Another round of heavy snow and wind gusts are headed for Michigan overnight and into Friday. This time, West Michigan and a strip of Northern Michigan are forecast to see the biggest impacts.
Up to 8 inches of snow could fall in the heaviest accumulation areas, which includes areas along the Lake Michigan shoreline and north of Holland.
Both the Friday morning and evening commutes will be impacted, so leave yourself extra time if you do have to be on the roads.
Winter Weather Advisories have been issued from Van Buren County in Southwest Michigan up into Leelanau County in Northern Michigan, in a strip up the western side of the Lower Peninsula. Mackinac County in the Upper Peninsula is also under a Winter Weather Advisory, as is Beaver Island and its surrounding archipelago islands.
After Friday’s snow ends, another snow system arrives for the weekend.
Here are the National Weather Service forecast notes for the Winter Weather Advisory area:
“Widespread accumulating snow tomorrow into Saturday,” the NWS meteorologists in Grand Rapids said. “Heaviest snowfall rates Friday morning and Friday afternoon. This will affect the morning and evening commutes.
“Snow totals will range from 2 to 5 inches along the U.S. 131 corridor, with 4 to 7 inches of snow along Lakeshore.”
Some spots could see locally higher totals. Wind gusts up to 25 mph are expected.
Here is the forecast map for West Michigan:
Up to 8 inches of snow is possible, especially along the Lake Michigan shoreline and north of Holland.Graphic provided by the National Weather Service
Here is the breakdown for the Winter Weather Advisories for the different areas of Michigan.
Southwest and West Michigan: This includes South Haven, Muskegon, Ludington, Holland, Grand Haven, Jenison and Grand Rapids. The Advisory is in effect through 7 a.m. Saturday.
“Total snow accumulations between 4 and 6 inches with locally higher amounts. The heavier snow will be west of U.S. 131. Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning and evening commutes.”
Northern Michigan: Leelanau, Benzie, Manistee. The advisory is in effect through 7 a.m. Saturday. “Total snow accumulations between 3 and 6 inches, with locally higher totals possible. The heaviest snow is expected to fall along the M-22 corridor.”
Beaver Island and Mackinac County: The advisory is in effect through 7 p.m. Friday. “Lake effect snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 7 inches, with locally higher totals possible. The heaviest snow is expected to fall near and west of Naubinway in Mackinac County.”
“Slow down and use caution while traveling. During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow to dry weather just a few miles away. Visibilities can also vary greatly. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions.”
More snow is expected for Saturday and Sunday. The map below shows the expected snow totals by Sunday, Jan. 18:
A heavy band of snow is forecast to fall along the counties closest to Lake Michigan.Graphic provided by the National Weather Service
