When scanning the National Weather Service’s Sunday update, you almost don’t know where to look first, there’s so much on the horizon. Their own headline calls for a winter storm on Monday and brutal cold by midweek. It all depends on your own point of view which would be worse for you, a half a foot of snow or better, or midweek temperatures plunging well below zero.
The weather service foresees snow arriving early tomorrow morning, Monday, January 28th, and continuing throughout the day with six or more inches in Southwest Michigan (potentially 8 to 12 inches) and by Tuesday night, “The coldest air mass in years, challenging records,” and promising to be “dangerous to life and property.”
Moderate to occasionally heavy snow is forecast to reduce visibility, creating snow covered roads, and blowing and drifting conditions. While forecasting can be difficult, the NWS office in Northwest Indiana says, “Confidence in a storm impacting the Great Lakes is high.”
By early Thursday morning with the deep cold headed in on this system, forecast windchills are projected to run from 32-degrees below zero near Benton Harbor to minus-39 at LaPorte and 37-below at South Bend.
Check the entire situation analysis produced by the National Weather Service by clicking the link below:
They remind everyone that frostbite can occur within 10 minutes or less, so you should minimize your exposed skin and dress in layers. Be sure that pets and livestock are brought indoors. They also suggest, that especially in older homes, you allow your water faucets to drip slowly to keep your pipes from freezing, and that you open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warmer air to circulate around your plumbing.
The American Red Cross suggests crafting an emergency preparedness or disaster kit with water, first aid kits, medications, a flashlight, extra batteries, comfort items and hygiene products. A good weather alert radio that operates on batteries is also highly suggested so you can keep in touch with the latest conditions.
With a second round of arctic temperatures forecast to impact the entire state next week and significant snowfall in the Lower Peninsula, the Michigan State Police is encouraging state residents and visitors to be extra cautious when going out in the extreme cold.
Capt. Emmitt McGowan is Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security as well as Commander of the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. He says, “With the National Weather Service forecasting another period of sub-zero temperatures and snow, it’s important that Michiganders take steps to stay safe during this stretch of cold weather.” He adds, “If you must be outdoors, be sure to dress appropriately and wear a warm coat, hats and gloves and have an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle.”
The National Weather Service is forecasting up to six inches of snow in much of the Lower Peninsula from Sunday to Monday night. Beginning Monday night and lasting through Friday all of Michigan will experience sub-zero overnight low temperatures and daytime highs around 0 degrees. Exposure to these temperatures could potentially cause frostbite and hypothermia, create hazardous driving conditions and cause frozen pipes.
To stay safe during cold weather:
- Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Signs of frostbite include: loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers and toes, numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin.
- Signs of hypothermia include: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech or drowsiness.
- Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
- Reduce the risk of a heart attack. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
- Check on neighbors. Older adults and young children are more at risk in extreme cold.
- Pets are also at risk for cold weather injuries and should be kept indoors.
- If travel is necessary, keep a full tank of gas and an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle. Put warm clothing, such as gloves, blankets and hats, and a cell phone charger in your kit.
Michigan weather is unpredictable any time of year, but especially during the winter months. If you are stranded, do not leave your vehicle. Stay with the vehicle and wait for help.
Motorists are encouraged to check travel conditions and weather reports before driving at www.michigan.gov/roadconditions. Major road closures can be found at www.michigan.gov/drive. The MSP/EMHSD asks that you tune into local news and/or view these websites rather than calling your local MSP post or 911 for travel conditions.
To prevent frozen pipes:
- Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
- When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold-water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing.
- Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a costlier repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
- If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.
To thaw frozen pipes:
- If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
- Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
- Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
- Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
Residents who need assistance or guidance during the extreme cold are encouraged to call 211.
For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit www.michigan.gov/miready or follow MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS.