WEST MICHIGAN — As this most recent Arctic freeze slowly loses its grip on West Michigan, a Canadian clipper system moving in is bringing additional snow through Thursday evening, especially for our northern lakeshore counties.
A Winter Storm Warning (pink) for 4-8" of snow has been issued for Ottawa, Muskegon, Oceana and Newaygo counties until 10 a.m. Thursday. A Winter Weather Advisory (purple) has been issued for Mecosta, Kent, Allegan, Van Buren, Barrien and Cass counties through Thursday as well.
Although it is not as cold as the last few nights, salt is still not effective on the roads. Slick driving conditions continue, along with blowing and drifting snow. This could be new snow falling, or snow already on the ground. Visibility can quickly change in these conditions, so drive carefully with your headlights on at all times.
TIMING
Heavy snow has been ongoing along the lakeshore from Muskegon for most of Wednesday, with new snow totals of over 6" in Fruitport!
Snow continues to move inland overnight as a warm front pushes it from the lakeshore toward 131. By daybreak, another area of narrow but heavy snow will be focused along the cold front. Dangerous driving conditions are likely for most of the major roads and highways from falling snow and blowing snow.
As the cold front passes, narrow lake effect snow bands will set up behind it as the wind direction changes out of the northwest.
Snow will slowly taper down through Thursday evening. A few patches of persistent lake effect snow may linger, but for most the snow will end by the late afternoon. Blowing and drifting snow and difficult travel conditions are expected during the duration of this event, though.
Snow totals will vary significantly depending on location, but areas from Holland and Muskegon northward along the lakeshore will likely get the most additional snow, where 8"+ is possible. General totals will be 4-8" west of 131, and 2-5" near 131. The farther east of 131, the less snow is expected.
For the latest details on the weather in West Michigan, head to the FOX 17 Weather page.
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