MI Winter Storm: Here's What Changed Overnight

MICHIGAN — Forecasters urged Michiganders to stay off the roads Friday as a major winter storm is expected to bring blizzard-like conditions across Michigan, significantly reducing visibility and creating treacherous travel conditions.

The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning starting at 4 p.m. Thursday through 7 p.m. Saturday for most of northern Michigan and the entire Lake Michigan coastline. Southeastern Michigan remains under a winter storm warning that's set to take effect at 7 p.m. Thursday through 1 a.m. Saturday.

"Travel on Friday may become very difficult to impossible as widespread blowing snow reduces visibilities to near zero at times (whiteout conditions possible)," the National Weather Service said. "If you must travel, have an emergency supply kit ready like the one pictured below. Now is the time to prepare."

Parts of northern Michigan and the Lake Michigan coastline could see between 10-15 inches of snow with winds gusting up to 55 miles per hour, making travel nearly impossible and sparking power outage concerns, the National Weather Service said.

The central and south central Michigan parts of Michigan are expected to see between 6-10 inches of snow with winds gusting as high as 55 mph, the National Weather Service said.

In southeastern Michigan, parts north and west of metro Detroit are expected to see between 3-7 inches of snow, while the Detroit area could see 2-4 inches of snow, Accuweather reported.

Snowfall in the entire southeast Michigan region will be accompanied by powerful winds reaching up to 50 miles per hour that could reduce visibility to less than a half-mile at times, the National Weather Service warned.

Temperatures across Michigan are also expected to plunge to the teens early Friday morning, sparking concern for flash freezes that could create icy roads during the morning's commute, the National Weather Service warned.

Dangerously cold temperatures with wind chills reaching -20 degrees across most of Michigan will settle in by Friday night and last through Christmas morning, the National Weather Service warned.

"The State of Michigan is closely watching conditions as they develop and taking action to prepare for winter weather impacts," Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. "We will continue working hard to protect the health and safety of Michiganders, and are grateful for the dedicated first responders working to keep Michiganders safe this weekend."