Michigan — Snow sweeps sideways across parking lots, wind rattles bare trees, and visibility drops fast as winter tightens its grip across West Michigan. Conditions are changing quickly, and travel risks are rising by the hour.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Grand Rapids region through early Tuesday morning. Snow intensifies today and continues tonight, with additional accumulations of 3 to 5 inches expected in Kent, Lake, and Newaygo counties. Winds gust near 40 mph, producing blowing snow and pockets of near-whiteout conditions.
Roads deteriorate through the day as snow piles up and drifts across lanes, especially along US-131 and secondary roads west of the highway. Bridges and overpasses ice quickly, and visibility may fall below a quarter mile at times. If travel is unavoidable, expect rapidly changing conditions.
Temperatures remain locked in the teens today, then dip lower tonight. As snow tapers Tuesday morning, wind chills fall toward 5 to 15 degrees below zero, adding another layer of danger. Any melting during daylight hours refreezes fast after dark, increasing the risk of flash freezing.
Snow showers linger Tuesday, followed by another round of accumulating snow Wednesday into Thursday. While amounts look lighter, repeated snow combined with cold pavement keeps travel impacts elevated. Late week turns sharply colder, with single-digit and subzero temperatures possible by the weekend.
Meteorologists are tracking an active winter pattern across the Great Lakes, with lake-enhanced snow remaining a concern. Plan extra travel time, carry winter emergency supplies, and consider delaying trips if possible.
Five-Day Weather Outlook for Grand Rapids, Michigan
• Today (MLK Day): Heavy snow, blowing snow, high near 15°F
• Tuesday: Snow showers, bitter wind chills, high near 17°F
• Wednesday: Snow showers likely, high near 30°F
• Thursday: Continued snow showers, high near 19°F
• Friday: Cold with lingering snow chances, high near 11°F
