WEST MICHIGAN — A large low pressure system that created blizzard conditions across the Dakotas and heavy snow in the Upper Midwest will deliver a potent blast of winter Monday night into Tuesday. Steady to moderate, even heavy snow develops Monday night and continues into the Tuesday morning commute. Travel is expected to be treacherous. Up to one inch snowfall rates per hour will be possible at times.
A general 3" to 6" is expected to fall across most areas through Tuesday, but a moisture feed off Lake Michigan may give areas from Grand Rapids north/west some higher isolated totals between 6" and 8". WINTER WEATHER ADVISORIES have been posted and remain in effect through 7 P.M. Tuesday for all counties. See image below.
Take a look below at our snow totals including any snow during the day on Tuesday. We expect steady snow into Tuesday morning, but it should start to taper off to lighter snow showers and flurries during the afternoon. This map is very close to what we reported/forecast Sunday, except we added a bulls-eye of dark blue for an isolated 6" to 8" if we get a significant moisture feed off Lake Michigan with a southwest wind. This map also shows the lightest amounts well south/east of Grand Rapids in the light gray color (about 1" to 2").
Winds will still be strong on Tuesday with a west-southwest wind sustained between about 10 to 20 mph (higher at the immediate lakeshore). See our wind forecast model below valid for 6 A.M. Tuesday.
The next image below are wind speeds/gusts/direction valid for noon on Tuesday.
The last wind image is valid for 6 P.M. on Tuesday. Note that winds are still prevalent and likely won't diminish until Tuesday evening/night.
We may see some scattered power outages from heavy, wet snow and wind. Wednesday and Thursday look quiet weatherwise at this point, but more rain/snow are likely Friday and Saturday. Get the complete West Michigan forecast at www.fox17online.com/weather. Have a pleasant, peaceful and safe New Year!
