NEXT Weather: Holiday winter storm update

(CBS DETROIT) - It was a very busy day at Brooks Lumber in Detroit on Friday as people flocked to the store to buy items like salt and shovels for the winter storm. 

"Procrastinators are showing up finally today," said Ray Formosa, president of Brooks Lumber. "We've been here over 100 years. We anticipate regardless what the forecast."

Salt, shovels and even heaters were some of the items people were coming to buy. In some cases, the purchases were for themselves. But for Ted Phillips, he was thinking of others.

"I run United Community Housing Coalition and we had a client, a tenant, who was having a furnace put in the landlord is finally taking care of that after many many weeks and months and apparently it didn't work," he said. 

The kind of Christmas spirt that can warm your heart even in this cold weather.

"A lot of folks aren't as fortunate enough to be director of a nice agency and have a nice check. We try to make sure we take care of the other folks as well," Phillips said. 

PONTIAC, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - Technicians at Oak Electric in Pontiac are offering some tips to keep you and your family safe this winter while using a portable gasoline generator. 

• Be sure the generator is outside in a safe area
• Keep the generator at least 10 feet away from your home to prevent carbon monoxide from entering inside
• If the generator runs out of fuel, make sure it's powered down before adding more fuel

"With a portable generator, you don't want to plug the generator into like a dryer outlet and run the whole house," said Gary Pipia, Oak Electric president. "It's very dangerous. You have to have what they call either a manual transfer switch or a bypass mechanism. The reason why is you don't want to back feed power into the home, then it goes out to through the utility and you could potentially injure a utility worker."

Automatic standby generators are professionally installed and will kick on if you lose power. 

(CBS DETROIT) - As many people travel to see loved ones for the holiday, hundreds of flights at Detroit Metro Airport are canceled.

Some people at Detroit Metro are rolling more than their bags, but lugging around the worry if they'll make it home for Christmas.

"We can't cancel Christmas. I came from Atlanta so I'm going to have Christmas in Saginaw one way or the other," passenger Ebony Ford said.

According to Flight Aware's website, as of Friday evening more than 300 flights are canceled at Detroit Metro. Ford's flight is one of them.

"There are no Saginaw flights until tomorrow," she said.

Thursday night, she landed in Detroit after coming from Atlanta. That flight was on time, but her flight from Detroit to Saginaw was when her worry if she'll make it home for Christmas set in.

"We were circling around Saginaw and they told us Saginaw was shut down. We had to come back to Detroit and they had canceled the flight after. I had stayed here in the airport all night long because there were no hotels available because the weather's bad," Ford said.

With no flights to Saginaw until Christmas Eve night, Ford said her loved ones are on their way.

"My sister and mother are driving in this weather to come get me," she said.

Other passengers like John Etling said it was smooth flying and he'll be home for Christmas.

"It's a Christmas miracle," he said.

(CBS DETROIT) - The People Mover is closed for the remainder of Friday due to delays from the extreme temperatures and wind. 

The People Mover is continuing to monitor the situation and will provide an update regarding Saturday services. 

As Michiganders travel through a winter storm Friday, Michigan State Police are reminding everyone to be safe after reporting multiple crashes throughout the state.

Click here to read more.

DEARBORN, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - The Henry Ford has canceled all operations for Friday, Dec. 23, due to the expected winter weather conditions. 

The closure includes the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Giant Screen Experience, Ford Rouge Factory Tour and Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village, according to a Facebook post from The Henry Ford. 

In addition, the Ford Rouge Factory Tour will also be closed on Saturday, Dec. 24. 

Refunds will be issued to all ticket holders impacted by the closures, as museum officials say ticket exchanges are currently not possible. 

Here's how to receive a full refund:

• If tickets were bought online or over the phone and received in the mail, orders will be automatically refunded in 10-12 business days. There is no need for these ticketholders to take any action.
• If tickets were bought in person, people are instructed to use the Contact Us page to initiate their refunds.
• If ticket were purchased over the phone and were to be picked up at Will Call locations, people are instructed to use the Contact Us page to initiate their refunds.

Museum officials say Holiday Nights will be operational on Thursday, Dec. 22. 

(CBS DETROIT) - DTE is preparing for the first snowstorm of the winter season and crews are ready to respond.

The storm is predicted to produce blizzard like conditions with many areas getting hit with more than a foot of snow and blasted with wind gusts possibly reaching over 60 mph.

