Massive Blizzard Currently Hitting Metro Detroit

As I type this, a massive blizzard is currently bearing down on the midwestern US, including all of southeastern Michigan. It is falling on levels not seen since the Groundhog Day blizzard of 2011. In fact, this one is hitting exactly 15 years and three days after a similar-proportion blizzard struck Motown in 1999.

Here in Wyandotte, every public school in the city will close tomorrow, therefore extending the Christmas vacation. My vehicle has already been removed from the street. In fact, the temperatures for Monday and Tuesday will be wicked, with windchills reaching well into the negatives [[right around -30 to -45!). Here's the view from my living room window as of a few minutes ago.

http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o1...o/SAM_0647.JPG

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aktLRiWXfqg

Massive blizzard? More like a seasonal heavy snow.

Let's hope the snow doesn't accumlate tall enough to completely block all of our first-story windows...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE6qdypK1a4&list=SPD71E1DE3A9DECE42

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Originally Posted by MikeM

Massive blizzard? More like a seasonal heavy snow.

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I would think the coldest temps in over two decades and more snow than we have seen in years is a bit more than "Seasonal heavy snow". :[[

Please make that video '...SO Cold in the D' DIE....:eek:....

http://detroit.cbslocal.com/top-list...ls-in-detroit/

well not-in-detroit-but-the-suburbs. have fun on your snow day kids!!!

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Originally Posted by Zacha341

Please make that video '...SO Cold in the D' DIE....:eek:....

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Please.....please do....

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Originally Posted by Johnnny5

I would think the coldest temps in over two decades and more snow than we have seen in years is a bit more than "Seasonal heavy snow". :[[

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Yeah, well, that doesn't make it a blizzard, much less a massive blizzard. I have maybe four inches of new snow.

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Originally Posted by MikeM

Yeah, well, that doesn't make it a blizzard, much less a massive blizzard. I have maybe four inches of new snow.

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Depends on where in Metro Detroit you are. I'm in Milford and we have had 4" of snow just within the last 4-5 hours! I would say there's at least a foot or more on the ground with 2-3ft drifts on my driveway [[Not an exaggeration at all). I spent over 10 years plowing snow here, so it's not like I'm unaccustomed to what is typical. This in NOT just a regular snow storm.

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A blizzard means that the following conditions are expected to prevail for a period of 3 hours or longer:

• Sustained wind or frequent gusts to 35 miles an hour or greater; and
• Considerable falling and/or blowing snow [[i.e., reducing visibility frequently to less than a ¼ mile)

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Not enough wind to be a blizzard.

It's January. It snowed. It will now get quite cold.
About twelve minutes of a fifteen minute newscast gave the details, tonight, on TV.
[[sigh)

I admit, I really don't miss the Michigan winters

We ONLY picked up 6-9" in Detroit.

Although I know it's a different story in the NW suburbs [[where 12-18" fell), it was a pretty "typical" snowstorm here in the city and immediate suburbs.

Funny in a way. By tomorrow, half of the metro area will be talking about how this event was Snowmageddon, while the other half will want to crucify the media for "overhyping" what was "typical" winter weather in Michigan.

Well the snow we did get brought down the mighty: WSU.

"Wayne State never closes" so the saying goes. When they close it's officially bad out there.

Even Henry Ford Community College, Dearborn closed. Another die-hard for closing.

You know, going to school in Detroit 1944-1954, I do not remember the schools ever closing for snow. The bigger kids just walked in front and made a path through the drifts for the five and six year olds.

^^^ Make a path! That's how it was for my going to grade school and beyond in the seventies. They had hot chocolate waiting for your arrival!

However, there's more congested roads now [[withstanding our declining population). The few schools remaining are spread out - rarely walking distance.

Public transpo on DOT is abysmal and very slow on a nice summer day, so the HS teens struggle to get to their schools. Solution: close the schools.

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Originally Posted by Hermod

You know, going to school in Detroit 1944-1954, I do not remember the schools ever closing for snow. The bigger kids just walked in front and made a path through the drifts for the five and six year olds.

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Seems to happen with more frequency since the city took all that criticism for that New Year storm in 1999. IIRC, the storm hit on a Sunday, the day before students were to return from the holiday break, and DPS cancelled classes until the following Friday. They reopened schools on Friday even though they hadn't really cleared any of the snow from the roads, and then opened again on the following Monday. But after Monday they ended up cancelling classes for the rest of that week because there was still snow everywhere.

Yep. That is why DPS takes the position they do now.

6" SNOW: CLOSE - Straight thru....

It will be interesting to see how it goes this time. New mayor, new processes to deal with the snow/ cold??

seriously this is bad...

Here's a DetroitYes trip down memory lane of the 1999 blizzard including a comment from someone working for DPS...

