2/1/11 - A blizzard warning has now been declared in effect for the region starting at 7 o’clock tonight through 7pm Wednesday. That replaces a previous winter storm warning that had been issued by the National Weather Service. Heavy snow with strong gusty winds and widespread blowing and drifting snow will make travel dangerous tonight and tomorrow. The City of Howell has already declared a snow emergency in effect from four this afternoon through Friday afternoon, meaning cars must be off of streets to allow for snow removal. Those that aren’t face towing and fines. Howell Deputy City Manager Terry Wilson tells WHMI the city is trying to be pro-active and give residents a heads-up so they can prepare and make alternate parking arrangements. He says crews will focus on main roads first but will eventually get to local streets. It’s expected that white-out conditions will create visibilities of one-quarter of mile or less due to intense snowfall and blowing snow. In addition, blowing and drifting snow will make roads very hard to clear, coupled with wind chills between 0 and 5 degrees below zero are expected tonight. The heaviest snow and strongest wind gusts are expected to coincide between 10 pm tonight and 10 am Wednesday with total snow accumulations between 10 and 15 inches expected. (JK)