Ludington, Michigan – Snow bands rolling off Lake Michigan will begin coating roads by 7 p.m. Saturday, setting up slick travel and reduced visibility along the lakeshore through early Monday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 7 p.m. Saturday until 1 p.m. Monday for Mason, Oceana, Allegan and Van Buren counties. Snow totals between 4 and 7 inches are expected, with locally higher amounts possible under persistent lake-effect bands. Wind gusts could reach 35 mph, producing blowing and drifting snow.
Lake-effect bands will likely shift overnight and again Sunday, leading to sharp differences in conditions over short distances. U.S. 31 near Ludington and Hart, as well as I-196 and Blue Star Highway near Holland and South Haven, could become snow-covered with visibility dropping quickly during heavier bursts.
The Monday morning commute may be impacted as bands linger into midday. Gusty winds could also create drifting across open farmland and near shoreline roads.
Drivers should slow down, allow extra stopping distance and prepare for sudden visibility changes. Advisories remain in effect until 1 p.m. Monday, and additional updates are possible if lake-effect bands intensify.