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Originally Posted by iheartthed

Seems to happen with more frequency since the city took all that criticism for that New Year storm in 1999....

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Someone made a smart [[lucky) decision to postpone the auto show a week a couple of years ago. The '99 blizzard reeked havoc on the show.

I understand it snowed a lot last night. However, other than the main roads being slightly snowy and a bit slippery... what is with the regional freak out?


GP to Downtown in about 25 minutes on Jefferson [[maybe 10 minutes longer than usual) for an 8 am meeting that eventually had to be cancelled because people coming in from Novi and Macomb couldn't make it.

I don't get it. It snows here in winter. Sometimes it snows a lot. Why the regional freak out? I understand cancelling things like garbage pick up or non essential deliveries... but Courts? Federal and State offices? WTF? Yes, its going to take a little longer to get to work and yes you might have to get up early and shovel. GET UP EARLIER and get to f'ing work.

Sorry...more of a rant at some work colleagues that desire to live in exurban cul du sac subdivisions and every time it snows call in about how they just cant get in.

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Originally Posted by bailey

I understand it snowed a lot last night. However, other than the main roads being slightly snowy and a bit slippery... what is with the regional freak out?


GP to Downtown in about 25 minutes on Jefferson [[maybe 10 minutes longer than usual) for an 8 am meeting that eventually had to be cancelled because people coming in from Novi and Macomb couldn't make it.

I don't get it. It snows here in winter. Sometimes it snows a lot. Why the regional freak out? I understand cancelling things like garbage pick up or non essential deliveries... but Courts? Federal and State offices? WTF? Yes, its going to take a little longer to get to work and yes you might have to get up early and shovel. GET UP EARLIER and get to f'ing work.

Sorry...more of a rant at some work colleagues that desire to live in exurban cul du sac subdivisions and every time it snows call in about how they just cant get in.

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As mentioned earlier the severity of this storm must really depend on where in Metro Detroit you are located. I was out late last night and even the main roads out this way were barely passable unless you had 4 wheel drive. "Getting up a little earlier" would not have made any difference for those in cars or 2wd trucks. I just got a call from my mail carrier and they are not even delivering today to most areas in Milford Township. I work from my home and rely on my daily mail pickup and I can not remember this happening in the last 10 years. The company that plows my drive has been here 3 times in 24 hours and if it snows again I have no idea where they will push the snow!

Out this way I would venture to say this is one of the most [[If not the most) significant snow storms we have had since the storm of 1999. The biggest threat now will be the record low temps and high winds they are calling for tonight and tomorrow. Salt does not work at all when the temps get this low, and if one were to become stranded exposure to the elements would be a serious concern.

Well, I just found out that Wyandotte will shut down again tomorrow. For those wondering if this was from a blizzard, check out these live shots [[as of a few minutes ago) from mtburb's living room bay window:

http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-M3...o/SAM_0648.JPG

http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FW...o/SAM_0649.JPG

Whatever standard you compare this storm to, pace yourself. No one needs a heart attack. I plan to take frequent breaks and spend the whole day clearing this stuff despite the plummeting thermometer.

The neighbor is plowing the public street with his own truck. What a guy. :D

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Originally Posted by Johnnny5

As mentioned earlier the severity of this storm must really depend on where in Metro Detroit you are located. I was out late last night and even the main roads out this way were barely passable unless you had 4 wheel drive. "Getting up a little earlier" would not have made any difference for those in cars or 2wd trucks. I just got a call from my mail carrier and they are not even delivering today to most areas in Milford Township. I work from my home and rely on my daily mail pickup and I can not remember this happening in the last 10 years. The company that plows my drive has been here 3 times in 24 hours and if it snows again I have no idea where they will push the snow!

Out this way I would venture to say this is one of the most [[If not the most) significant snow storms we have had since the storm of 1999. The biggest threat now will be the record low temps and high winds they are calling for tonight and tomorrow. Salt does not work at all when the temps get this low, and if one were to become stranded exposure to the elements would be a serious concern.

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Eh, I'm being cranky [[its the same group of people....every.damn.time) But you're sort of making my point re: those my rant was directed toward [[ and I understand I'm ranting) You live in an exurban sprawl/semi rural-ish area. on a good day that is probably a 45 minute commute downtown. It snowed a lot, I understand that, and I understand things will be delayed, but people need to learn to deal with it. It's not the apocalypse every time we have a snow event.

And if it is a huge problem for your toyota tercel to navigate Michigan roads in the winter from your home in Lake Orion to your job in downtown detroit... perhaps evaluate your choices. ... rant over.


side note: we had to have been hit with at least 8-9 inches in GP and the streets and sidewalks were both plowed by the city [[at least the ones I saw) overnight and the biggest issue I had was getting rid of the pile of snow at my driveway's apron from the multiple overnight passes by the plows.

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Originally Posted by Jimaz

The neighbor is plowing the public street with his own truck. What a guy. :D

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Were you referring to my photo? I didn't see any truck plowing Eureka Road at the time I took it.

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Originally Posted by bailey

And if it is a huge problem for your toyota tercel to navigate Michigan roads in the winter from your home in Lake Orion to your job in downtown detroit... perhaps evaluate your choices. ... rant over.

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Try taking a four-wheeler at any time during massive snowstorms from, for example, your Grand Blanc home to your office in Troy or from Jackson to Livonia... would you experience the same? There are plenty of huge hills you have to pass on both routes.

Here in Midtown, my car is basically stuck. I live in the alley that Dalley takes place in, and the snow is impassable. I dug out my garage to the ruts in the alley, but the snow is so high that my Ford Focus got stuck within 20 feet. None of the landlords who have parking back here feel any responsibility to hire a plow, and it would probably take all of us with a shovel an hour to make it passable.

Basically, I don't see me driving anywhere for a few days. Only after more cars drive through and compact the snow down, since there isn't going to be any melting... As my sister-in-law said, maybe all these gusts will just blow the snow out of the alley.

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Originally Posted by mtburb

Try taking a four-wheeler at any time during massive snowstorms from, for example, your Grand Blanc home to your office in Troy or from Jackson to Livonia... would you experience the same?

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Try not living an hour or more [[on a good day) from work in the first place? It stopped snowing before midnight in most places... it wasn't dumping snow at rush hour. again... i'm ranting/venting because it caused an issue today and it's the same handful of people every-time there is a weather event and it's the same excuse... "it's just too hard to get in".

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Originally Posted by webband1

Here in Midtown, my car is basically stuck. I live in the alley that Dalley takes place in, and the snow is impassable. I dug out my garage to the ruts in the alley, but the snow is so high that my Ford Focus got stuck within 20 feet. None of the landlords who have parking back here feel any responsibility to hire a plow, and it would probably take all of us with a shovel an hour to make it passable.

Basically, I don't see me driving anywhere for a few days. Only after more cars drive through and compact the snow down, since there isn't going to be any melting... As my sister-in-law said, maybe all these gusts will just blow the snow out of the alley.

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For days like that, if the buses are running at all and you are very prepared to stand in negative temps [[and if you own a cell phone), you best have DDOT's "text my bus" app thingy they occasionally advertise on the city's local cable access channel.

Understand your rant. Some people will get drive phobic over less snow. Folks in Atlanta for example go into ultra-panic mode if they see a snow flake or an ice cube on their roads. The economy warrants that more people work and drive distances. I commuted somewhat for years, albiet less than half an hour away. I drove to work in anything, rain snow or sleet -- but I did not live in one of those areas un-plowed....

I even once drove a Toyota Tercel... stick shift, five speed. Never got stuck!

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Originally Posted by bailey

Try not living an hour or more [[on a good day) from work in the first place?

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Originally Posted by bailey

Eh, I'm being cranky [[its the same group of people....every.damn.time) But you're sort of making my point re: those my rant was directed toward [[ and I understand I'm ranting) You live in an exurban sprawl/semi rural-ish area. on a good day that is probably a 45 minute commute downtown. It snowed a lot, I understand that, and I understand things will be delayed, but people need to learn to deal with it. It's not the apocalypse every time we have a snow event.

And if it is a huge problem for your toyota tercel to navigate Michigan roads in the winter from your home in Lake Orion to your job in downtown detroit... perhaps evaluate your choices. ... rant over.


side note: we had to have been hit with at least 8-9 inches in GP and the streets and sidewalks were both plowed by the city [[at least the ones I saw) overnight and the biggest issue I had was getting rid of the pile of snow at my driveway's apron from the multiple overnight passes by the plows.

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Well, I know of very few people out here that commute to Detroit. As I mentioned I work from home, so my only mandatory daily commute is to the mailbox at the end of my road :cool:. I am fully prepared for the weather [[4x4 truck, 4x4 tractor with a plow [[if needed), 80 gallon tubs of sand and salt, etc, etc, etc). I'll be fine, but for my elderly neighbors and my friend who is two days past her due date this storm isn't just another overblown non event. I know you are just ranting, but is it really out of line for someone to complain and worry about a storm that is probably a once in a decade weather event?

Well, I would like to tell you that Google+ took one of the photos I posted earlier in this thread and added animated snow to it!

http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Tq..._0648-SNOW.gif

Does this seem crazy?

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Originally Posted by mtburb

Were you referring to my photo? I didn't see any truck plowing Eureka Road at the time I took it....

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Oh, no. I meant my neighbor.

Thanks for the photos though. That always spices up a thread.

It's exactly 2 months from today that I leave for Lakeland. As long as I-75 is clear by then I'm good. Spring training tickets go on sale this Saturday if anyone else is going.

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Originally Posted by Johnnny5

Well, I know of very few people out here that commute to Detroit. As I mentioned I work from home, so my only mandatory daily commute is to the mailbox at the end of my road :cool:. I am fully prepared for the weather [[4x4 truck, 4x4 tractor with a plow [[if needed), 80 gallon tubs of sand and salt, etc, etc, etc). I'll be fine, but for my elderly neighbors and my friend who is two days past her due date this storm isn't just another overblown non event. I know you are just ranting, but is it really out of line for someone to complain and worry about a storm that is probably a once in a decade weather event?

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Kind of. yes. Especially when we had a week of warning. this wasn't that weird ice storm out of the blue that took down power lines. This was a "special weather alert" since at least Tuesday?..maybe even Monday? If one is due to pop, should one be staying in their remote home in a "severe winter snow event" or might they look into staying overnight somewhere near to or at least with better access to a hospital? Friends, family, heck a hotel for one night...for at little piece of mind?

Look, I should have added that several of those that set me off this morning also posted selfies of their attendance at the Winter Classic last week and stories of their arduous trip getting there and what they dealt with at the game.

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Originally Posted by bailey

Kind of. yes. Especially when we had a week of warning. this wasn't that weird ice storm out of the blue that took down power lines. This was a "special weather alert" since at least Tuesday?..maybe even Monday? If one is due to pop, should one be staying in their remote home in a "severe winter snow event" or might they look into staying overnight somewhere near to or at least with better access to a hospital? Friends, family, heck a hotel for one night...for at little piece of mind?

Look, I should have added that several of those that set me off this morning also posted selfies of their attendance at the Winter Classic last week and stories of their arduous trip getting there and what they dealt with at the game.

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Then be mad @ them, not @ us! We made it, we're all here!

And 'texting' is nearly impossible on a smart phone in cold weather, even often with the 'special' finger gloves... lovely!

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Originally Posted by mtburb

For days like that, if the buses are running at all and you are very prepared to stand in negative temps [[and if you own a cell phone), you best have DDOT's "text my bus" app thingy they occasionally advertise on the city's local cable access channel.

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Originally Posted by Zacha341

And 'texting' is nearly impossible on a smart phone in cold weather, even often with the 'special' finger gloves... lovely!

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I saw people texting while driving today; another sign this wasn't a "massive blizzard". Someone posted the criteria for a blizzard - heavy/blowing snow, high winds, reduced visibilities for a prolonged period. The NWS never issued any blizzard warning for this area.

I'm with Bailey on this. Your complaints of commuting in this snow are for areas I hardly call "metro" Detroit. Move. I'm on the eastside. I drive I friggin Fiat and I was able to back out of my unshoveled driveway and drive to a restaurant, the bank, and several stores today with no problems, and all were open- another sign this wasn't a massive blizzard. Don't fall for the hype.

http://www.wxyz.com/subindex/weather/school_closings

must be pretty bad if all these schools are closed....some through tuesday

Dressed up looking like a cross between Napolian Dynomite and my friends from the UP,we cleaned up the car lot today.I should say half the lot,because the other half will have to wait until the wind calms down on Wed.13" of snow,20mph winds and now drifts up to 2'.Never had school closed in the 60s-74.The 1974 Dec1 blast was about 18" of snow with thunder and lightning that night!School was closed for that week because the teachers and busses couldn't get down the side streets.This was in Oak Park.
Bloomfield Twp did a great job on our sub last night.Piled up the snow in everyones driveway and had to dig out that 3' mess before attempting Telegragh.Just my cold-ass rant.

Umm, to some extent the media, and news outlets hype everything, while downplaying and concealing others: great imitators are they.

Specifically, I was talking about texting 'OUTSIDE' like a bus stop, standing... it can be 35 degree, sun with blue skies and most smart phones cannot be dialed with a glove on and some starting acting balky even to the touch period. This is not a factor in the car, assuming you have heat in the car.

And I've always been a great snow driver with the exception of a couple of few spins out. Snow day was a work day: thick and thin. Now I work at a college that is closed today. That's the way of it. In a way it's not just the snow that is an issue for driving. It is the maniacs driving poorly.

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Originally Posted by MikeM

I saw people texting while driving today; another sign this wasn't a "massive blizzard".

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Looks like WSU and HFCC are back in business...

I weny to a Catholic School, the nuns went from the convent to the school via tunnel, the only bonus days were 11/1 and 3/17. Now a days, so many kids rely on school buses to get them to school, for safety sake, it's easier to just call a snow day than to rely on the buses and bus drivers and the roads being cleared.

Those pictures don't seem all that bad. About like what I remember in the 60s and 70s.