Michigan Winter Weather Recap 2013-2014

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/apx/?n=day_1_winter_awareness

Winter Hazards Awareness Week
Sunday, November 2nd

Day 1 - A Summary of the Winter of 2013/2014

Michigan Winter Weather Awareness Week Begins Today

The week of November 2nd through 8th has been declared Winter Hazards Awareness Week in Michigan. Everyone is urged to learn more about protecting themselves...their families...and their homes during the winter season.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), Michigan had one the harshest winters on record. Record snowfall in Detroit, Flint and Petoskey. It was the coldest winter on record for the Upper Peninsula. Across the Lower Peninsula, it was a top ten coldest winter at all locations, with most reporting a top five coldest winter including the coldest on record in Gaylord. When combining the amount of snow, the continuous snow cover and the cold, few other winters can compare. Many other records fell during the winter months including consecutive days below freezing and number of days with a temperature below zero in Upper Michigan, as well as a record for consecutive days of snow cover across Southeast Michigan.

The impacts from the winter were felt across the state with tens of millions of dollars in damages. The Upper Peninsula suffered many frozen and burst pipes, as well as other infrastructure damage. Ice up to 3 feet thick stopped any ferry or boat traffic to Beaver and Mackinac Islands. This prevented supplies, some as basic as oil and gas, from getting to those islands. Supplies ran dangerously low and prevented regularly scheduled openings of the islands to tourists. The ice and snow across Southern Michigan caused widespread turf damage especially to area golf courses.

PREPARE NOW.

Take the time now to set aside emergency supplies for your home and automobile(s). This includes a first aid kit, battery powered radios (including a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio), flashlights, extra batteries, matches, blankets or sleeping bags, warm clothes, and non-perishable food. Keep vehicles properly maintained and filled with fuel to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation while traveling.

Remember to always check the latest weather forecast before leaving home, taking note of any advisories, watches, or warnings for winter weather.

For additional information on a winter weather safety, please see the Michigan Weather Preparedness Page.