Traverse City Record-Eagle

Grand Traverse County

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March 10, 2009

High winds, snow to roll into region

Gusts could reach 60 miles per hour

By SHERI McWHIRTER

TRAVERSE CITY -- Whitney Stratton pulled her coat's hood over her head and braced against wind and rain as she walked across Northwestern Michigan College's campus.

She's oh-so anxious for an end to winter's wrath.

"I'm looking forward to spring. I'm tired of the rain and snow," said Stratton, of Traverse City.

This winter seems particularly long and tiresome, she said Tuesday while dodging puddles in a parking lot -- puddles likely to freeze soon.

Another burst of frigid wind and snow is expected across the region today and should create poor visibility during the morning commute, forecasters said.

A high wind watch will remain in effect through this afternoon, as westerly gusts up to 60 mph are expected, said Jeff Halblaub, meteorologist at the National Weather Service station in Gaylord.

"Winds are expected to pick up quite a bit after midnight, with sustained winds between 20 and 35 mph. The peak gusts could be between 50 and 60 mph," he said.

Winds at that speed could mean problems for area utility companies whose employees may have to contend with trees and branches on power lines.

"We'll make sure we have the trucks gassed up and make sure we have enough inventory for repairs," said Tony Anderson, general manager at Cherryland Electric Cooperative in Grawn.

Cherryland's customers experienced minimal power outages in Sunday's snow storm, but that doesn't mean a windy blast won't wreak havoc. Recent heavy snows may have loosened branches that could fall onto power lines with today's strong winds, Anderson said.

Expect the strongest winds to blow today between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. and temperatures likely will not climb above the mid-20s, Halblaub said.

"Once the front moves through and the winds set up off the lake, lake-effect snow showers will occur," he said.

A couple inches of snow are expected to accumulate today. Visibility could be reduced to as little as a quarter-mile, Halblaub said.

Lake-effect snow showers will continue through tonight and temperatures will drop into the single digits.

Thursday will bring morning flurries, partly cloudy conditions in the afternoon and a high temperature in the low 20s. Friday is expected to be partly cloudy with temperatures rising into the mid-30s, Halblaub said.

The weekend will be partly cloudy with temperatures in the 40s, but that could be followed by a rough start to the next work week, he said.

"Monday, a weak weather system could bring a wintry mix to the region," Halblaub said.

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