Wicked Winter Weather News

A Wind Chill Warning is in place from 7 this morning through 7 tomorrow night, while a Winter Weather Advisory in place through 8:00 tomorrow morning. Blowing snow will cause drifting on east-west roads this morning, then on north-south roads this afternoon, which will reduce visibility at times, especially near open land.

The City of Lansing has declared a snow emergency – that means all travel except to and from work, the doctor or the grocery store is prohibited.  Parking is NOT allowed on city streets and all non-essential government offices and operations are closed for the day – trash pickup will be delayed by two days – the rule that city sidewalks need to be cleared within 24 hours of the storm has been suspended this time in Lansing and E Lansing due to today’s expected extreme cold.

Governor Snyder has reportedly put every available road crew on the job to clear the roads and state police patrols have been increased to respond to the situation.  We are being asked to stay off the roads as much as possible today.

Also with the State of Emergency, the State of Michigan has closed most of its offices for today, including the Secondary Complex.  Non-essential employees are being asked to stay home, while contract employees who work in state buildings are asked to please check with your supervisor to see if you should show up today.

Schools across most of the state been closed for today, including Lansing Public Schools,Michigan State University and Lansing CC – essential staff have been asked to report to work at MSU and LCC. Ingham County and Eaton County have shut down office operations today, as have area Townships, including Lansing,Meridian, Delta and Delhi.  MSUFCU has closed area branches, too – you may want to call ahead if you’re planning on venturing out at all today, as many business may just choose to not open.  And all that’s because of the foot-plus of snow we got – next up – extreme cold!  And please make sure those carbon monoxide detectors are working, along with the smoke detectors.  Maybe give a call to family, friends and neighbors that might need some help – the ill and elderly.  And if you left your pet outside overnight without shelter, we can’t be friends.

TV10 reports that General Motors cancelled last night’s shifts and the start of today’s first shift at all three Lansing plants is delayed until 8:30 this morning – GM maintenance workers – please report at your usual time.  Brembo Brake Manufacturing has canceled all shifts today…Spartan Motors in Charlotte is closed today…Ingham County’s 30^thCircuit and Probate courts are closed today – jurors do not have to report

…the YMCA has closed all Lansing branches…Peckham is closed their offices, except for the call center…Impco and Demmer are both closed today…there will limited outpatient services at McLaren Greater Lansing today…and all 13 Capital Area District Library branches are closed today.