MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - A few inches of snow has blanketed the ground and it’s not expected to lighten up until Thursday.

With dangerous driving conditions and frigid temperatures, the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids issued a winter weather advisory to Ingham County until 7 p.m. tonight. Most of the snow will occur before 10 p.m. The temperature could get as low as 8 degrees with a wind chill of -11 degrees. Wind gusts could reach up to 28 miles per hour.

More frigid temperatures are expected later this week. Tomorrow the temperature could be as low as 8 degrees with the wind chill dipping to -14 degrees. Roughly one inch of snow is expected but wind gusts could be as high as 32 miles per hour.

On Wednesday, the high is -2 degrees with wind gusts up to 29 miles per hour. Roughly one inch of snow is expected and high wind gusts and blowing snow could reduce visibility while driving.

Stay cautious and safe during the winter weather advisory by following these tips issued by Ready.gov:

-Winterize your vehicle by checking antifreeze, brakes, heater and defroster, tires, battery, windshield wipers and keep your gas tank at least half full.
-Keep an emergency kit in your car with basic essentials, including jumper cables, flares or reflective triangle, ice scraper, cell phone charger and sand or cat litter for better tire traction.
-Stay indoors during the storm.
-Drive only if absolutely necessary.
-Check on elderly/disabled relatives and neighbors. 
-Bring pets inside. 
-If you must go outdoors, wear several layers of loose-fitting lightweight warm clothing. 

Mayo Clinic issued a list of symptoms indicating frostbite and/or hypothermia, including numbness, hard or waxy-looking skin, blistering, odd-colored skin, joint and muscle stiffness, lack of energy, shivering and confusion. If you notice any of these symptoms, develop a fever, feel intense pain or see swelling, see a doctor immediately to avoid infection or nerve damage.

Police Chief Ken Plaga said Meridian Township is under a snow emergency. With efforts underway to clear the roads, residents are advised to keep their vehicles off the roads to make the process quicker and easier. Violating this rule will result in vehicle removal within six hours if parked on highways and primary streets. Vehicles will be removed within 24 hours if they're parked on local streets.

Meridian Township Police Department also wants to remind residents that despite freezing temperatures, the snow removal ordinance is still in effect. This ordinance requires residents to remove snow from the sidewalk of their property within 24 hours of a snowfall. Anyone who violates this rule will receive a warning from Meridian Township. If they fail to remove the snow within 24 hours of that notice, Meridian Township will clear it and send a bill to the owner; the bill must be paid within 30 dates of its issue date.

Meridian Township advises residents to shovel frequently so snow doesn't build up over time. Dress in warm, loose-fitted clothes and wear good traction boots. Stretch frequently while shoveling snow and focus on pushing snow out of the way rather than lifting it; this will help you save energy.

Due to the weather, Meridian Township offices closed at 12:30 p.m. today. This includes the Meridian Township Municipal Building, Services Center (Parks and Recreation), Harris Nature Center and the Senior Center. Everything is expected to reopen tomorrow during regular business hours.

A snow emergency is in effect throughout Meridian Township until further notice.

While there’s a chance of more freezing temperatures and snowfall towards the end of the week, the chance of hypothermia and frostbite will decrease with a high of 42 degrees expected on Sunday.