Blizzard warning issued for Washtenaw County - more than 12 inches of snow expected tonight
The Ann Arbor area is now under a blizzard warning from 7 p.m. tonight until 7 p.m. Wednesday — the first such warning in our area in recent memory.
The winter storm isn't likely to impact the afternoon commute too severely today, but forecasters say it will hit hard by 7 p.m. tonight. And if possible, they say, just stay home on Wednesday.
Officials say people shouldn't travel Wednesday unless absolutely necessary.
"I wouldn't recommend traveling unless you absolutely have to," meteorologist Matt Mosteiko of the National Weather Service's White Lake Township office said this morning. "Stay home, wait for them to come clear the roads, and go back out on Thursday."
Mosteiko said records aren't available on when the last blizzard warning was issued for our area — he guessed perhaps 1999 — but said such warnings aren't too unusual in the Thumb region.
More than one inch of snow fell overnight, and that system is wrapping up, Mosteiko said. Flurries will start this afternoon, and the snow is expected to fall in earnest by 7 p.m.
The Ann Arbor area is likely to see more than 1 inch of snow an hour after that until a predicted 12-13 inches of snow pile up, Mosteiko said. The heaviest period will be from midnight to 7 a.m.
Making matters worse, the weather service predicts winds of up to 40 mph, which will create blizzard conditions. Drifting and blowing snow will impact visibility, forecasters said, and could cause widespread power outages.
Temperatures also will be an issue — wind chills between zero and 5 degrees below zero are predicted tonight.
The weather service said the roads may become impassable in many areas, and anyone forced to travel should have a winter survival kit.
Already, several organizations are canceling events for tonight, and Wednesday's trash pickup in Ann Arbor has been delayed. School officials said they could make a decision tonight on classes Wednesday.
Check back to AnnArbor.com throughout the day for updates on the winter storm.
Comments
Laceycat
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 10:15 p.m.
Ann Arbor District Libraries have posted that they will be closed on Wednesday and that fines will not be incurred on that day. Why isn't AAPS posting a closing?
javajolt1
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 8:19 p.m.
What a lot of absurd hype! I don't want to say, "I recall back when....." but I recall back when the blizzard of 1978 hit and the Ann Arbor News delivered my papers to the appointed drop zone on schedule. I had to deliver my paper route in waist-high snow. It took me about 5 hours. We had one day off from school. It was memorable because there were NEVER snow days back then. Now, someone smells a little snow coming and people start hoarding food, everything in sight closes down (before a single flake falls) and the media feeds the hype by running around like Chicken Little because the end is near. Totally ridiculous! When did we all become such wimps??
A2K
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 8:11 p.m.
Folks need to keep an eye on their neighbors! We have a few in their 70s-80s, and we snow-blow their walks and drives when it snows and we know that their families can't be coming out to help them (only takes 15 minutes per house and they really appreciate it...lots of pies/cookies around the holidays).
transplant
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 8:01 p.m.
Have to love UM's policy! Thankfully I'm already set to be working at home. Excerpt from "official" e-mail: Students, faculty and staff members who live a distance away are asked to make every reasonable effort to get to campus so that essential services can be maintained. At the same time they are advised to use good judgment about the risks of travel. U-M employees are expected to take vacation time or Paid Time Off if they miss work. Staff members also may elect time off without pay. Now really, who is going to take a day off without pay?
MixedStock
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 7:55 p.m.
EMU announced it is closing at 5 p.m. and will remain closed tomorrow. How about you, AAPS?
zip the cat
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 7:27 p.m.
Hopefully all the idiot,moron drivers that think its ok to tailgate you when the roads are icy or drive like its summer out or pull out in front of you only to turn at the next street,will stay home
David Cahill
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 7:19 p.m.
The local bar association office says that the Washtenaw Trial Court is not even going to open tomorrow.
David Cahill
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 7:04 p.m.
The district court at Washtenaw and Hogback has canceled hearings for tomorrow (Wednesday) morning, according to a call a client of mine just got. It's great the court is notifying litigants in advance!
Roadman
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 7:45 p.m.
What about the 15th District Court downtown at Guy Larcom?
ShadowManager
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 6:49 p.m.
I think its bad journalism that the "snow picture" posted with this article...isn't even from this actual storm.
Roadman
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 7:44 p.m.
Right. It's actually a trademarked photo that was taken by the Associated Press and used around the U.S. whenever an urban snowstorm scene is needed by newspaper editors. It's actually a snapshot from Peoria, Illnois during the Great Blizzard of 1978.
justme
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 7:27 p.m.
Come on, pre-salt, pre-plow, pre- picture.
jameslucas
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 6:39 p.m.
