Winter weather advisory for Ann Arbor: 1 to 2 inches of snow, high winds expected

Though the brunt of a winter storm that dumped more than a foot of snow on parts of northern Michigan missed Ann Arbor, the area could still get up to 2 inches Friday, the National Weather Service says.

The snow, combined with winds gusting to 45 mph, prompted the weather service to issue a winter weather advisory effective from 9 a.m. to midnight Friday in the Ann Arbor area.

The bulk of the snow will fall by early afternoon, said Sara Schultz, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in White Lake Township.

But wind is the main reason for the weather advisory, Schultz said. The strongest gusts will buffet the area between noon and 10 p.m., she said. Drivers should expect blowing snow, reduced visibility at times and slippery roads, forecasters said.

A high of about 34 is expected, but with the winds, it will feel much colder.

Power outages are also a possibility as the winds may blow down small tree limbs, the weather service said. Unsecured holiday decorations and other items may be blown around.

By shortly after 8 a.m. Friday, area law enforcement agencies had taken calls reporting several crashes on area roads. It was unclear if they were weather related.

Some parts of northern Michigan woke up to a foot of snow or more. Sault Ste Marie recorded 16 inches of snow and Traverse City got 10, Schultz said.

Tonight, snow showers are possible before midnight, but any new snow accumulation will amount to less than half an inch.

Saturday, it will be mostly sunny, with a high near 34. Winds will continue with a northwest wind of 17 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.

Saturday night, it will be partly cloudy, with a low around 25.

Sunday, it will be sunny with a high near 34.

For updated forecasts and conditions any time, check AnnArbor.com's weather page.