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As a winter storm takes aim at metro Detroit, communities are bracing for heavy snow that’s expected to start this afternoon. We'll have full coverage throughout the storm below.
Weather Warnings & Alerts
A winter storm warning is in effect for Lapeer, Sanilac, St. Clair and Macomb counties until Thursday at 7 a.m. while advisories are in effect for the rest of southeastern lower Michigan.
7 First Alert meteorologists expect the storm will get started this afternoon. It's going to be heaviest in terms of the snow from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Snow is not the only thing that we'll see. Some sleet and freezing rain or simply put, ice, could sneak in here from time to time. The county that has the best chance of seeing more ice than snow is Monroe County. But everyone on the east side has a chance of seeing that wintry mix. And that's one of the reasons why those snowfall totals are a little bit lower compared to our friends in Lapeer.
Our meteorologists say the heaviest amounts are likely to be near Lake Orion, 5 to 8 inches of snow or more between now into your morning hours for tomorrow. Most of metro Detroit will probably pick up about 4 to 6 inches of snow by the time this system wraps up.
We'll still have some snow showers Thursday morning. By the time most of us wake up, the storm should be gone. But of course, we'll be dealing with the aftermath of the storm.
Another snow system is expected to hit metro Detroit this Saturday.
VIDEO: Check out the most recent forecast below:
City of Detroit prepares
Officials with the City of Detroit held a news conference Wednesday afternoon to talk about how they are preparing for both the storm and its aftermath.
Ron Brundidge, Director of the Detroit Department of Public Works, says the city is already pretreating the major roads. He also says they will have 35 to 40 trucks out over a 24-hour period, with drivers working alternating 12-hour shifts.
Brundidge also says the city has notified the contractors they use when the city gets more than 6 inches of snow. They are on standby, and a final determination will be made on bringing them in tomorrow morning.
The Department will be working 24 hours a day until the streets are cleared.
Will schools close?
As the snow moves in, school districts across metro Detroit will have to decide whether to cancel classes. In just a few hours, many school leaders will start making those decisions as the snow storm moves in.
In Farmington, the superintendent tells us she and other superintendents in Oakland County plan to meet this morning to develop a game plan.
Related Video: School closures possible as snowstorm moves in Wednesday afternoon
“Oakland County has a process where the Oakland County Superintendents come together whenever there’s a weather," Farmington Schools Superintendent Dr. Kelly Coffin said. "And, we work with a meteorologist to try to get the most accurate information. I’m assuming our weather call is going to happen tomorrow morning. And, that will give us better information.”
Shoveling safety tips
As picturesque as the snow looks, shoveling it can significantly strain the heart, potentially leading to a heart attack in some people.
Related video: How to protect yourself while shoveling snow
While shoveling can be a good workout, it is not safe for everyone. Why is that? Well first of all, if you’re leading a sedentary life — sitting on the couch a lot and not doing much exercise — then digging, lifting and moving heavy snow can strain your cardiovascular system.
For safe shoveling, here is some advice:
- Warm up and stretch before you head outside. This will loosen joints and increase blood flow to the muscles.
- Try to push the snow instead of lifting. If lifting is necessary, use a small shovel and lift with your legs, not your back.
- Always take it easy, don't overdo it. Be sure to take breaks to avoid exhaustion.
- Watch for signs of heart trouble. Symptoms include chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, rapid heartbeat, irregular heart rhythms or a cold sweat.
If you experience any warning signs, stop immediately. If they don’t go away shortly after, call 911.
