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Timing of Lake-Effect Snow Causes Problems

Posted at 9:29 AM, Dec 11, 2012
and last updated 2012-12-11 09:29:07-05

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Sometimes when snow falls, it isn’t ‘how much,’ but rather, ‘when,’ ‘where,’ and ‘how’ that dictate how it will affect West Michigan drivers.

Intermittent squalls of lake-effect snow created headaches for many on Tuesday morning’s commute.  Despite that, the amount of snow itself was not excessive.

Reports from the Muskegon area indicated a little over an inch of snow through around 8:00 A.M.  Most of the Grand Rapids area generally saw only a light coating.

To the southwest, the more traditional lake-effect snowbelt areas did pick up a bit more.  Much of Allegan County had estimated totals of around an inch, with a few isolated higher amounts.  Van Buren, Berrien, and Cass counties, where the snow started initially last night, did receive two inches or more in spots.  A Facebook user in South Haven reported around four inches of total snow on the ground.

Snow was already starting to lighten up by 9:00 A.M., and is expected to continue to diminish during the day Tuesday.  The afternoon commute will likely be a much easier one.  Only a few flurries are possible later tonight, with sun and milder temperatures returning for the rest of the work and school week.

You can check out the radar and the rest of the 7-day forecast on the weather page.

Photo courtesy: Marissa Reynolds-Johnson, Muskegon