Your story on the snow storm left some unasked question. Where does snow come from? Is it dangerous? Who's in charge of the snow? Will the snow stay forever? How do I get it off my car? What happens if snow touches suede? Why is most of the snow white? Does the color matter? What about the children? Will my cell phone still work? Will I be able to order pizza? Will there be mental health professionals available for those overwhelmed by this event?
Kai Petainen
Wed, Feb 2, 2011 : 12:37 a.m.
HAHAHAHHAHAH..... funny. =)
justme
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 7:35 p.m.
How to get it off your car is easy, turn on the wipers and drive. It really makes people mad too.
DDOT1962
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 7:11 p.m.
lol...thanks for the laugh. We're all just a bunch of Chicken Littles here...
Guinea Pig in a Tophat
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 7:07 p.m.
I'm no snow expert but I can answer the "Does the color matter" question. The answer is "yes," and no matter what others tell you, that's not melted butter.
ShadowManager
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 6:28 p.m.
This has the makings of the biggest non-event of the winter when we get that disasterous 4-5 inches of light snow...
DDOT1962
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 5:51 p.m.
Wow! The storm hasn't even started yet and I'm already waist-deep in the hyperbole blizzard of these comments. So many armchair meteorologists and traffic experts, I don't know why the city doesn't take advantage of the seasoned advice being offered up here by the shovelful....
Sallyxyz
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 4:59 p.m.
The hospital is making emergency preparations for tomorrow and the schools have not closed??? How irresponsible is that! C'mon, AAPS. Close the school and let people plan accordingly.
justme
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 7:25 p.m.
Geez,I hope you are you the only one that really think there will be school tomorrow. Make plans because there is no school tomorrow and quite possibly Thursday as well.
DBH
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 6:48 p.m.
Sallyxyz, at this point I really don't think anyone needs official word from AAPS that schools will be closed tomorrow. Seems obvious to me.
Roadman
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 4:57 p.m.
Let's all wish the Washtenaw County Road Commission crews clearing roads tonight good luck and to have a safe and successful evening in performing an arduous task. They are the men of the hour. The public is counting upon them to keep our major thoroughfares safe and ice-free. Never in the field of weather phenomenon in Washtenaw County will so much be owed by so many to so few.
dotdash
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 5:04 p.m.
Thanks for the grin.
Tom Joad
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 4:54 p.m.
A blizzard means the roads will be impassable. That means people who are caught driving in the blizzard can be stuck in their car for hours. Even though everyone has had advanced warning those who choose to travel are going to be sleeping in their car on 94 and 23 who did not heed the warnings. That's how these storms turn deadly very quickly.
DDOT1962
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 7:14 p.m.
And you know this before the first snowflake has even fallen how?....
tater
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 4:50 p.m.
I hope you all enjoy your day off tomorrow. I'll be thinking of all of you when it rains down here in the Tampa Bay area, and remembering how much fun I used to think two feet of snow was until I turned about forty.
Cash
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 3:56 p.m.
Christopher, You described the area you grew up in as "rural". That says it all. Try putting thousands of cars on those same roads and keeping them cleared. We live in a metropolitan area. Major interstate highways run through this area. Travelers from around the US drive those highways. We also are home to two large universities and a large community college, bringing tens of thousands of drivers, many of them unseasoned, to our area. And yet we fund 40 salt truck/plows. Law limits the hours that the staff can drive without rest. As long as we do not have leadership that takes charge and orders non-essential vehicles OFF the road, we will not get roads cleared quickly in this storm.
Christopher Burke
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 3:44 p.m.
I grew up in rural PA where snow removal was and is incredible. WIthin hours after a winter storm, the roads are as clean as dinner plates. Unfortunately, the county snow removal services for Ann Arbor and the surrounding townships are as blizzard-ready as ... Miami. Roads--especially unpaved township roads--go unplowed far too long with just a four inch storm. What is going to happen if we get four times as much? The abysmal service that Washtenaw county provides means that many parts of the area will be paralyzed long after other towns counties have their streets cleared. This is a concern for first responders who may not be able to respond quickly to an emergency--like someone having a heart attack from shoveling snow. Let's just hope and pray that Washtenaw County Road Commission breaks with traditional and and takes an aggressive approach to clearing the roads.
MjC
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 3:29 p.m.
Here is an additional tip to help home owners prepare for the snow storm: Place a sign next to a snow shovel in your front yard that reads "Free Snow. Shovel All You Want!"
jcj
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 3:28 p.m.
