Washtenaw County road crews, school districts brace for 10-15 inches of snow
Call today the calm before the storm.
And what a storm it could be, forecasters say.
The National Weather Service is now predicting 10 to 15 inches of snow for Southeast Michigan between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning — the largest snowstorm in more than six years.
All eyes are on the weather forecast today as Washtenaw County Road Commission crews, local school districts and others prepare for what's to come.
A police officer drives downtown Ann Arbor during a recent snowstorm. Police officers, road crews and school districts are among those preparing for a major winter storm this week.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Although the big storm won't move in until Tuesday at about 4 p.m., we're in for some snow tonight, according to the National Weather Service. Meteorologist Rachel Kulik of the White Lake Township office said 1 to 2 inches of snow are likely tonight.
That system will wrap up by morning, and flurries are possible throughout the day, Kulik said.
By about 4 p.m., the large storm system is expected to strike — bringing 10 to 15 inches by 8 a.m. Wednesday. Kulik said the latest predictions for Southeast Michigan are about 10 inches.
Making this storm potentially worse will be high winds and extremely low temperatures, forecasters said. Wind chills are expected to dip below zero Tuesday night, and high winds could mean widespread power outages, the weather service said.
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The area is currently under a winter storm watch until Wednesday evening. The storm will first hit Missouri, Illinois and Indiana, and some of those area are already under storm warnings, Kulik said.
The last time the area was hit with such a massive winter storm was January 2005, when 12 inches of snow fell, Kulik said.
Children and parents monitoring the forecast are likely anticipating a snow day or two — although school district officials say they haven't yet begun discussing closing schools. They said they could make a decision as early as Tuesday evening.
Washtenaw County Road Commission crews are spending the day preparing and patching potholes, said Jim Harmon, the road commission's director of operations. Preparing includes maintenance on the trucks and ensuring there's an ample supply of salt, sand and fuel, he said.
"We're hoping for the best and that it's not as bad as it looks right now, but we'll be prepared if it is," Harmon said.
A storm of this size would mean mounting front plows on the trucks instead of relying on the under-body plows and would necessitate special equipment for gravel roads, Harmon said.
When the snow starts falling, crews will focus almost entirely on the freeways and primary roads. And if it keeps falling, secondary roads and subdivisions might not see a snow plow for several days, Harmon said.
Employees will likely work 16-hour days for several days, and the road commission's entire fleet of 44 trucks will be deployed, Harmon said.
"We don't attend to those secondary roads during major events until the main roads are clear and open," Harmon said. "It simply takes time, and when you have low visibility and wind, it's hard to make a lot of progress."
Check for the latest weather updates on AnnArbor.com's weather page.
Comments
ruminator
Wed, Feb 2, 2011 : 2:08 a.m.
The road commission does a fine job. They even scraped our gravel road today with only a 2" snowfall last night. Bravo.
momof2ina2
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 8 p.m.
Dear Ann Arbor School district, Please make your decision to close schools before 5am so you don't have to call the house and wake everyone up extra early on a snow day. Thanks, A parent who likes to sleep in on snow days
Buster W.
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 5:07 a.m.
Have we ever had MORE snow than was forecasted?
Roadman
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 2:52 p.m.
In 1975, 18.8 inches fell in a 24-hour period at Metro Airport.
MsWebster
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 4:10 a.m.
Ann Arbor teachers gave back 2 days in the most recent contract, called "unpaid snow days". So, if there is a snow day it will be without pay for A2 teachers. If there's not a snow day, the pay is still reduced, meaning teachers will be basically working a day without pay, unlike other state workers who take furlough days off.
ELLady
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 2:54 a.m.
As a teacher, I just have say that the backlash that teachers get when we have inclement weather for even mentioning the possibility of a snow day gets old. No previous poster said anything about snow days or staying home, at least not specifically where teachers are concerned, so why is this constantly brought up? Yes, snow days are a nice perk associated with this job. While I hate to beat a dead horse here, I find the "teachers are lazy" dead horse needs a break. We work tremendously hard every day (many times into the night) grading papers, planning lessons, attending meetings, coaching and advising activities, tutoring students or offering additional help, etc. A sporadic, unplanned day off is nice once in a while. Yes, we get breaks from schools. Yes, we get summers off. However, many times, teachers still use these breaks to plan, attend conferences, and - heaven forbid - take a breather from the work we put in Monday through Friday. A teacher's job does NOT end when the school day ends. Bear in mind that I am not saying my job is more difficult than that of anyone else. There are many hard-working individuals whose professional roles are just as significant. Just as other jobs have certain perks associated with them, such as performance or merit based bonuses, the ability to take vacation days whenever desired, end of the year bonuses, company cars, corporate lunches, company parties, flexible schedules, etc. - snow days are a perk of teaching. Yes, we know how fortunate we are to not have to brave treacherous road conditions while others do. However, just as we knew that snow days were a possible component of our jobs, those in the private sector new they weren't. To all of those who choose to condescendingly remind us that most people don't get paid days off for bad weather - if this was such an important consideration to you, perhaps you should have considered a career in teaching. I doubt very many teachers went into the profession for this reas
Urban Sombrero
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 2:53 a.m.
