GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A 13 Weather Impact Alert is already in place and will continue through Thursday. Expect lake-effect snow with windy conditions and cold temperatures. Impacts will be felt most underneath the heaviest snow band, with the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes being the most affected.
WHEN
Lake-effect snow has already begun for portions of West Michigan this Wednesday morning, with bands setting up along northwesterly winds. A cold front sweeping through the Great Lakes will bring a line of snowfall through the area this evening. Additional lake-effect snow will follow behind the cold front, with winds shifting to a more westerly direction tonight and tomorrow.
IMPACT
Much of West Michigan will likely receive at least 2-4" of snowfall from this event, but higher totals are expected underneath the heaviest bands. Localized lake-effect snow could produce 6-8" of accumulation, with isolated totals potentially exceeding 8".
In addition to the snow, blustery winds will result in reduced visibility, disrupting travel. Gusts up to 40 mph are expected starting this evening.
Cold temperatures combined with windy conditions will create wind chills in the negatives overnight and in the single digits on Thursday. The bitter cold will persist until Friday when more seasonable temperatures return to the forecast.
NEED
Allow extra time for travel today and tomorrow, as road conditions are expected to deteriorate. Slow down and leave plenty of following distance, especially in heavy traffic. Be sure to bundle up and limit time outdoors, particularly when wind chills drop below zero.