GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Heads up, drivers! A wintry mix and ice accumulations are expected to hit West Michigan Saturday night, leading to tricky driving conditions.
Freezing rain is anticipated to start Saturday evening and cause a layer of ice on the roads. This will primarily impact areas near and north of I-96.
Some could see 0.05"-0.1" of ice accumulation overnight, mainly those north of I-96.
While modeled freezing rain accumulation totals don't seem impressive at first glance, it doesn't take much ice to bring major impacts. Even just 0.10" of ice can leave a light coating on cars, trees and powerlines. Slippery roads and sidewalks can make driving and walking more difficult.
Because of this, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, Mason, Lake, Oceana, Newaygo, Montcalm, Gratiot, Ionia, Clinton, Allegan, Barry, Eaton, Ingham, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun and Jackson counties.
The advisory is in effect from 8 p.m. Saturday to 4 a.m. Sunday.
The Kent County Road Commission has been working to clear roads since the county received several inches of snow earlier this week. Officials say crews are preparing to battle icy roads overnight.
Drivers are asked to slow down, avoid using cruise control and leave plenty of space between their car and others.
The high temperature on Sunday is expected to be 41°, so icy roads are not anticipated later into the morning. Showers should taper off by Sunday afternoon.