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Accumulating snow, more cold on the way

Posted at 9:29 AM, Nov 15, 2014
and last updated 2014-11-16 00:23:11-05

GRAND RAPIDS, MI. — After a round of heavy snow for some areas the last few days, especially south and west of Grand Rapids, more accumulating snow in on the way! It will develop Saturday evening and continue through at least mid-day Sunday.

The thumbnail attached to this story shows the WINTER WEATHER ADVISORIES that have been posted for the area from 7 PM Saturday through 4 PM Sunday. The heaviest amounts of snow are expected to fall in these areas. The snow is being generated by a low pressure area and frontal system coming in from the Central/Northern Plains. If this was just snow associated with the system, most of us would only see an inch or two. Problem is, a southwest wind will scoop up moisture from Lake Michigan and “enhance” snow totals greatly in certain areas. Those areas can be found below in the attached graphic. It shows the darkest blue with six inches or more possible within that area, about two to five inches in the lighter blue, and substantially lighter amounts with no Lake Michigan influence in gray with on an inch or two likely.

We need to realize that not everyone within the darker blue will measure six inches or more. The map is meant to illustrate where the best locations are to see the heaviest snow. Once the snow tapers off later Sunday, more upper level energy and reinforcing colder air will arrive late Monday and start the lake-effect snow machine up again. Significant additional accumulations are likely, especially along/west of U.S. 131 from Monday through Wednesday.

Unfortunately our seven-day forecast doesn’t contain warmer temperatures. Readings will generally remain at/or slightly below freezing the next several days…a forecast that’s far more indicative of mid January not mid November! Don’t forget to send us your weather photos and snow reports. The email is weather@fox17online.com. Get the complete forecast at www.fox17online.com/weather. Drive safely.