4Warn Weather – A Cold Weather Advisory will take effect at midnight for much of Southeast Michigan and remain in place through 10 a.m. Friday, as dangerously cold wind chills develop across the region.
The advisory applies to all communities north of Eight Mile Road, including Livingston, Oakland, Macomb, Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair, and Sanilac counties.
Overnight air temperatures are expected to fall below zero in most locations, with wind chills dropping to between 15 and 20 degrees below zero by Friday morning.
The coldest conditions are expected between midnight and midmorning, prompting a 4Warn Weather Alert for Friday morning due to the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
A few light snow showers or flurries are possible late Thursday night into early Friday morning, though any accumulation will be limited to a dusting.
Despite the light snowfall, roads could become slick because extremely cold temperatures reduce the effectiveness of road salt.
Here’s what you can do
Residents should limit time outdoors and dress in layers that cover all exposed skin.
Hats, gloves, scarves, and insulated coats are recommended, and people should take frequent indoor breaks when working outdoors.
Frostbite can develop in less than a half hour under these conditions.
It is a good idea to check on elderly neighbors, family members, and anyone without adequate heat.
Space heaters should be used safely, monitored, and kept away from flammable materials.
Pet owners should bring animals indoors and avoid leaving them outside for extended periods.
The cold can cause frostbite in paws, and salt can irritate them.
Next Week
Temperatures will remain well below normal through the weekend, with highs only in the teens and lower 20s.
A gradual warmup is expected early next week, with daytime highs climbing back into the 20s, though still below the average high of 32 degrees.
The cold weather advisory expires at 10 a.m. Friday, but bitter wind chills are expected to linger through the day and night.
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