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Snow Tapers This Evening, But Lake-Effect Commences Overnight

Posted at 5:52 PM, Dec 14, 2013
and last updated 2013-12-14 17:52:22-05

WEST MICHIGAN – Snowfall totals across the area range anywhere from an inch or so north/west of Grand Rapids, to around three inches in GR, to as much as three to six inches south/east of GR. This snow was not lake-effect, it was delivered by an area of low pressure tracking through the Ohio Valley and in to the Northeast United States. It will taper off through the early evening and the winds will die down overnight as well.

Winds will eventually shift to the north overnight, then eventually to the west. That means lake-effect snow will develop overnight and continue through most of Sunday. Winter weather advisories have been extended for most of our area (especially along/west of U.S. 131) through Sunday as another two to four inches are expected compliments of Lake Michigan this time.

Winds will also ramp back up again on Sunday out of the west at about 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 30. That means blowing, drifting, and wind chills in the single digits. Remember that salt doesn’t work well below about 20 degrees. It typically gets mixed with sand to increase traction for drivers but does very little to melt the snow. Temperatures will remain in the upper teens/low 20s most of the day!

The highest snowfall total I’ve seen thus far was actually just outside the FOX 17 viewing area in Hillsdale County along the Michigan/Indiana border. Six inches in Moscow. We’ll add even more as we continue in to next week with a few more changes for accumulating snow, especially with a bigger system next week Thursday night/Friday. You can always get the complete forecast by going to FOX17online.com. The attached photo was a typically scene on area roads today. The photo was submitted by Shelby Nakkula-Thorpe along M-127.