Woah, it's supposed to snow? Well, this is the first I've heard of it. Huh.
stunhsif
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 1:56 a.m.
I'm in the transportation/trucking business running JIT deliveries to auto assembly lines and retailers like Procter&Gamble. This storm is going to stink big time. The costs incurred will be passed on to the consumer so I am sorry to wreck your potential "snow day", it will cost you $ in the long run. Snow like this makes life miserable for those that run a for profit business , for kids and public school teachers it means a day off at home ( with pay by the way) with a cup of hot cocoa. Just remember this, the regular private sector worker doesn't get paid unless they are at work ! A snow day means no pay. Good Day No Luck Needed
Monica R-W
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 8:24 a.m.
And we are suppose to care about your trucking issue.....why?
MichGirl
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 10:50 p.m.
I'm kind of looking forward to it, too! But if it turns into an ice storm....I'm taking that comment back. I'm stocked with food, water, some Chardonnay, good books and a movie or two. God bless those road crews who are out doing the dirty work. Stay safe. And get out of the way for mothers-to-be in labor!! They get the right of way in my book! Don't go out if you don't have to!
snowbunny
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 10:42 p.m.
Roadman thank you, they are unsung heros. They work to make sure everyone gets home safe or to work safe. It will be long days for them.
Atticus F.
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 9:43 p.m.
I might regret saying this, but I'm looking forward to it.
FoxviewFarm
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 10:35 p.m.
Me too. But the totals keep going down. It was 10-15, now (my now-lol) it's 7-10. I'd kind of love a good snow. It has been a long time!
Kent Jocque
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 9:38 p.m.
I hope the city never declares a snow emergency based on the forecast a day in advance of the storm. If that happened and we were all forced to move our cars off the street or face a fine, only to have the prematurely declared "emergency" never materialize, how would we react? Would we applaud the city for being so proactive? We know the storm is predicted. It is our responsibility as citizens to monitor the situation and prepare to assist if the emergency occurs. It's the responsibility of the government to declare the emergency when it occurs, not when it is predicted.
Roadman
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 8:59 p.m.
The Washtenaw County Road Commission has 44 vehicles and a dedicated crew that works all night long so commuters can have a safe drive. They are unsung heroes in this county.
Mattie
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 12:16 a.m.
Excuse me? Mr. Harmon has repeatly stated he has only 4, yes, FOUR, trucks out overnight. The "40" are the regular day crew. In addition, the counties surrounding us have over 100 trucks out on the road, while we have 44 (according to CHannel 4 numbers during the last snowstorm). There is no indication that a 44 truck crew will work all night. Washtenaw County ROad Commission, bosses or workers, will not be my heros until they PROPERLY clear the roads in a TIMELY manner. There is nothing heroic about being understaffed and under-equipped. How did this situation develop? Who's responsible for the insane equipment and personnel difference between Wash. and the surrounding counties---management, union, or both?
treetowncartel
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 8:49 p.m.
Why don't we put plows on every public vehicle?
John B.
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 11:33 p.m.
Good idea! We could put cute little electric ones on the Pruises (Prii?). Then we could make every public vehicle into a tow truck, as well!
Alan Goldsmith
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 8:23 p.m.
Worse storm in six years but don't worry--Ann Arbor has the recyclling issue covered. Lol.
81wolverine
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 7:14 p.m.
I hate to say it, but if you live in the city of Ann Arbor and A) live on a smaller side street, B) have no manager in the roads department living on your street, or C) aren't willing to pay for a private snow removal service - then prepare to be stuck in your home for a while. The city doesn't have the budget or willingness to deal with these types of snow storms any more. Thank goodness I live on a private road where our neighbors and I have pooled together money to pay for a commercial plowing service. Otherwise, if we had to depend on the City or County, we might as well take the rest of the week off as vacation.
Atticus F.
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 6:56 p.m.
I heard there's a possability that we may be getting 20-25 inches!
Bob Martel
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 7:07 p.m.
Rabble rouser! ;)
bs
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 6:55 p.m.
I'm willing to wager that, even though there is consensus about the intensity of this, the schools will wait until the last minute to close.... God forbid they make it easier for us to plan on what to do with the kids.
David Cahill
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 6:55 p.m.
AnnArbor.com, has the local court system got a policy on court closings? I know in the past some courts have closed in big storms like the one on the way. Will there be a unified announcement, or is each court (plus lawyers and litigants) on its own?
Roadman
Tue, Feb 1, 2011 : 12:42 a.m.
Try calling Keith Zeisloft, the 15th District Court Administrator.
Kyle Feldscher
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 10:58 p.m.
David, I put in a call to Dan Dwyer at the Trial Court Administrator's office to ask him about this and he never got back to me. Hopefully I'll be able to find out some more information for you tomorrow. Sorry about that.
Edward Vielmetti
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 6:07 p.m.
