DETROIT – A winter storm is taking aim at Michigan this weekend. The Metro Detroit region is expecting to receive its first significant snow of the season, in addition to some gusty winds and icy temperatures.
Much of the precipitation taking place between Friday, Jan. 12 and Sunday, Jan 14 will be in the form of snow, but some rain is also expected to fall. Following the initial round of snowfall, temperatures will plummet.
With these conditions, there is a potential for Southeast Michigan to experience power outages due to the storm. Here’s why.
First: A brief forecast breakdown
Snow is projected to begin falling as early as midday Friday in Metro Detroit’s southern counties. The snow will move northward throughout the day, and will fully blanket the region by 5 p.m.
With temperatures mostly above freezing on Friday, all of this snow is expected to be wet and heavy. Our 4Warn meteorologists say the peak snowfall rates will occur Friday afternoon and evening, and could potentially reach an inch of snow per hour.
Starting around 8 p.m., the snow is expected to switch over to rain in Southeast Michigan. The rain/snow line will continue to shift northward throughout the evening and overnight into Saturday. This rain should melt any snow that accumulated on Friday.
Snow will redevelop on Saturday morning, though, as temperatures take a dive -- and that’s where the power outage concern begins.
---> Weekend winter storm breakdown: Snow totals, timing for Metro Detroit
Precipitation freeze
Temperatures are expected to dip below freezing Saturday morning. That colder air could freeze any rain/snow moisture that lingers on surfaces, including that on tree branches, power lines and electrical equipment.
A lighter, drier snow will continue to fall Saturday as temperatures continue to plummet. Snow and ice could continue to build up through the day.
It’s likely that any accumulation will stick around for a while, since temperatures will continue to drop. The high on Sunday will be 15 degrees, but temps will feel like they’re below zero due to the wind chill.
Why does this matter?
Ice buildup increases the weight of tree branches and power lines, posing a risk to the system.
When the weight continues to increase on tree branches, they can break off and land on power lines or electrical equipment, possibly damaging them or taking them out entirely. Experts say that for power lines, just a half inch of ice accumulation can add 500 pounds of extra weight, which can cause them to snap.
It’s the damage to power lines and related equipment that can disrupt the flow of power during a storm -- and even after. The longer the conditions outside remain dangerous, the more time it will take for crews to be able to address any problems.
DTE Energy and Consumers Energy update their websites with known power outages, as well as restoration estimates and details.
- Report an outage to DTE here.
- Report an outage to Consumers Energy here.
---> Winter weather advisory issued for all of Metro Detroit this weekend: What that means
Staying safe near downed power lines
Here are some tips from DTE Energy that can help you stay safe around downed power lines:
- Downed power lines may be hidden by debris, so be sure you and your loved ones watch for these hazards. Stay at least a bus length (20 feet) away from downed power lines and don’t touch anything they may be in contact with such as fences – always consider them live and dangerous.
- Never drive across a downed power line. If a power line falls on your vehicle, call 911 and remain inside until help arrives.
- Do not cross yellow caution tape, which indicates there is a downed power line in the area.
- Never use a portable generator inside a home or business. It emits carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. Keep it outside, away from windows and doors, so the fumes won’t come in.
- Stay out of flooded or damp basements or other areas if water is in contact with outlets or any electrically-operated appliance. The water or moisture may serve as a conductor of electricity, causing serious or even fatal injury.