UPDATE 6:42 P.M. SUNDAY, JAN 18- Timeline on near-blizzard conditions, Winter Weather Advisory expanded into eastern Michigan.
A Winter Storm Watch has been issued to outline an area that could have occasional blizzard conditions, also called near-blizzard conditions, or even possibly true blizzard status.
Here is the Winter Storm Watch area. The Winter Storm Watch is in effect for the Lake Michigan border counties and around the Marquette area.
Winter Storm Watch for Sunday afternoon to Monday evening for the blue shaded counties.Mark Torregrossa
A closer look shows all of the Traverse City region also in the Winter Storm Watch.
Winter Storm Watch for Sunday afternoon to Monday evening for the blue shaded counties.Mark Torregrossa
The Winter Storm Watch area can expect snow developing Sunday afternoon and continuing through Monday. The snow could pile up four to six inches in that time period. At the same time, the wind will increase through Sunday night. Monday morning could have gusts up to 40 mph in the Winter Storm Watch area.
Total snow forecast from Sunday to 10 p.m. Monday.NOAA
The dry, fluffy snow, combined with wind gusts to 40 mph could produce blizzard conditions Monday, especially in the morning and early afternoon.
Blizzard conditions are simply gusts over 35 mph and visibility less than one-quarter mile due to falling snow and/or blowing snow. These conditions have to last for three hours or more.
Wind gust forecast for 11 a.m. Monday, January 19NOAA
The dryness of the snow since it is so cold will make for easily blowing and drifting snow.
The National Weather Service told me they don’t have a Blizzard Watch anymore. Their path to a Blizzard Warning would start with a Winter Storm Watch.
With the expected weather conditions Monday, the Winter Storm Watch could be upgraded to a Blizzard Warning. Typically the Blizzard Warning is issued just a few hours before the blizzard conditions develop.
The National Weather Service offices in Michigan reserve Blizzard Warnings for the worst of winter weather conditions.
If you see a Blizzard Warning issued for your area, do not drive the roads unless it’s an absolute emergency.
We will keep you updated at MLive.com/weather.
