WEST MICHIGAN — The National Weather Service has issued WINTER STORM WARNINGS for counties along and west of U.S.-131. This begins this afternoon, lasting through Thursday night.
WEDNESDAY A.M.
A clipper system is tracking south and west from Minnesota and Central Canada. This will bring widespread lighter precipitation, but heavier north of I-96.
Temperatures with a strong southwest wind will spike above freezing for us today, allowing for some rain to mix in with the snow, but it won't last long.
WEDNESDAY P.M.
Winds will shift around 3 P.M. from southwest to west-northwest, which will drive in the cooler air mass from Canada, dropping temperatures and turning all precipitation to snow as gusts exceed 45/50 mph.
This is when conditions start to deteriorate, as heavier snow mixed with high winds can cause very low visibility and accumulation rates on roadways could impact driving. We expect brief white-out conditions during this time frame for some.
THURSDAY A.M.
As the clipper system's cold front cuts through Wednesday night, we see lake effect snow continue into Thursday morning. Strong northwest winds will drive snow further inland than usual bands. Expect poor travel conditions and possible school closings.
Temperatures will be in the teens with feels like temperatures in the single digits as winds gust up to 45 mph. Decem'BRRRR' is earning its name this week.
Total snowfall across West Michigan will range between 4" and 8", with locally higher amounts. Blowing and drifting snow may impact totals, too.
NOAA impact severity index is minor for most of the area. but locations south/west of Grand Rapids where locally 10" to 12" may fall has a moderate severity index due to heavier snow and gusty winds that will create white-out conditions longer in these areas. For the latest details on the weather in West Michigan, head to the FOX 17 Weather page.
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