MICHIGAN, USA — It’s been a rough 36 hours across West Michigan, with numerous crashes, closed roads, and slow travel. Impacts will continue to be felt throughout Saturday before improvement arrives by the end of the weekend.
Blizzard Warning remains in place until 7 p.m. Saturday for counties along and westward of US-131. Winter Weather Advisory is in place for Ionia, Montcalm, and Mecosta Co. until 7 p.m. Saturday.
Blizzard conditions were achieved at the major observing sites across West Michigan on Friday. At the lakeshore, the majority of Friday featured blizzard conditions.
Snowfall totals have been hard to come by as strong winds have resulted in blowing and drifting snow, limiting the accuracy of accumulation. In fact, snow drifts of 6+ feet were reported in Jenison late Friday evening. Despite the difficulties, many locations have picked up appreciable snowfall, with several 12”+ reports trickling in as of Saturday morning.
In addition to this, Grand Rapids set a record for December 23 of 7.5”, breaking the old record of 5.9” from 2008.
More lake effect snow is expected Saturday, primarily along and westward of US-131. The ‘sweet spot’ for appreciable snowfall will be south and west of Grand Rapids, and portions along US-10 – another 4”+ is expected by the end of the morning Sunday.
On top of the lake effect snow, continued strong and gusty winds will further blizzard conditions. Wind gusts are forecast to remain at 30-40+ mph throughout Saturday. This’ll lead to more blowing and drifting snow, along with poor visibility, creating additional travel impacts.
Lastly, the frigid air mass that arrived Friday will continue throughout the weekend. Daytime temperatures will only reach the 10s to 20° both Saturday and Sunday, with wind chill temperatures remaining below 0°.
In all, travel will remain poor to treacherous across much of West Michigan through the end of Saturday before improvement gradually arrives by the end of Sunday. Stay safe and warm!
Stick with 13 On Your Side for the latest details as the storm continues.
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