During the Dec storm of 1974 I spent the day and night with a bag of candy and milk on a snowmobile driving up and down I-94 near Chelsea filling milk bottles giving candy to diabetics and taking stranded motorist to the high school that was being used as a shelter. I broke down 2 snowmobiles in the process. During the storm of 1978 my brother in-law and I spent the day and night delivering medicine to elderly and taking people that had lost power to shelters near Whitmore Lake. Because so many people have 4 wheel drive now and generators that will not be as big a problem. It would be nice if A2 .com could do some research into what the Red Cross is doing to prepare and what helpthey could use. This would be helpful BEFORE the storm.
Cash
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 5:20 p.m.
Good point, jcj. Some people will suffer a lot more in a blizzard than others.
rusty shackelford
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 3:27 p.m.
What is with the property owners of Ann Arbor not shoveling their sidewalks? Seriously, when ONE person's walk is thoroughly cleared on my 12+ block walk to work, then I will listen to complaints about the city trucks. Hasn't happened all winter.
rusty shackelford
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 7:45 p.m.
It's the same argument I use if anyone says UM is a "bad neighbor." They're the only neighbors around with a snow blower, apparently.
Cash
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 5:24 p.m.
Rusty, Doesn't the walk condition seem worse than ever this year? It's the same in my sub. And apparently kids no longer need to earn money because none of them have been around in the neighborhood asking to shovel!
Ignatz
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 3:19 p.m.
@dotdash: U-M Health System is already implementing it's emergency procdures for this storm. It includes arranging 4WD transportation, having staff stay over and putting those staff avaialable in the most critical areas. If most stay off the roads, the EMTs will be able to get through.
Sarah
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 4:15 p.m.
Well, the U also sent out an email, reminding staff that it never closes and we should come to work, regardless of the weather. We could take vacation days, if we have them, or unpaid days, if we don't. So, lots of people who'd rather take vacation with their vacation days will still be on the road!
spm
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 3:35 p.m.
And I noticed that we who work at the hospital will need to come to work tomorrow regardless if the University cancels classes. That won't be a problem for me since I'll just hike to work and leave my car buried in the driveway. Bring on the snow!
dotdash
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 3:07 p.m.
Hey AA.com, it might be nice to get a story on how the local hospitals and EMT squads are planning to cope. Doctors and nurses and administrators have to be at work wednesday snow or no snow... Does AA have EMTS on snowmobiles?
Top Cat
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 2:46 p.m.
So for Wednesday.....staying home from work, some hearty outdoor exercise, running the wood stove, drinking beer....sounds like a perfect day to me.
MjC
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 3:07 p.m.
Snowstorm party at Top Cat's - I'm on my way over :-)
dotdash
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 3 p.m.
I heard someone in Colorado say, "Bad night to be out. Time to cabin up". Sounds great.
Urban Sombrero
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 2:57 p.m.
Don't forget the cocoa!
abc
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 2:44 p.m.
@jcj "The[y] don't have to worry about making a decision. Because there are only a handful of parents that have not already made their decision for their kids on Wednesday." But if they wait to decide they can call you at 4:30 am.
David Cahill
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 2:27 p.m.
AnnArbor.com, will you be posting notices of other institutional closings in this article?
jcj
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 2:08 p.m.
"forecasters say it will hit hard by 7 p.m. tonight. And if possible, they say, just stay home on Wednesday." "School officials said they could make a decision tonight on classes Wednesday." The don't have to worry about making a decision. Because there are only a handful of parents that have not already made their decision for their kids on Wednesday. Jason Asking drivers to slow down appears to be hopeless. In the first place most of those that end up needing help are the ones needing help every time there is a storm. In the second place I am not sure how many of them can read!
steve h
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 2:25 p.m.
I can read. I can write. I can drive in snow(sometimes pretty fast even). Never needed help but I'm always there to help.
amazonwarrior
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 1:40 p.m.
If the residents of Ypsilanti would park in their DRIVEWAYS instead of leaving their cars in the street, because they didn't bother to clear their driveways from the previous snows, it would certainly make it much easier and faster, as well as safer, for the road crews to plow the streets. Let's give them a break, people.
Bill
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 1:39 p.m.
In the immortal words of G.W. Bush: "ring it on!!!" "Snow! I ain't afraid of you no more." - Gov. Engler
Forever27
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 1:31 p.m.
I love weather like this. But as everyone is relaxing at home tomorrow we should all keep one thing in mind: there are some out there who aren't as fortunate as us and depend on shelters during weather like this.
Christopher LeClair
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 1:23 p.m.
Let it snow! It's about time the area got a real big storm. Everyone just stay safe and stay home and it'll be a great day tomorrow!
Sallyxyz
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 1:12 p.m.
