WEST MICHIGAN -- (Updated) A potent low pressure system dropping in from the north/west coupled with moisture from Lake Michigan is expected to deliver several inches of snow. The snow will increase tonight and continue through most of Tuesday.
There are actually three components to this next system. One, the low pressure area delivering snow through Tuesday morning. Two, the lake-effect that kicks in behind this system. Three, gusty westerly winds blowing and drifting the light-textured powdery snow around.
Winds speeds will increase overnight tonight and through the day on Tuesday. By late morning and early afternoon, winds will be west to northwest at 20-30 mph with gusts to 35 mph.
White-out conditions are likely from time to time under these intense lake-effect snow bands, plus blowing and drifting snow. Snowfall rates may approach or exceed one inch per hour from time to time and any north/south road or highway will be impacted the most.
The National Weather Service currently has a WINTER STORMS WARNINGS posted for all of our lakeshore counties, and WINTER WEATHER ADVISORIES for all of our inland counties. See image below. I see about 6" to 10" possible along/west of U.S. 131, with locally a foot possible in some locations. Look for lighter amounts further inland.
We've hand drawn the total accumulations we expect to see through Tuesday afternoon/evening. See map below. Again...the heaviest will occur along/west of U.S. 131 in the traditional lake-effect snow areas that typically are impacted by a west/northwest wind.
Get the complete forecast at www.fox17online.com/weather.
