keep Michiganders safe this weekend.”

“We have enjoyed an unusually sunny February, but we are now reminded that it is still winter here in Michigan,” said Col. Joe Gasper, director of the MSP. “With this potentially dangerous storm hitting across the state, we advise all Michiganders to take precautions and avoid non-essential travel when possible.”

Driving tips during winter weather:

  • Check the weather before leaving for a destination. If the weather forecast looks dangerous, reschedule, or postpone the trip, if possible.
  • Do not crowd snowplows. Give snowplow drivers plenty of room to clear snow from the roads.
  • Keep tires at the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure and routinely check tire pressure during cold weather.
  • Make sure the windshield solvent reservoir is full and check the condition of all wiper blades and replace when necessary.
  • Wash your vehicle for better visibility to other drivers. Remove ice and snow from all lights, windows, and license plate before driving.
  • Periodically check all lights and replace when necessary.
  • Keep an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle stocked with batteries, battery powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight, windshield scraper, jumper cables, shovel, blankets, first aid kit, non-perishable food, and bottled water in the event you get stranded or stuck.

Details: Visit www.michigan.gov/miready or follow MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS.