Michigan Avenue at Francis Street. JTV Photo.
School cancellations, business closings and event postponements are the result of today’s snowstorm affecting the entire state of Michigan.
As of mid-afternoon Monday, up to 8 inches of snowfall has been reported throughout the Jackson area. The National Weather Service is predicting another 2 to 3 inches will fall before tapering off during the evening hours.
A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 7 PM today and a Wind Chill Warning has been issued from 4 PM Tuesday through 1 PM Thursday. Light snow will gradually diminish this evening. A brief period of freezing drizzle will be possible through early evening. Dangerously cold wind chills will develop Tuesday afternoon and last into Thursday. Wind chills as low as 40 below zero are expected Tuesday night into early Thursday.
The City of Jackson is now under a snow emergency. This emergency was declared due to heavy snow fall and freezing cold temperatures. The City of Jackson is asking all residents to please remove vehicles from city streets and to not park curbside so road crews can effectively clear snow from streets. Crews are first targeting major roads and snow emergency routes, and then getting to neighborhood streets.
The city is also asking residents to clear sidewalks of snow and ice. Drivers should also be aware of deteriorating road conditions before heading out into the weather. This snow emergency is in effect until Wednesday January 30st at 8 p.m. If residents have any questions, they can call the Department of Public Works at 517-788-4170.
Warming Centers will be open this week at various locations. The City of Jackson’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, 1107 Adrian Street, will be open from 9 AM to 9 PM this week. Other locations: The Jets Hangar on Jackson College Central campus; LifeWays, 1200 North West Avenue; A.R.E. Drop In Center, 334 West Franklin Street; St. John’s UCC, 810 South Mechanic; and Napoleon Township Hall, 6755 Brooklyn Road. Jackson County 211 has information on other resources available to residents during the severe weather.
The Jackson Area Transportation Authority has activated its Emergency Snow Route Service for the rest of the day. The routes can be found under “Maps and Schedules” on the JATA website. JATA warns that buses may be delayed due to the snowy conditions.
Michigan Department of Transportation reports numerous accidents have occurred throughout the day on I-94 and US 127 in Jackson County. Portions of I-94 have been temporarily closed due to accidents this afternoon. Speeds are greatly reduced and traffic is stop and go all along the entire length of I-94 in Michigan and on US 127 between Jackson and Lansing.
Widespread closings and cancellations today include all Michigan State Government offices in the Lower Peninsula, Jackson District Library, Jackson YMCA, LifeWays (except warming center), Center for Family Health, Jackson College and numerous businesses. It is advised to check with your destination before heading out.
The Wind Chill Warning has been issued in anticipation of extremely cold temperatures and high winds during the warning period. A Wind Chill Warning means the combination of very cold air and the wind will create dangerously low wind chill values. Frostbite on exposed skin can occur in as little as 5-10 minutes.