GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Old Man Winter returns in full force later Wednesday into Thursday across West Michigan, bringing accumulating snow and strong winds. A 13 Weather Impact Alert is in effect due to this combination, which will result in widespread impacts, including blowing and drifting snow, whiteout conditions, and challenging travel.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Mecoasta, Newaygo, Oceana, Muskegon, Ottawa, Kent, Allegan, Barry, Van Buren, Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties from 5 p.m Wednesday through Friday at 1 a.m.
Montcalm and Ionia Counties are under a Winter Weather Advisory from 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday at 1 a.m.
A strong cold front will bring heavy snow and strong winds tonight, starting at 5 p.m. Wednesday and lasting until 1 a.m. Friday morning. 6-8 inches widespread, with localized amounts of 10-12 inches possible in areas of persistent lake-effect snow. Winds will be gusting at 40-50 mph.
Snow squalls will impact this evening commute, particularly on I-96, I-94, and US-131. Be prepared for rapidly deteriorating conditions and allow extra time for travel.
TIMELINE
The focus of the forecast is a passing clipper system on Wednesday, which will usher in a strong cold front during the late afternoon to early evening hours.
Through the morning and early afternoon, most impacts will remain in Northern Lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, where the steadiest and heaviest snow will occur. In West Michigan, light snow and/or drizzle will be possible north of I-96 during this time, but with little to no travel impacts as temperatures climb into the lower to mid-30s. Winds will be more noticeable, increasing from the west with sustained speeds of 10–20 mph and gusts up to 30 mph.
Conditions will deteriorate mid-to-late afternoon into the early evening as the cold front arrives. The front itself will cause widespread snow to develop, with the potential of moderate to heavy snow throughout the evening. As temperatures drop into the 20s, roads will become icy and snow-covered, creating difficult travel conditions. Winds will strengthen, shifting northwest with gusts up to 45 mph, resulting in near-zero visibility during the heaviest snow bursts.
After the front passes, lake-effect snow will dominate Wednesday night into Thursday as colder air moves in. Strong northwest winds will enhance the snow, pushing heavy lake-effect bands well inland and causing continued whiteout conditions in affected areas.
Gradual improvement is expected Thursday night into Friday as winds weaken and lake-effect snow diminishes.
SNOW
From Wednesday evening through Thursday, areas near and west of US-131 can expect a broad 4” of snow, with localized totals exceeding 8” depending on where the heaviest lake-effect bands develop. East of US-131, snowfall amounts will taper slightly, especially further east of Grand Rapids, but strong winds will allow snow bands to extend inland, potentially creating localized heavier totals.
WIND
IMPACTS
The combination of snow and strong winds will lead to poor visibility and significant travel challenges across West Michigan. Whiteout conditions are likely in the heaviest snow bursts, along with snow-covered and icy roads. It's not out of the question near-blizzard-like conditions become realized in localized areas.
The Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes are expected to be difficult due to snow and gusty winds. As lake-effect bands develop Wednesday night into Thursday, impacts will become more localized but still hazardous, with blowing and drifting snow across the region.
While not expected to be the main impact, isolated power outages are possible with the strong winds persisting into Thursday.
NEED
If you have travel plans late Wednesday into Thursday, keep essentials in your car in case you get stranded or have an emergency. Here’s a list of winter weather essentials to pack before hitting the road:
- Ice scraper
- Extra winter clothes
- Spare blanket
- Snacks
- Portable phone charger
In case you get stuck in snow or need to call for help, keep these emergency supplies stocked in your vehicle:
- Snow shovel
- Sand or cat litter for tire traction
- Traction mat
- Road flares
- Flashlight
- Reflectors
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