MICHIGAN, USA — Winter headlines take over newscasts as several rounds of impactful snow work throughout West Michigan.
This evening strong winds, falling temperatures, system snow, and lake effect snow have created very dangerous conditions for most of West Michigan. Those along and west of US-131 will feel the brunt of the impacts. Including whiteout to near blizzard-like conditions, isolated power outages, and ice/snow-coated roadways.
This is why the National Weather Service of Grand Rapids has issued Winter Storm Warnings across West Michigan, with a Winter Weather Advisory for our eastern counties. Areas in pink should stay off roadways when possible, while areas in purple should limit driving and use extra caution. Multiple car pile-ups will be increasingly likely, especially during the evening commute and early tomorrow morning.
With that being said, if you do need to hit the roads, here are some things to have in your car: blanket, flashlight, water, snacks, shovel, hat, and gloves.
SNOW
Snowfall will be a multiple-day event for lakeshore communities, but let's begin with today.
Snowfall amounts won’t be excessive for many during the day today, but the snow squall nature of the narrow bands will create quick-hitting impacts.
The heaviest snowfall is expected this evening into early Thursday near/westward of US-131. Snowfall rates of 1”+ per hour are more than doable, leading to treacherous travel conditions, including your evening commute.
Totals of 7"+ are likely for those hardest hit areas by 9 am tomorrow morning.
Traditional lake effect snow bands will then take hold Thursday, lasting into Friday. The counties of Muskegon, Ottawa, Oceana, and Mason will be hardest hit by lake-enhanced snow. This will bring several additional inches of snow, likely taking snowfall totals above a foot.
WIND
Thankfully winds will only be of concern today.
Wind gusts reached peaks of 40 to 50 mph early today, and will remain gusty in the 30 to 40 mph range into the evening. This has created and could still create whiteout conditions around West Michigan. Winds will gradually weaken during the late overnight hours, turning to the north-northwest.
COLD
Persistent cold temperatures have led to icy roadways, even in locations that don’t experience as much snowfall. No surprise with the strong gusts, wind chill values have been in the single digits to below zero, creating frostbite on exposed skin within 30 minutes.
Cold temperatures stick around Thursday and Friday, Friday morning being one of the coldest yet this season.
WRAP-UP
Remain weather-ready the next few days. Travel will be discouraged, especially during today's evening commute and tomorrow's morning commute. Stick with the 13 ON YOUR SIDE weather team as this winter event arrives.
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