KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office has posted an alert for a winter storm watch that’s in effect from Thursday afternoon, December 22 through Saturday evening, December 24.
This alert, used verbatim, was issued on Tuesday, December 20.
WHAT: Blizzard conditions possible. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 17 inches possible through Friday. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph and will cause significant blowing and drifting snow. Additional heavy snow and high winds are expected into Saturday with storm total snowfall possibly reaching 2 feet along and west of US 131 from Kalamazoo northward to Grand Rapids and up into Big Rapids.
WHERE: Portions of central, south central, southwest and west central Michigan.
WHEN: From Thursday afternoon through Saturday evening.
IMPACTS: Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the commutes and holiday travel. Strong winds could cause tree damage leading to power outages. Subzero wind chills are expected Friday into Saturday.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Snow will develop Thursday afternoon and evening. It will become heavy at times Thursday night. The risk for heavy snow will persist through Friday. The widespread snow will become more lake effect Friday night into Saturday with the heaviest accumulating snow expected to shift closer to the lakeshore. The strongest winds are expected Friday into Friday evening. Snowfall rates of an inch per hour are expected. The temperature will be falling from around freezing Thursday afternoon…into the 20s for Thursday night with increasing impacts expected on the roadways then.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Prepare for possible blizzard conditions. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this potentially dangerous situation.
