FLINT – The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning from 3 p.m. today until 4 a.m. Saturday for Flint and Genesee County.
Included in the warning are the counties of Huron, Saginaw, Tuscola, Sanilac, Shiawassee and Lapeer Counties.
Heavy snow is expected with total accumulations of 6-10 inches and wind gusts as high as 35 to 45 mph.
Very heavy snow rates, on the order of 1-2 plus inches per hour, are likely over a short three to six hour window. These heavy rates are likely mainly late this evening into tonight.
The peak rates occur this evening followed by moderate snow after midnight. Winds gusting to 45 mph may result in rapid reductions to visibility and isolated power outages will be possible from the cumulative impacts of accumulating wet snow and gusty winds.
The NWS says travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute.
The weather forecast calls for a light rain/snow mix developing after 2 p.m. today (Friday, March 3) with max probability of precipitation at 90 percent.
Snow accumulation will be 1-2 inches. Winds east at 15-25 mph, gusting to 30-35 mph. High temperatures around 38 degrees.
Tonight (7 p.m.-7 a.m. EST) snow ending 2-4 a.m. Max probability of precipitation is 90 percent. Snow accumulation is expected to be 4-6 inches, skies will be cloudy with northeasterly winds at 10-20 mph, gusting to 25-30 mph.
The NWS expects heavy, deep, slushy roads from 7 p.m.-4 a.m.
Kim Day, spokesperson for the Genesee County Road Commission, said salt trucks will be out before the snow event starts today and advises motorists to be safe and to give the trucks plenty of room to do their jobs. – G.G.