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Light Snow Likely In West Michigan

Posted at 9:22 PM, Jan 02, 2013
and last updated 2013-01-02 21:22:19-05

As we head into the early part of January, Grand Rapids is now running a 23-inch snow deficit. We should have had more than 30 inches of snow thus far this season, but have only had a little more than seven inches. We do have a chance at seeing snow develop from a weak clipper system coming in Wednesday night intoThursday morning. It certainly is nothing to get excited about as most locations will likely see about an inch or less (the further east of U.S. 131, the smaller the snowfall amounts).

While most places only see negligible amounts, a southwest wind coming across Lake Michigan could enhance some of the snowfall totals by adding moisture as the cold front sweeps into the state. That means areas along/west of U.S. 131 and north/west of Grand Rapids could see slightly higher totals on the order of 2 to 3 inches. In fact, the National Weather Service has placed Allegan, Ottawa, Muskegon, and Oceana Counties under a WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY through 4:00 PM on Thursday. Click hereto see the advisory text.

The attached graphic shows where the higher snowfall totals may end up, with amounts tapering off further east/inland. Areas from Lansing to Detroit will likely see snow showers with less than a few tenths of an inch likely. It’s possible western portions of Kent and Newaygo Counties see some slightly higher totals as well…depending on the lake enhancement and where it sets up (if at all). Since temperatures will be well below freezing throughout all of Thursday, make sure to slow down and exercise some caution for the Thursday morning commute. Slippery and icy roadways are certainly possible as the snow develops overnight Wednesday and continues through about mid-day to early afternoon Thursday.

Click here to see FOX 17 radar, click herefor FOX 17 temperatures, and simply go to www.fox17online.com/weather for the complete West Michigan forecast and 7-day. Warmer temps up to 40 degrees or better are showing up for next week. Drive safely!