SOUTHWEST MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Winter Storm Warning is being extended until 7 p.m. Thursday and it now includes both Calhoun and Barry counties.
–POLAR VORTEX ARRIVES–
Snow fall and blowing snow will contribute to the risk, but the extreme cold is the main reason for the extended warning.
The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids says it will be the coldest they have recorded in over two decades.
Meteorologist Ernie Ostuno says we will be in the teens Tuesday morning, dropping into single digits that afternoon as the wind becomes a factor, and temperatures could fall to ten below Tuesday night, which doesn’t even calculate in the wind chill.
They are only predicting a high of 5-below Wednesday and a low of 15-below by Thursday morning.
Bronson Emergency Medicine Specialist James Kraatz says you really have to weigh the risk of going outside and your ability to cope with the cold.
It only takes less than 15-minutes for frostbite to settle into any exposed skin.
—CLOSINGS—
Many schools have already cancelled classes for both Tuesday and Wednesday.
The full updated list can always be found on our website.
Visitation at the Kalamazoo County Jail has even been suspended because of the weather and Tuesday’s Western Basketball game against Kent State has been postponed until Thursday.
—WARMING SHELTERS–
Warming shelters are opening up throughout Southwest Michigan for those who need them.
The First Congregational, First Baptist, and the Gospel mission are all lending a hand in downtown Kalamazoo.
The City of Battle Creek will be opening its fire stations and police headquarters this week as warming shelters as well as several homeless shelters and churches are making room and making meals.
In Allegan County, The First Congregational and First Presbyterian Churches have overnight warming centers along with several others.
To the north, Grand Rapids has about 10 places opening up to make sure no one has to be outside in the cold.
Those in need can call 211 for more resources and updates.