Cash, businesses are concerned with one issue: profit. Anything that gets in the way of profit is of no interest. Closing the businesses will only occur if a state of emergency is declared by the city or county or state.
rusty shackelford
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 3:30 p.m.
Grocers have very low margins. They actually can't afford to miss a shipment.
Cash
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 2:54 p.m.
Sally, There will be some that will force their drivers out, no doubt. I'd love to see AA.com follow up and report on the non-emergency businesses that jeopardized their workers and clogged the roads for plows....for ONE lousy day of profit.
dotdash
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 2:08 p.m.
Wow, what kind of businesses have you worked for? Yikes! I think most business owners are very concerned about their workers' safety.
DBH
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 1:42 p.m.
This is an unjustifiably cynical comment. I have a business and I have closed the office for Wednesday due to the expected severe weather, both for the safety of those who might try to make it to my office as well as for the welfare of my employees. Not all (or even most? - I don't know, really) businesses are only concerned with profits.
Sallyxyz
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 1:09 p.m.
Now that the blizzard warning has been issued, there is no reason for the area schools to wait to cancel. Now is the time so everyone with kids can prepare accordingly.
Jason
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 1:06 p.m.
Please drive carefully there will be snow on the roads yet there will be a number of drivers out on the roads that will drive like they drive on dry roads . do us a favor and stay off the roads if you going to drive like a moron
Ignatz
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 12:57 p.m.
Indications are we're in for a blizzard...you know, heavy snow and winds. Anything on the roads, whether moving or parked, that doesn't need to be there will only delay the clearing. Folks with non-essential jobs will make it more difficult and dangerous for those who need to get to work for the public good.
DDOT1962
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 1:02 p.m.
Do people with "non-essential jobs" receive non-essential compensation, lol?
Tom Joad
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 12:32 p.m.
Take a look at the weather radar to see what we're up against. <a href="http://radar.weather.gov/Conus/Loop/NatLoop.gif" rel='nofollow'>http://radar.weather.gov/Conus/Loop/NatLoop.gif</a> These forecasts are nearly 100% accurate and this low pressure system is being fed from the moisture of the Gulf. Chicago will receive nearly two feet. No one is going to be driving anywhere tomorrow morning. You won't even be able to get out of your driveway and plows will concentrate only on main surface streets. We're all in for a little taste of what NYC got.
Cash
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 12:49 p.m.
It's the people who TRY to go somewhere (not emergency folks) that mess it up for the rest of us. And people will TRY to go somewhere. It never fails.
Urban Sombrero
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 12:24 p.m.
Well, if this does hit like they're predicting, I'm making my husband stay home from work. Too risky to drive around all day like he usually has to. I wonder how accurate they are, though? In the past we've seen these, "Holy cow, we're getting a ton of snow!" warnings from the media and it turns out to be a non-event, or much lighter than expected. Where I work, we'll get people canceling appointments before anything hits. I just hope they're right about the quantity. Still, it'll be fun tomorrow to watch all the kids making snow men and snow forts. I'd better make sure I have cocoa...
sh1
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 12:45 p.m.
I agree that's it's difficult to tell the difference between real information and hyped information created to attract viewers/readers. Reminds me of the Boy Who Cried Wolf. However, wunderground.com is saying this is for real.
DDOT1962
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 12:14 p.m.
I think the bosses of the world need to get this message and disseminate it through the chain of command, otherwise telling people to "just stay home on Wednesday" is a gratuitous request. Cash, it's not the moving cars that wreak havoc for the plows, it's the ones parked on the street that make things impassable. Ticket and tow is my mantra...
Dr. Rockso
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 12:03 p.m.
The roads will be cleared for the cars after the first priority of clearing the bicycle lanes has been completed.
I'm Ron Burgandy
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 11:02 p.m.
When it's really really slippery, I get off my bike and walk it in the middle of the lane. I have my daughter walk next to me. I keep up with traffic too because no one can get a around me.
Jessica Webster
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 4:51 p.m.
I wish, Dr. Rockso!
mightywombat
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 3:52 p.m.
Nah, thats not needed. When the roads get really bad I usually ride right out in the middle of the lane and easily keep up with the flow of traffic.
Cash
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 11:59 a.m.
Please be good citizens and stay off of the roads so the plows can run properly and clear the roads! For every car on the roads, they are blocking the WCRC progress in clearing the highways. I'm hoping that area delivery/supplier businesses are good citizens and close down for the day. Take them off the roads and we have better chance of having highways passable by Thursday. The store can do without bread or soda or beer delivery for one day. If businesses would all cooperate for one day, we could all have cleared highways much faster.