Winter weather has hit Michigan, with snow that is massive and treacherous road conditions. A winter storm warning has been issued for Osceola, Mecosta, and Calhoun counties on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. It will be effective from 5 p.m. EST on Wednesday to 1 a.m. EST on Friday. As it should warn of heavy snow accompanied by blowing snow and minimal visibility, which could generate up to 8 inches of accumulation in some sections, the National Weather Service predicts that wind gusts up to 45 miles per hour are expected which may cause power outages and hazardous road conditions too.
This storm is also hitting during the Wednesday evening commute. There’s going to be a tremendous impact in lowering the visibility under a quarter of a mile for snow squalls that are going to make roads very slippery to travel through. Some of the key highways that could become bad include I-96, I-94, US131, US127, and I-69. The strong winds that occur along with lake-effect heavy snow will generate poor visibility, making conditions hazardous. Drivers should prepare for conditions that are going to change very quickly, with decreasing visibility, which can make traveling difficult and even hazardous, particularly at night and into Thursday morning.
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The Michigan Warning
The National Weather Service warns people that traveling would be very hard, mainly in the affected counties. If you have to travel during this storm, stay informed about the weather conditions, and plan for it accordingly. Winter storms like these could cause accidents, power outages, or closure of roads. As a driver, take extra precautions to prepare for unpredictable conditions.
Winter Driving Safety Tips
Safety should be the priority when driving in winter weather. Winter weather is responsible for thousands of accidents and fatalities every year. To help minimize the risks, the National Weather Service has several tips for driving in snow and icy conditions:
- Drive Slowly and Steadily: Even if roads appear clear, snow and ice make them slick. As such, reduce your speeds and increase the space from other vehicles. It becomes more important to drive the right speed for the environment rather than the speed limits.
- Avoid Sudden Movement: Sudden braking and sharp turns can make the car lose control on snow-covered roads. Make slow and stable movements to avoid accidents.
- Clear your vehicle of snow and ice: Before driving, clear all of the snow and ice from the car, including the roof windows and lights. This enhances maximum visibility and safety.
- Carry Winter Emergency Kits: In case of any emergency, ensure that your vehicle always has winter emergency kits provided with a flashlight, water, non-perishable food, a blanket, jumper cables, and a small shovel inside. A fully charged cellular phone is also helpful.
- Stay Informed: Read the weather conditions and road status before venturing out of the house. This can be done to plan the route and avoid the worst of the storm.
- Avoid Overtaking Snowplows: The snowplows help remove snow from the road. At all times maintain a big distance from the snowplows while driving. When you have overtaking opportunities on a visible road ahead, overtaking a snowplow will be only when it’s safe and legal.