"We're coordinating very closely with CMS Energy and the State of Michigan on how to best deal with this situation," said Trevor Lauer, DTE's President and COO.

Lauer spoke to the media at the company's corporate headquarters on how they're preparing for the storm. Lauer said the company is already asking their workers to cancel their holiday plans as they expect to be busy trying to restore power.

"We have 2.2 million households and businesses that counts on us right now," he said. "DTE has 10,000 people that will show up. We have 10,000 people that will show up to make sure we get the lights back on for those that lose it."

Lauer said the storm is expected to be a "massive weather" event. He said his biggest worry is the wind, which could make for dangerous conditions for his restoration team.

"Snow is bad. Cold weather is bad. We can deal with that and we do deal with it. Depending on how hard the winds hit, it can really change the nature of an event like this."

He wants to remind people to avoid downed power lines. He also said if your power does go out make sure to keep your generator outside of the home to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

"It's an odorless gas. It is extremely dangerous. We just urge wires down and carbon monoxide. Pay attention to it," he said. 

(CBS DETROIT) - A winter storm is arriving in Michigan and it's expected to bring dangerous driving conditions, bitter cold temperatures, snow, and high winds. 

If you're traveling for the holidays, AAA recommends drivers follow the following tips while driving in snowy and icy conditions:

Cold Weather Driving Tips: 

• Keep a bundle of cold-weather gear in your car, such as extra food and water, warm clothing, a flashlight, a glass scraper, blankets, medications, and more.
• Make certain your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread.
• Keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times.
• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface, such as ice and snow.

Tips for Driving in the Snow: 

• Stay home. Only go out if necessary. Even if you can drive well in bad weather, it's better to avoid taking unnecessary risks by venturing out.
  
• Drive slowly. Always adjust your speed to account for lower traction when driving on snow or ice.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids. Don't try to get moving in a hurry and take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Increase your following distance to five to six seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Don't stop if you can avoid it. There's a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
• Don't power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads will just make your wheels spin. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly.
• Don't stop going up a hill. There's nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.

Tips for Long-Distance Winter Trips 

• Be Prepared: Have your vehicle checked by a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility before hitting the road.
• Check the Weather: Check the weather along your route and when possible, delay your trip if bad weather is expected.
• Stay Connected: Before hitting the road, notify others and let them know your route, destination, and estimated time of arrival.
• If you get stuck in the snow:
  • Stay with your vehicle: Your vehicle provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Do not try to walk in a severe storm. It is easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
  • Don't over-exert yourself: When digging out your vehicle, listen to your body and stop if you become tired.
  • Be Visible: Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna of your vehicle or place a cloth at the top of a rolled-up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
  • Clear the Exhaust Pipe: Make sure the exhaust pipe is not clogged with snow, ice, or mud. A blocked exhaust pipe can cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment of the vehicle while the engine is running.
  • Stay Warm: Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers, or paper maps. Pre-pack blankets and heavy clothing to use in case of an emergency.
  • Conserve Fuel: If possible, only run the engine and heater long enough to remove the chill. This will help to conserve fuel.

(CBS DETROIT) - As a winter weather storm is on the way, city officials shared information about Detroit's snow removal policy.

The Department of Public Works maintains 673 miles of major roads and 1884 of residential streets, while the Wayne County Road Commission maintains freeways.

The state of Michigan maintains: 

• Michigan Avenue
• Woodward Avenue
• Gratiot Avenue

Wayne County maintains:

• Outer Drive 
• West McNichols Road
• West 7 Mile Road

The Department of Public Works says 50+ trucks will be out on the roads during each snow event.

Here is the city's three-level system followed for removing snow:

Level 1 (three inches or less of snow and/or freezing rain)

• According to city officials, 80% of snow events in Detroit fall under this category
• Crews remove snow only from major thoroughfare by salting. In addition to this, bike lanes are also salted.
• All roads cleared for vehicular traffic within 24 hours of snow stopping. Bike lanes will be salted within 36 hours of the snow stopping.

Level 2 (three to six inches of snow)

• Snow is removed only from major thoroughfare by plowing and/or salting roads.
• Bike lanes will be plowed and salted as needed. Depending on the amount of snow in the bike lanes, it will be pushed to the curb or hauled away.
• High priority roads will be cleared within 24 hours of the snow stopping and all roads and bike lanes will be cleared within 48-72 of the snow stopping.

