Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared March 19-25 as Michigan’s Severe Weather Awareness Week, and the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) is calling on residents to act by participating in a voluntary statewide tornado drill at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22.
“We are approaching the anniversary of the deadly EF3 tornado that devastated the city of Gaylord last year,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “It serves as an important reminder to take steps now to prepare and create a plan to protect your home, your family, and your pets.”
According to The National Weather Service, the state of Michigan averages 15 tornadoes each year. “This drill gives people a chance to make a plan and put it to the test, so we are all better prepared when a disaster strikes,” Sweeney said.
Businesses, organizations, families, and individuals are encouraged to engage in this statewide preparedness activity but are not required to do so. During the drill, residents will observe or hear alerts on TV and radio stations, as well as outdoor sirens in their community if the local emergency management agency is participating. Contact your local emergency management agency to learn how local alerts are administrated in your community and if your community is participating.
The average lead time for tornadoes to develop is 10 to 15 minutes, which means residents need to be ready to react quickly when a warning is issued. To be ready for a tornado:
Know the difference: tornado watch means conditions exist for a tornado to develop; tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.
Know the signs of an approaching tornado: dark, often greenish sky; large hail; a large, dark low- lying cloud; and a loud roar, like a freight train.
Stay tuned to commercial radio or television broadcasts for news on changing weather conditions or approaching storms.
Develop an emergency preparedness kit with essential items such as a three-day water and food supply, a NOAA Weather Radio, important family documents, and items that satisfy unique family needs.
Identify a safe place in your home for household members and pets to gather during a tornado.
Make sure everyone understands the tornado warning system in your area.
Engage with your local emergency manager to find out if they are participating.
For wmore information about being safe before, during, and after a tornado, follow the MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS or go to http://www.michigan.gov/miready.
The photo speaks for itself (Huron Hub file photo)
Posted by The Huron Hub | Thursday, March 9, 2023
The photo above says it all.
Winter continues in the mitten state as we wrap-up the week.
A winter weather advisory has been issued for all of southeast Michigan from 10 p.m. Thursday night through 2 p.m. Friday.
The National Weather Service in Detroit says a period of snowfall will begin early tonight and end early Friday afternoon.
The heaviest snowfall rates of a half inch to an inch per hour are expected to occur during the morning commute which would lead to reduced visibility and snow covered roads.
Snowfall will taper off in the early afternoon.
Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches are expected.
Plan on slippery road conditions during the Friday morning commute.
Posted by The Huron Hub | Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Winter just won’t let up in Michigan.
More accumulating snow is in the forecast for pretty much all day Friday.
3 to 6 inches of snow is being forecasted by late Friday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service in Detroit.
Key points:
Snow will overspread Southeast Michigan from the southwest after Midnight Thursday night.
The snow will be heaviest Friday morning, with rates of ½ to 1 inch per hour expected.
The snow will gradually decrease in coverage Friday afternoon before coming to an end Friday evening.
A uniform 3 to 6 inches of accumulation is expected across the entire area. Since this system is still two days out, some adjustments to forecast snow totals are possible.
Posted by The Huron Hub | Thursday, March 2, 2023 — 10:30 PM EST
A winter storm warning has been issued for all of Wayne County from 1 p.m. Friday through 4 a.m. Saturday.
Forecasters say heavy, wet snow is expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches is likely. Wind gusts as high as 35 to 45 mph are also forecasted.
From the National Weather Service in Detroit:
“Very heavy snow rates, on the order of 1 to 2 plus inches per hour, are likely over a short three to six hour window. The peak rates occur Friday afternoon into Friday evening followed by moderate snow after midnight. Winds gusting to 45 mph may result in rapid reductions to visibility and isolated power outages will be possible from the cumulative impacts of accumulating wet snow and gusty winds.”
Plan on rapid deterioration of travel conditions during late Friday afternoon. The hazardous conditions will impact the evening commute.
Just as the calendar turns the page to March, it appears winter still has its grip held tight.
A winter storm watch has been issued for all of southeast Michigan for Friday afternoon though late Friday night.
5 to 8 inches of snow is possible by Saturday morning.
Winds of 45 mph are also possible on Friday during the snow storm.
The National Weather Service in Detroit says:
“Uncertainty still exists regarding the northward extent of the rain/snow line as warmer air filters into the state. The transition zone along the rain/snow line may see a brief period of freezing rain, leading to ice accumulations up to a light glaze. Locations that observe snow will be subject to very heavy snow rates, on the order of 1 to 2 inches per hour, over a short three to six hour window. These heavy rates will be possible Friday afternoon into Friday evening and may impact the rush hour commute. Winds gusting to 45 mph may result in rapid reductions to visibility with snowfall.”
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