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Fluffy snow reducing visibility today

Posted at 8:25 AM, Jan 12, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-12 08:25:52-05

WEST MICHIGAN -- The system snow with last night's Alberta Clipper has transitioned over to lake effect snow across portions of West Michigan. The snow that fell overnight was very light and fluffy, and so is the lake effect snow that will continue to fall through much of the day. The snow in this case is so dry it would probably take 20 or even 30 inches to melt down to just one inch of water.

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Therefore, this snow is easier to shovel, and a little easier for your car to drive through. Granted, there will still be slick driving to deal with through the day along with reduced visibility. In fact, this type of snow blows around so much more easily that blowing snow will pose a major challenge to drivers.

If the temperature were warmer (in the lower 30s for example), we would likely be dealing with a lower snow to water ratio.

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This type of snow doesn't drift around as much, but it's more difficult to shovel and drive through. We could have to deal with this type of snow later in the week. But for now, be prepared for those bands of lake effect snow to cause quick reductions in visibility as you travel along with some slippery areas.