by
Detroit Department of Public Works
Updates:
SNOW UPDATE: Private contractors will begin plowing residential streets at 4 a.m. Please avoid parking on side streets if possible. pic.twitter.com/NblAidoXEp
— City of Detroit (@CityofDetroit) December 14, 2017
Detroit Public Libraries and the Motown Museum shut at 2 p.m. Wednesday and Wayne State University canceled afternoon classes as it sent employees home at 2:30 p.m. because of snowfall that could reach eight inches by tonight.
Macomb County Community College and countless offices also shut early around the region, and an Ann Arbor event with former Vice President Joe Biden is called off.
But this is hockey weather. The Detroit Red Wings still will play the Boston Bruins at Little Caesar's Arena, where the puck drops at 8 p.m.
Detroit is plowing main thoroughfares and will start clearing residential streets Thursday morning after at least six inches has fallen, the mayor's office says. The Neighborhoods, a municipal website that launched this year, explains the Department of Public Works' three-level approach to plowing priorities.
This tale from the slow homeward commute comes from a WWJ reporter:
We are running about 5 to 10 miles an hour on the lodge northbound heading out of downtown. Can't see the lines on the road. pic.twitter.com/iYucnx4T9j
— Sandra McNeill (@SandMcNeill) December 13, 2017
As for air travel, there's unsurprising news:
Metro Airport has now entered a ground delay program due to snow. If you are flying out or expecting anybody flying in, there will be delays.
— WDIV Local4Casters (@Local4Casters) December 13, 2017
Meanwhile, the Lions can't resist an opportunity to tease Buffalo and promote a home game this weekend:
â„ï¸Â Just a reminder, Saturday’s game will be played under @fordfield’s nice renovated roof â„ï¸Â pic.twitter.com/YWMwsZfBjr
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 13, 2017
Original post, Wednesday morning:
We can no longer be in denial. Winter is really here, though it doesn't blow in officially until Dec. 21.
National Weather Service graphic
The National Weather Service branch in White Lake advises:
A winter storm warning is in effect for much of Southeast Michigan, where five to eight inches of snow is expected.
An advisory is in effect both north and south of this main swath of snow, where accumulations will be closer to four inches.
Expected timing is late morning to late in the evening, with a peak from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., when snowfall rates will be the heaviest. Roads will become snow covered and visibilities will be reduced in the heavy snowfall.
Extreme caution is urged for drivers.
The advisory is in effect until 1 a.m. Thursday.
In western counties near Lake Michigan, seven to ten inches of new accumulation is forecast.
As for those who gripe, grouse and grimace at this news, a sensible Fox 2 News anchor suggests this perspective:
Hey now. You can’t shovel away a hurricane, oppressive humidity, floods, or fires. I’ll take #snow any day. It comes right off, really. Plus, THIS is what Christmas time is supposed to look like. #BeginningToLookALotLike https://t.co/AcyzC8LHnl
— ROOP RAJ (@rooprajfox2) December 13, 2017
