A massive winter storm is expected this weekend in much of the United States, including Monroe County, which is under a cold weather advisory until 10 a.m. Saturday, according to AccuWeather. It’s predicting temperatures in the single digits and wind chills as low as 25 below zero in southeast Michigan.
Then, snow is expected to fall.
“Based on current forecasts, we are monitoring the potential for approximately 3 to 6 inches of snow, with temperatures in the teens and high winds across Monroe County beginning in the early morning hours Sunday morning,” said David Leach, managing director of the Monroe County Road Commission. “As with any winter system, exact totals and timing may change, but we are staying in close contact with weather services and adjusting plans as needed.”
Is electricity likely to go out?
“Michigan is expecting bitterly cold weather this weekend, but Consumers Energy is not expecting weather-related power outages,” the utility said in a news release.
Local emergency personnel ready for storm aftermath
“The Monroe County Road Commission is fully prepared for this (weekend’s) event. Our full fleet dedicated to winter operations are kept ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Leach said.
On Facebook earlier this week, the road commission posted it was limiting salt for external distribution because of a statewide salt shortage.“The MCRC has sufficient materials on hand to respond to winter events. The temporary limitation on external salt distribution is a proactive measure to ensure we maintain adequate supplies for county roads throughout the remainder of the winter season,” Leach said.Commander John Wall of the Monroe Public Safety Department said his staff also is prepared for a storm.
“Our mission doesn’t change. Our primary reason is to be ready to respond both to emergency and non-emergency calls for public service,” Wall said. “If we find more staff is necessary, we can make a call for more staff.”
Sign up for emergency alerts
Monroe County Emergency Management has an emergency alert system.
Notices are sent out for local snow emergencies and well as road closures, public health information and other concerns.
Residents can get calls, texts and emails. Sign up here.
What can residents do to help during a storm?
“You shouldn’t live in fear, (but have) a level of preparedness. If you need stuff to prepare, go get those things (before the storm),” Wall said. “(During and right after storms), stay off the roads. Reduce your own personal risk. Leave roads open for our road crews.”
— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@monroenews.com.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Snow, cold, wind expected this weekend in Monroe County. What we know.
Reporting by Suzanne Nolan Wisler, The Monroe News / The Monroe News
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