A winter storm that could linger over Michigan for the weekend —bringing the possibility of wind, snow, ice and more to the middle of the state— appears more and more likely, as the National Weather Service issued a weather watch early Thursday.
After warmer temperatures Thursday, a major storm system is expected to move over the Great Lakes region Friday and stick around through Sunday.
“A wintry mix including freezing rain along with strong gusty winds could lead to numerous power outages, especially north of a Muskegon to Alma line,” the National Weather Service advised.
Mt. Pleasant and other mid-Michigan communities may see an elevated risk of flooding as rain, snow and sleet could be heavy at times through the weekend.
By Sunday, the entire state will likely see snow showers according to the NWS.
As temperatures drop Friday to the mid-40s, the forecast includes a chance of rain or thunderstorms.
Friday night’s forecast in mid-Michigan calls for more rain, the possibility of a thunderstorm and wind gusts up to 28 miles per hours as temperatures hover around the freezing mark, according to the NWS.
Rain, freezing rain and wind gusts up to 37 miles per hour are all likely starting Saturday morning and through the overnight.
Sunday’s forecast starts with freezing rain before 11 a.m. mixing with sleet for about an hour; as temperatures reach the high 30s, a 70 percent of rain showers lingers through the day.
Sunday night, mid-Michigan’s forecast calls for a chance of rain until 9 p.m., a chance of rain and snow mixed until midnight, turning to just snow through early Monday morning, according to the NWS.
About the Author
Lisa Yanick Litwiller is a photographer and community engagement editor. She is a 2000 graduate of CMU, the mother of two boys, is terrified of birds and close spaces, and loves wine, music and gossip. Reach the author at llitwiller@michigannewspapers.com .