A storm system passing south of Michigan will bring heavy rain, strong winds, freezing rain/sleet and snow to Mid-Michigan. The updated computer models are hinting at an increased chance of a half an inch or more of ice along and north of I-96 including the Lansing area Saturday afternoon into Saturday night. The greatest risk of accumulating ice still remains farther to the north from Mt. Pleasant to Saginaw. South of I-96 this storm still looks to be mainly a heavy rain and wind event for Friday night through Sunday.
Tonight heavy rain moves into the area with the chance of a few thunderstorms. Saturday starts off with rain. A strong Northeast wind will be pumping colder air into the area during the day Saturday. Saturday afternoon into Saturday night will be the peak time for freezing rain or sleet in the Lansing area and northward.
Sunday should be warm enough for more heavy rain during the day across all of Mid-Michigan. Rain and snow showers are expected Sunday night. Scattered snow showers hold on into Monday.
From late tonight through Sunday expect winds between 20-30 MPH. At times Saturday and Sunday wind gust could be near 45 MPH. Strong winds teamed up with any ice accumulation could cause power outages. The most likely area for widespread power outages will be along and north of I-96.
Travel may be difficult to impossible across a good portion of Michigan this weekend with heavy snow in the north, freezing rain/sleet and rain in central Michigan and heavy rain and wind in the south.
Stay alert to updated forecasts on this storm through the weekend.
