GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The lake effect snow machine has turned back on and will bring accumulating snowfall from now through Sunday morning. A majority of the snow will fall along the lakeshore itself with lower totals expected further inland.
Snowfall has begun, with the heaviest bands mainly west of US-131. The highest accumulation will be in Ottawa, Muskegon, Oceana, and Mason Counties. This will result in slick roadways. Because winds will be breezy out of the southwest, we should anticipate periods of reduced visibility as well.
Winter Weather Advisories are in effect now and last through 1 am Sunday morning for most all of West Michigan.
In total, a vast majority of the lakeshore will be 6+ inches of snow by Sunday morning. There will be localized higher amounts that could reach 8+ inches. As of right now, that looks to be from near Holland and extending north along the lakeshore counties.
Kent county will likely see between 2 to 5 inches of snow. Those furthest from the lakeshore will likely see a trace of snow up to 2 inches.
The Lake effect will continue to impact the same locations through Friday evening. Then winds will shift Friday night into Saturday morning, changing who will see snow. Taking on a more westerly direction, Allegan, Van Buren, and Kent counties will start to see an uptick in snowfall rates and totals.
The low-pressure system that is driving this lake-effect snow will exit the region Sunday morning, ending our snowfall chances. Some good news for those white Christmas fans though, temperatures are not expected to go back above freezing before the holiday, so this snow will stick around!
-- The 13 On Your Side Weather Team
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