Winter Warning: Up To 9 Inches Of Snow Expected In SE Michigan

DETROIT, MI – A winter storm warning is now in effect in southeast Michigan, with the National Weather Service calling for 6 to 9 inches of snow. Hundreds of schools are closed Friday morning as this latest blast of winter bears down.

The weather service early Friday upgraded its winter warning from watch as the snow storm hit. The warning is in effect for Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, Washtenaw, and Lenawee counties. It includes the cities of Detroit, Ann Arbor and Monroe.

"A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous or impossible," the weather service said in its bulletin. "If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Be prepared for significant reductions in visibility at times."

Heavy snow is expected to fall throughout Friday morning and afternoon. Temperatures were in the high teens Friday morning and expected to reach the 20s. Snow is expected into Saturday and Sunday.

In Wayne County, 346 schools, including all Detroit public schools, are closed due to the storm, reported ClickOnDetroit.com. Likewise, in Oakland and Macomb counties, most schools were closed for the day.

A similar warning was issued for southwestern Michigan, where 6 to 10 inches of snow is expected by Friday evening. That warning covers Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun and Jackson counties, and includes the Interstate 94 corridor.

The Michigan State Police has asked drivers in Michigan to use extra caution.

“Traveling may be extremely dangerous during periods of heavy snowfall over the next two days,” said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. “If you can stay home, we encourage you to do so. Minimizing the number of vehicles on the roads, will help snowplows clear roads quicker and safer.”

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