(UNDATED) - A winter blast is on the way for Southern Michigan and Northeast Indiana over the next few days.
The National Weather Service says residents should prepare for snow, slick driving conditions and bitter cold. Temperatures Thursday night are expected to reach a low of 0. Snow will move into the area Friday night and last through Sunday. Highs will range from the mid 20's to the mid 30's over the weekend with lows in the upper teens.
Monday will be sunny, with highs only reaching into the upper teens.
As dangerously cold air sweeps into the region, officials are urging homeowners to take simple but critical steps to keep their pipes from freezing, and keep costly damage at bay. Experts say the first line of defense is keeping warm air circulating. Open cabinet doors under sinks, especially along exterior walls, to let heat reach exposed pipes.
If temperatures plunge into the single digits or below, let faucets drip a slow trickle of lukewarm water. That steady movement can prevent ice from forming inside the lines. Residents should also seal up drafty areas and keep garage doors closed to protect water meters and plumbing that sit close to the cold. Outdoor hoses should be disconnected and drained, and heat tape or pipe insulation can add another layer of protection.
Know where your main water shutoff valve is. If a pipe bursts, turning off the water quickly can stop flooding and limit the damage.
Also if you have any pets that are normally outside, it's a good idea to let them stay inside during this blast of cold weather.