The "Lunch Ann Arbor Marketing" meeting will be cancelled for tomorrow: <a href="http://twitter.com/#" rel='nofollow'>http://twitter.com/#</a>!/la2m/status/32136754039361536 @la2m Lunch A2 Marketing No #LA2M Wednesday! Bundle up and stay safe! Check your inbox for details.
Kafkaland
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 6:05 p.m.
Another reason for having reliable public transportation. No need to drive in this weather.
Bob Martel
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 7:09 p.m.
Not sure I'd want to be on a bus in a snowstorm any more than my car!
dotdash
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 5:30 p.m.
It's nice to have advance warning. It's a good time to make sure you have cocoa and marshmallows, invite your neighbors to trek over, find the dice for the Risk game. Such a pity if the snow didn't come after all....
Forever27
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 6:52 p.m.
I voted you up simply for mentioning RISK.
justaposter
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 5:29 p.m.
No such thing as a snow day for UM.
MjC
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 7:52 p.m.
Because you can't close down the Hospital systems or tell thousands of students living on campus that they're out-of-luck for the day. Take a vacation day... you've earned one (hopefully).
Yuxuibbs
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 5:19 p.m.
Does that mean 100% chance of a snow day on wednesay? :D
Edward Vielmetti
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 4:49 p.m.
"In anticipation of up to a foot of snowfall between 4 p.m. Tuesday afternoon and 7 p.m. Wednesday evening, the City of Ann Arbor and Recycle Ann Arbor are announcing that there will be no residential trash or recycling pickups on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011. The residential trash and recycling pickups will be delayed one day, with the normal Wednesday routes collected on Thursday, and continuing throughout the week with the normal Friday routes picked up on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011. Please place trash and recycling carts at the curb after the streets have been plowed, and before 7 a.m. on the revised collection day." <a href="http://www.a2gov.org/government/publicservices/fieldoperations/solidwasteunit/Pages/RecyclinginAnnArbor.aspx" rel='nofollow'>http://www.a2gov.org/government/publicservices/fieldoperations/solidwasteunit/Pages/RecyclinginAnnArbor.aspx</a>
steve
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 4:38 p.m.
I'm a little amazed that Washtenaw has 44 trucks for snow removal....judging by the sorry job they do with even the smallest amount of snow. Maybe I'm just bitter because I never see them driving with their blades down or dropping salt/sand.
John B.
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 10:14 p.m.
I'm a little amazed that they can do as much as they do with just 44 vehicles. Many of those are just pickup trucks, I'm sure. We have a whole lot of miles of (often multi-laned) roads in the County!
YpsiLivin
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 9:11 p.m.
Steve, I live on a primary road, and I can assure you that the WCRC is out early and often during snowstorms.
Dr. Rockso
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 4:26 p.m.
Hahaa! This storm is growing faster then pinocchio's nose. I better keep checking into annarbor.com for the updates.
local
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 4:24 p.m.
Hunterjim, we wouldn't want to force the good people in Ann Arbor to have to park in their driveways and off the street to make life easier for all (even during non-snow emergencies). I also hope that our school district makes the call sooner then later, we wouldn't want to wake people up Wednesday morning with a phone call. Yes, this is sarcasm coming out!
johnnya2
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 4:37 p.m.
You do realize not every person in Ann Arbor has a driveway or garage. I know the world revolves around what goes on in your world, but realize others have different things to worry about. If you think parking is not such a big deal in Ann Arbor, even when there is street parking available, try it when those spaces are gone AND most parking lots have reduced spaces available due to snow mountains.
Hunterjim
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 4:05 p.m.
OK...is someone going to call the City of Ann Arbor and let them know this storm is coming...maybe a little planning ahead will allow them to get our roads cleaned. Maybe the City should announce a snow emergency ahead of time to get the word to people about parking on the street so the plows can do thier job. Announcing it after the fact in my opinion does not give everyone affected enough time/notice to find alternative parking. Come on City of A2 plan ahead..be proactive! Let it snow!
johnnya2
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 9:52 p.m.
Hunter, The planning should be on the PEOPLE, not the city. The city has a plan. Maybe you do not understand, but a snow emergency authorizes certain activities by the city. Plowing won't start until the snow begins to fall and hits a certain amount, so that would be the time to declare an emergency. If there only turns out to be 3 inches and they declare a snow emergency then what?
theodynus
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 5:01 p.m.
Maybe the City should start plowing NOW, before the snow gets here. Why leave all the work to the last moment? How about a little planning, Ann Arbor!?
Hunterjim
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 4:43 p.m.
Johnnya2...the snow is coming, why not remind folks about what happens in a snow emergency, and what side of the street to park on, on which days so the crews can do their job. I do understand the issues in many areas with limited parking, but a little planning ahead saves everyone involved the headache of being plowed in, towed or damaged. or we can just stick our heads in the ground and ignore it.. your call...
johnnya2
Mon, Jan 31, 2011 : 4:35 p.m.
So you are saying to call something that has not happened yet an emergency? How about those that use the street to park on, make an educated decision to NOT park on the street if they see snow. Until that time there will be no issue. Should we also cancel all schools, and close up businesses for something that MIGHT happen too?