GRAND RAPIDS — Winter Weather Advisories and Wind Advisories are in effect. While snow is in the forecast, the primary concern with this passing Canadian clipper will be the strong wind gusts! Late this evening and overnight wind gusts can increase to 50 or even 55 mph at the peak strength of the storm, which can also cause blowing and drifting snow. Isolated power outages are also a concern overnight!
Higher totals of 2" to 4" will be likely northwest of Grand Rapids, where WINTER WEATHER ADVISORIES are in effect for Mecosta, Muskegon, Newaygo and Oceana counties until 10 a.m. Saturday morning.
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY is in effect for Ottawa, Kent, Allegan, Barry, Van Buren, and Kalamazoo counties until 10 a.m. Saturday morning, where 1" to 2" of snowfall is expected.
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY is in effect for Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph, and Branch counties until 10 a.m. Saturday morning, where up to 1" of snowfall is expected.
The wind will ramp up as the clipper system moves in, bringing in its strength overnight. Here is a view of the estimated snowfall by early Saturday morning.
As you can see, not a lot of snow is in the forecast! It will be a very limited amount of snow. The primary concern with this passing system is the strong wind! Models estimate 40 to 50 mph wind gusts, with isolated 55 mph wind gusts. Early Saturday morning winds can still be strong, upwards of 30 to 40 mph, eventually relaxing back late Saturday evening. Possible wind damage or isolated power outages are possible, with loose tree limbs potentially blown around. Blowing and drifting snow will create reduced visibility, especially near the lake shore.
On top of the wind and snow, the feels-like temperatures will be bitter cold. Once you factor in our actual temperatures and winds by Saturday morning, West Michigan will have feel like temperatures well below zero. Bundle up and stay safe through this wind and snow!
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