WEST MICHIGAN — All eyes in the FOX 17 Weather Center continue to track and monitor a strong system moving across the Great Lakes region. This system is likely to bring a wintry mix of rain, freezing rain, snow, and strong winds through early Thursday morning. When it comes to travel impacts, slick roadways are most likely overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning. However, the amount of freezing rain and ice accumulation will all come down to the temperature of the air. Even if the air temperature changes by a degree or two, that can make a large difference when it comes to ice and slick roads. The best chance of light freezing rain or ice accumulation will occur along and north of I-96, so mainly north of Grand Rapids. Ice accumulation between .10" to .20" is possible in these areas. See image below from the National Weather Service on ice accumulation chances.
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY is in effect for Oceana, Newaygo, Mecosta, and Montcalm counties through 9 a.m. Thursday. Total snow accumulation up to 1" is possible in this region, along with ice accumulation around two tenths of an inch. While that might not seem like much, even a light glaze of ice can generate hazardous travel conditions.
Forecast models predict a burst of moisture surging in late Wednesday. Steady to moderate rain builds in, transitioning to freezing rain and snow near and north of I-96 closer to Midnight.
Thursday morning commutes are likely to be the most impacted as colder air sweeps in. The region near I-96 is likely to be the area where the transition will happen, meaning that freezing rain and sleet are most likely. Freezing rain and sleet can generate black ice on the roads, especially when temperatures are below freezing near the ground. Skies become dry again for the middle of the day on Thursday, before snow showers ramp up overnight Thursday and into Friday.
In addition to the mix of rain, freezing rain, and snow ... the wind gusts will also be strong! Wind gusts are likely to build up to 45 mph on Wednesday and Thursday. Isolated wind gusts up to 50 can't be ruled out. Most of the region falls under a WIND ADVISORY. This could also make travel more challenging.
All-in-all, take your time while traveling during this system. Below is a breakdown of a few of the major highways in West Michigan between Wednesday and Thursday. The greatest travel impacts will be on US-131 north of Plainwell and on I-96 between Muskegon and Lansing.
Our forecast model are indicating about 3" to 6" of lake effect snow may fall from Thursday night through mid-day Sunday, before diminishing. See images below.
For the latest updates, you can always download the free FOX 17 Weather App or visit www.fox17online.com/weather/.
