We’ve been hearing the warnings for days: Blizzard conditions smacking parts of Michigan today and Saturday will make driving in some areas nearly impossible – and very dangerous. Little to no visibility for drivers, blowing snow, drifting snow and rapidly falling temperatures.
National Weather Service meteorologists in the Grand Rapids office went over a long list of the hazardous travel impacts expected beginning today. They also rounded up a list of the Michigan highways they predict will be in the worst shape for driving in the next couple days. They are:
- U.S. 41 in the western Upper Peninsula
- M-28, an east-west corridor that stretches across the Upper Peninsula
- U.S. 31 that runs along Michigan’s west Lakeshore area
- U.S. 131 that runs down the center of Michigan
- I-196 from Grand Rapids, west toward Holland
- I-94 near/west of Kalamazoo
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Blizzard conditions are expected to last into Saturday, and bitterly cold temperatures will stretch into early next week. In the areas near Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, lake effect snow is forecast to continue through Sunday.
Dangerous travel conditions will last into Saturday, the NWS said. Here are the travel highlights being shared by the meteorologists there:
- Travel may not even be possible particularly near the coasts of Lakes Superior and Michigan
- Snow drifts may have a particularly high impact on these major roads
- If travel is essential, we recommend packing emergency items to keep you safe
- Realize that if you are stranded, help may not come right away
Make sure you have what you need in your car if you’re going to be on the road in the winter in Michigan.