DETROIT – The winds that began ramping up last night will remain high today. And as the temperatures drop early today and the snow moves in, the Detroit area, Ann Arbor and all of Southeast Michigan will have the potential for snow squalls.
Travel conditions could be dangerous at times, so if you have to be on the road, leave yourself plenty of extra time.
Sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph will continue today, with gusts to 60 mph. A High Wind Warning remains in effect.
High winds are expected over portions of Lake Huron today, where waves up to 30 feet are forecast. Lake Erie could see seiche conditions with today’s winds, with water sloshing from one end to the other and leading to a time of low water along the Michigan shoreline.
Incoming snow totals will range from an inch or 2 today.
As temperatures plummet early today, wind chills will drop to the teens or even the single digits.
Lake effect snow showers are expected on Monday, with strong winds gusting over 50 mph creating potential for snow squalls. Drops in visibility and quick accumulation may result in hazardous travel.Graphic provided by the National Weather Service
Here are the forecast highlights from the National Weather Service office in Detroit:
Southeast Michigan faces dangerous wind conditions and potential widespread power outages as a powerful storm system moves through the region, prompting meteorologists to issue a high wind warning for the entire area.
Monday will see the most severe conditions. Wind gusts of 45 to 55 mph are expected throughout the day, with isolated gusts up to 60 mph likely within snow squalls.
The combination of rainfall-soaked ground, tree limbs weakened from a recent ice storm, and prolonged strong winds through early Monday evening creates conditions ripe for significant power outages across the region. The National Weather Service’s decision to issue a high wind warning reflects concerns about these compounding factors.
Travel conditions on Monday will be difficult despite only 1 to 2 inches of expected snow accumulation. Snow showers and squalls will reduce visibility, while any standing water remaining from Sunday’s rainfall will freeze during the Monday morning commute as temperatures drop into the upper 20s.
