Update: Governor Rick Snyder issued the following statement regarding steps being taken at the state level in anticipation of the major winter storm expected to reach Michigan Tuesday night.
"The state of Michigan is actively monitoring the anticipated winter storm and is taking prudent steps to prepare for its possible impact. The state's comprehensive emergency management procedures are being followed as we closely coordinate with our emergency management team, all state agencies and the National Weather Service.
"The State Emergency Operations Center will be activated this evening and will remain at the monitoring level to track the weather and maintain communication with state and local government emergency management personnel. We also have our men and women of the Michigan National Guard on a higher level of readiness in the event they are needed to assist communities. Our state agencies are planning appropriately so that adequate staffing is ensured in essential facilities such as hospitals and prisons. We urge all residents to use extreme caution during this weather event and put safety first. Please monitor your local news media and stay abreast of changing weather conditions."
Update Tuesday 1:00 PM: Airlines are starting to cancel flights in preparation of the storm. Officials with Cherry Capital Airport advise people to call airlines for updated cancellations.
The 7&4 Storm Team continues to monitor/track a massive winter storm that will cripple Southern/parts of Central Michigan with accumulating snow from this system reaching as far north as highway M-68 by midday Wednesday.
In a nutshell, airports at both Chicago and Detroit will most likely have long delays or even close as this storm arrives for this with travel plans.
Across the viewing area, snow will develop in our southern counties around 9:00 p.m. Tuesday evening and slowly grind northward overnight with the snow becoming heavy in spots.
The northern extent of the snow will be roughly from Rogers City to Indian River to Northport. North of there, not much if any snow is expected including the U.P./Straits region.
Further south, heavy snow will slow travel into Wednesday morning with snow amounts varying greatly.
The highest totals and worst weather will be the further south one goes. Here are some accumulation forecasts through mid-afternoon Wednesday for select cities in our viewing area: Bellaire- 1”, Rogers City-2”, Gaylord-3”, Traverse City-4”, Manistee-4”, Grayling-5”, Ludington-7”, Alpena-6”, Houghton Lake-7”, Cadillac-8”, Big Rapids-11”, Mt. Pleasant-12” and Bay City/Saginaw-14”.
Wind will be a major concern with blowing and some drifting of snow across the region. The snow will come to a rapid end by early Wednesday afternoon.
Stay tuned to the 7&4 Storm Team for the very latest on this developing severe weather situation. You can also stay on top of the storm with the UpNorthLive RADAR. You can also see state by state totals HERE.
Road crews and many organizations across Northern Michigan are preparing for this major winter storm to hit.
Personnel with the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division are actively monitoring the situation and are working in coordination with the National Weather Service to get ongoing weather updates.
If the situation warrants, all state departments are ready to respond as necessary.
This latest winter blast could also further impact the Red Cross blood supply which has already seen more than 18,000 expected blood donations go uncollected over the last several weeks due to bad winter weather.
Those who live in the path of the storm are asked to schedule a donation time when it is safe to travel. All blood types are needed, but there is a special need for donors with O-Negative, A-Negative and B-Negative blood.
People are asked to make an appointment to give blood by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or you can visit their website by CLICKING HERE. Officials with the Red Cross are grateful to those who are stepping up to donate blood to help build the blood supply back to where it should be.
"We are grateful for the upswing in donations which has occurred since we issued the call for people to give blood," said Richard Benjamin, Chief Medical Officer, American Red Cross. "However, this latest storm is expected to further impact our ability to hold blood collections. We continue to need the public's help to rebuild our blood inventory back to a safe and adequate level."
Red Cross chapters all across the state are preparing to respond to the storm as needed. The Red Cross is working with state and local government officials and calling disaster workers, getting them ready to respond if necessary.
The Red Cross offers these steps people can take to stay safe and warm:
Do not use stoves or ovens to heat the home.
Place space heaters on a hard, level, nonflammable surface. Do not put space heaters on rugs or carpets, near bedding or drapes, and keep children and pets away.
Turn off space heaters or extinguish the fireplace before going to bed or leaving home.
Keep all flammable materials such as newspapers, matches, bedding, clothing, carpets and rugs at least three feet away from heat sources such as space heaters, fireplaces and stoves.
If someone must go outside, they should wear layered lightweight clothing to stay warm. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Covering the mouth will protect the lungs. Other safety tips include:
Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep feet warm and dry and to maintain footing in ice and snow.
If shoveling snow, take frequent breaks and stay hydrated. Avoid overexertion.
Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if someone must be out on the roads …
Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk.
Keep the car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
The traveler should let someone know where they are going, the route being taken and expected arrival time. If their vehicle gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along the predetermined route.
For more information on how to stay safe and warm during this latest onslaught of winter CLICK HERE.
The Michigan State Police is asking people to stay off the roads during the winter storm. You can check conditions by visiting the MSP Winter Travel Advisory website HERE.
The police are also warning drivers to remember that snowplows have limited visibility and cannot see behind their trucks.
More travel safety tips can be found on the Emergency Management and Homeland Security website by CLICKING HERE Or you can click on MDOT's website HERE.
Are you doing anything extra to prepare for the winter storm? Tell us "Your Point of View" by voting in the poll below and leave your comments!
