LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – As heavy snow, strong winds, and cold temperatures prepare to pummel Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced she has coordinated preparedness efforts between the state and local communities.

The coordination efforts are meant to ensure full staffing of first responders, pre-deployment of utility repair crews, readiness for road crews, and availability of warming shelters.

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Travel is expected to be dangerous across Michigan starting Thursday and running through Saturday. The National Weather Service is forecasting the potential for blizzard conditions in the Upper Peninsula starting Thursday, and in the Lower Peninsula starting on Friday.

Those conditions are expected to last through Saturday with wind gusts of up to 50 mph possible on Friday and Saturday.

For information on warming centers click here.