A rather large, developing winter storm coming out of the Four Corners region of the United States will impact much of the nation’s mid-section over the next 24 to 36 hour period. The low pressure area and cold air associated with it already dropped accumulating snow in Tucson, Arizona and temporarily halted the PGA golf tournament.
This system will track into the Texas panhandle and deliver snow there, then track in to the Central Plains before taking aim at Michigan. Almost two dozen states from Indiana to Arizona are under some type of winter weather warning, advisory, or watch. Some locations in the Central Plains will see more than a foot of snow before the system lifts in to the Great Lakes and weakens. Ice storm warnings are also in effect for northern Arkansas as the Ozark Region will likely see a build-up of accumulating ice.
This system should begin affecting West Michigan after midnight on Thursday and in to the Friday morning commute. I am anticipating a general one to three-inch snowfall amount through Friday across the area with the lightest totals north of Grand Rapids, and the highest totals (perhaps three to four inches) across our southern counties. In fact, some freezing drizzle may mix in from Grand Rapids to the south on Friday as the system tries to wrap some warmer air in to the Great Lakes. Click hereto see all of the watches/warnings/advisories associated with this system. The attached photo is a snapshot from our FOX 17 alert system highlighting the major areas that will be impacted by this system with winter alerts in effect.
This system will eventually weaken, but meander in the Great Lakes through Saturday and early Sunday before lifting out. That said, look for light snow showers and flurries to continue through Saturday and perhaps in to Sunday morning. Another system following a similar track will impact Michigan (again) later Monday in to Tuesday with wind, warmer temps, and rain changing to snow likely. Get the complete forecast by going to www.fox17online.com/weather.
