Winter weather woes: Metro Detroit sees power outages, snow squalls
A massive winter weather system resulted in weather-related watches, warnings or advisories across the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes region on Monday – with Metro Detroit in the path of high winds and a burst of snow squalls.
A high wind warning is in effect for all of southeast Michigan until 9 p.m. Monday, with damaging winds breaking tree branches and resulting in power outages.
"Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles," the National Weather Service in Detroit said.
Snow squalls and high winds
The CBS News Detroit weather team has been monitoring the forecast all weekend, designating Monday as a NEXT Weather Alert Day because of the potential impacts. The weather conditions include the potential for wind gusts of up to 50 to 60 mph.
Those with work commutes or holiday travel plans in Metro Detroit need to be on the alert for blowing snow and snow squall warnings. Multiple such alerts were posted during the late morning, and those conditions are expected to continue. Snow squalls are short-lived whiteout conditions. Drivers should slow down, turn on low beam headlights and pull over if possible.
The first snow squall warning for Metro Detroit Monday was issued about 10:20 a.m. to remain in effect until 11:15 a.m., a scenario that the Road Commission for Oakland County confirmed when working plow routes. The affected area included I-75, U.S. 23 and U.S. 24 near Detroit along with I-75 and U.S. 23 near Flint.
A second snow squall warning was issued shortly afterwards until 11:15 a.m. for I-94 near Detroit, along with I-475, I-69 and I75 near Flint; and I-69 near Imlay City.
A third snow squall warning was issued about 11:07 a.m. for the I-94 area near Detroit.
A fourth snow squall warning was issued about 11:19 a.m. until 1:15 p.m. for I-375, I-696, I-75 and I-94 in Detroit, along with U.S. 23 near South Lyon and Howell.
In the meantime, the entire state of Michigan is under a warning, advisory or alert related to the weather.
The National Weather Service in Marquette has even issued blizzard warnings for part of the Upper Peninsula, with the Mackinac Bridge Authority limiting speeds on the bridge to 20 mph. "Additional steps will be implemented if conditions change," the bridge's website said.
Power outages
DTE, which provides electricity to most of southeast Michigan, was reporting 5,900 customers without power scattered across its Southeast Michigan service area about 6:15 a.m. The significant outage areas included those in Lake Orion, Orchard Hills and Detroit.
By 8 a.m., the DTE power outage number had jumped to over 10,000 customers; and by 8:55 a.m. the DTE number had jumped to 12,090 outages. By noon, that number had declined to 9,376.
Consumers Energy, which handles electricity for much of the midstate and some of southern Michigan, reported about 2,000 customers without power just south of Monroe about 8 a.m. Another 377 Consumers Energy customers were listed as having lost power in Erie Township along I-75, just north of the Ohio state line. Most of them were restored power by noon Monday.
The PowerOutageUS site showed over 98,000 power outages across Michigan about 8:15 a.m. Monday. The most impacted counties in terms of power outages included Clare County and other mid-Michigan counties, along with Marquette County in the U.P.
The Michigan Public Service Commission has issued a reminder to residents to call the utility or 911 if they see downed power lines, and do not touch trees or limbs that are atop or entangled among power lines.
Should any traffic lights be out because of a power outage, proceed into the intersection carefully and watch for oncoming traffic.
Flight delays
Although the expected busiest travel days for the Christmas season have wound down, it is still the holiday travel season.
Flight delays and cancellations started piling up Sunday at Detroit Metro Airport and are continuing into Monday.
In addition, the FAA said Delta Air Lines was under a ground stop for some Detroit Metro flights until 7:45 a.m. Monday. That alert has since been lifted.
"Be sure to check with your airline before heading to DTW," airport officials said.
Highways and roads
Salt trucks are out on many of the highways and roads in Michigan.
The Road Commission of Oakland County said it sent road crews out starting at 3 a.m. Monday.
The Michigan Department of Transportation's travel reports are posted at the MI Drive site.
Warming centers
Southeast Michigan communities often arrange for warming centers in response to cold winter weather and power outages.
The Village of Dundee in Monroe County said it will have its council chambers open during the day Monday and Tuesday for local residents to find a place to stay warm.
Follow CBS News Detroit on air or on line for updates throughout the day.