Winter weather advisory for Ann Arbor: 1 to 2 inches of snow, high winds expected
Michigan junior Ken Krebs walks to a friend's house to leave for winter break as snow falls on Friday.
Daniel J. Brenner | AnnArbor.com
Snow and high winds will likely make for an uncomfortable day for finishing up holiday shopping in the Ann Arbor area.
The bulk of the snow will fall by early afternoon, said Sara Schultz, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in White Lake Township.
But wind is the main reason for the weather advisory, Schultz said. The strongest gusts will buffet the area between noon and 10 p.m., she said. Drivers should expect blowing snow, reduced visibility at times and slippery roads, forecasters said.
A high of about 34 is expected, but with the winds, it will feel much colder.
Power outages are also a possibility as the winds may blow down small tree limbs, the weather service said. Unsecured holiday decorations and other items may be blown around.
By shortly after 8 a.m. Friday, area law enforcement agencies had taken calls reporting several crashes on area roads. It was unclear if they were weather related.
Some parts of northern Michigan woke up to a foot of snow or more. Sault Ste Marie recorded 16 inches of snow and Traverse City got 10, Schultz said.
Tonight, snow showers are possible before midnight, but any new snow accumulation will amount to less than half an inch.
Saturday, it will be mostly sunny, with a high near 34. Winds will continue with a northwest wind of 17 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.
Saturday night, it will be partly cloudy, with a low around 25.
Sunday, it will be sunny with a high near 34.
For updated forecasts and conditions any time, check AnnArbor.com's weather page.
Comments
Atticus F.
Fri, Dec 21, 2012 : 5 p.m.
Is the ice considered 'safe' yet for ice fishing?
Ann English
Sun, Dec 23, 2012 : 12:36 a.m.
I would think that Whitmore Lake ice fishermen would know. I recall that several days, if not a whole week, are needed for the ice to be considered safe. When I regularly used East Shore Drive, I would see pickup trucks on the ice of Whitmore Lake in January, usually the coldest month of the year.
Hmm
Fri, Dec 21, 2012 : 4:44 p.m.
Also when the snow and wind are blowing that means you need to turn on your lights. Same with the fog. If visibility drops you are required to turn on your lights, but many people it seems don't know that it seems.
justcurious
Fri, Dec 21, 2012 : 4:08 p.m.
I think the most important thing you can do is to keep a safe distance between yourself and other vehicles. Don't drive too fast OR too slow. The scared driver belongs at home, not out on the road. Forget using your cell phone or any other distractions. You need to be ready for whatever may happen in front of you. You can't control other people's driving but you must control your own vehicle. We have seen many accidents on the freeways every morning with no hazardous conditions at all. Those folks need to especially start using better judgement on the road.
WalkingJoe
Fri, Dec 21, 2012 : 2:03 p.m.
Milton, your comment about driving carefully especially if you are not used to winter driving can fit a lot of drivers even if they have lived here all their lives. Seems like between the last snowfall in the spring and the first one this season people are suddenly amazed at the funny white stuff falling from the sky and how it affects the roads.
Ann English
Sun, Dec 23, 2012 : 12:32 a.m.
Djacks 24, I found out in a hurry that front wheel drive wouldn't help traction at all going down a partially slippery hill, that I would have to downshift, just like I had with rear-wheel drive. It can be scary following a rear-wheel drive vehicle up a partially slippery hill, even if it's a pickup truck. I've done it twice, and both vehicles made it to the top of those hills.
WalkingJoe
Fri, Dec 21, 2012 : 4:17 p.m.
djacks24, I agree wholeheartedly.
djacks24
Fri, Dec 21, 2012 : 3:11 p.m.
This happens every year. I don't know if these people are new to Winter weather or just have horrible short term memory? I think it has a lot to do with the false sense of security folks get from front wheel drive and especially four wheel drive, whereas in years past most vehicles were rear wheel drive. Front/four wheel drive will get you moving, but won't help you stop and won't help in a slide situation.
Milton Shift
Fri, Dec 21, 2012 : 1:23 p.m.
Drive carefully folks especially if you are not used to winter driving. There may be some black ice out there - a wet road can quickly become a frozen one, and they don't look any different. Your four wheel drive truck is of no use when you hit ice.