Level 3 (six or more inches of snow)

• Major thoroughfares will be plowed and salted.
• Snow will be removed from all roads and then bike lanes will be cleared.
• Residential streets will be plowed at least 16 feet wide and within a half inch to the ground.
• If city officials declare a snow emergency, parking will be restricted along major thoroughfare

If a snow emergency is declared, residents should be aware of where they park their vehicles. There will be signs posted up to 48 hours in advance notifying residents that parking is prohibited so that crews can plow.

Any streets with a red and white sign posted are first priority for plowing during snow emergencies.

If a car is left on one of these designated streets during a snow emergency, police can ticket and tow the vehicle.

(CBS DETROIT) - A winter storm is approaching Michigan, and the snow, bitter cold temperatures and gusting winds are just as dangerous for our pets as they are for us. 

The Michigan Humane Society is urging pet owners to keep animals safe from extreme winter weather that's expected to last Thursday, Dec. 22 - Saturday, Dec. 24. The cold temperatures and snow can cause animals to suffer from frostbite, hypothermia, or death. 

The shelter is suggesting pet owners do the following to keep their animals safe during the storm: 

• Bring animals indoors to a climate-controlled space. 
• Limit time outdoors to bathroom breaks and provide sweaters or coats, removing them once back indoors.
• Make sure they have regular access to clean, unfrozen water. 
• If you're using a dog house, make sure it meets standards set by the state of Michigan for shelter. Adequate shelter for dogs means a well-built, insulated, slant-roofed dog house. The interior should be just large enough for the dog to stand and lie down comfortable. It should be slightly elevated from the ground for air circulation. The door should also face away from prevailing winds and have a protective flap to eliminate drafts. 
• If an animal is cold to the touch, or their paws and ears are pale, they may be suffering from frostbite. Move the animal to a warmer area and contact your veterinarian immediately. 

To report pets left outside without proper shelter in Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park, residents can call the Michigan Humane Society's Cruelty Hotline at 313-872-3401. A confidential message can be left 24 hours a day. 

NEXT Weather meteorologist Ahmad Bajjey gives an update as Michiganders prepare for a winter storm.

DETROIT (CBS DETROIT) – On the first day of winter, it seems appropriate we hear the sounds of crews gearing up for the first snowstorm of the season. 

Although with this one, they won't be able to pre-treat the roads to get the upper hand. 

"This particular event, we're just gonna have to wait until the precipitation transitions over from rain to snow, and then we'll immediately begin salting," Ron Brundidge. Director of Detroit Public Works said. 

The City of Detroit will have 50 trucks on the streets at any given time. 

Their task is dependent on how much snow is on the ground.  

Read more here. 

(CBS DETROIT) - If you're traveling out of town for the holidays during the pre-Christmas storm, make sure you take necessary precautions, so your pipes don't freeze while you're away. 

Water expands as it freezes which can cause pipes to break. According to Red Cross, pipes that freeze most frequently are outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Also, pipes that run against exterior walls have little or no insulation. 

Click here to see tips to prevent household pipes from freezing and how to thaw them if they do freeze.

(CBS DETROIT) - As winter weather conditions are upon us, here are warming centers people can find throughout Metro Detroit. 

For a list of warming centers throughout Wayne County, visit here. Following the link will give you the name of each warming center, including its location and operating hours. 

Visit here to see Detroit's warming centers and respite locations available for residents to provide them relief from the cold weather.

(CBS DETROIT) - Michigan State Police are encouraging Michiganders to properly prepare for hazardous conditions as winter weather approaches this weekend.

The National Weather Service forecasts blizzard conditions for the Upper Peninsula starting on Thursday, Dec. 22, and in the Lower Peninsula beginning on Friday, Dec. 23. These conditions are expected to last through Saturday, Dec. 24, with winds between 40 and 50 mph. On Friday, winds have the possibility of reaching 60 mph. 

"Winter weather can be highly unpredictable, and we encourage residents to start their travel early, if possible, or delay if plans are flexible," said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and commander of the MSP's Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. "The most important thing residents can do to stay safe during extreme weather is to be ready ahead of time by equipping their homes and vehicles with basic emergency preparedness items and developing an emergency plan."

Read more here.