GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Forecasters across Michigan are warning residents about “blizzard-like conditions” that could pack a one-two punch to the state right before Christmas.
Road crews are preparing their plows in west Michigan. There are 90 Kent County Road Commission trucks that plan to be out on the roads. Director Jerry Byrne says they are making repairs from the last two storms.
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For people traveling by train, airport officials in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo said blizzard conditions won’t close the airports there. Flight cancellations are up to the airlines, but the airports themselves will remain open.
More than 160,000 travelers are expected at Gerald Ford International through January 2nd.
Meanwhile, a winter storm watch has been issued for southeast Michigan starting Thursday night.
How much snow will Michigan see? It depends on where you live. The Detroit area and surrounding region could see 4 to 6 inches of snow, while Flint, Jackson, and the Thumb region could see up to nine inches.
The west part of the state, northern Michigan, and the entire Upper Peninsula are expected to see 10 to 17 inches of snow.
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High winds on Friday are expected to throw in an additional challenge, and utility crews are already preparing if the storm knocks the lights and power out.
Michigan News Source asked on Facebook how the weekend’s forecasted winter storm is impacting holiday travel plans. One person responded, “Have 4 x 4 will travel.” Another said, “Won’t cancel plans until I see what actually happens with this ‘blizzard.’ I am a child of the 70’s and nothing has come close in the last decade or more to those blizzards.”
The forecasted winter storm opened up one poster’s calendar. “Already had one party cancelled,” he said. Another Facebook user said “It’s not” when referring to whether the possible blizzard is altering his plans.
