WEST MICHIGAN — Winter Storm Warnings are in effect for most of West Michigan, including the Lakeshore counties, and inland to the US-131 corridor through 4PM Friday evening.
The clipper system will move in from the west-northwest Thursday evening bringing heavy snow, gusty winds and brutal sub-zero wind chills.
Snow will become heavy, dropping visibility to near zero in many areas around rush-hour Thursday making for hazardous travel across the entire area.
Gusty winds will also help deteriorate visibility, drop feel-like temperatures below zero and created blowing and drifting snow.
Temperatures will remain bitterly cold as overnight low temperatures remain in the single digits, with wind chills remaining well below zero.
Snow will be widespread, with the largest accumulations along the Lakeshore from Muskegon to South Haven and east towards US-131. Some areas along the lake will see lake-enhancement, which will steadily increase snowfall rates of one to two inches an hour. Locations within this area could easily see up to a foot of snow. Areas along US-131, like Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo will see slightly lesser amounts as snow tapers off as it head east. These areas could still see between 4 and 8 inches of accumulation.
