Muskegon, MI – Winter weather continues to affect the lakeshore this morning, and a more significant storm looms for the weekend. A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 7 a.m. Friday, while a Winter Storm Watch is posted for Saturday morning through Sunday morning, with the potential for 7 to 12 inches of heavy lake-effect snow across portions of West Michigan.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, the early-morning advisory covers Ottawa, Muskegon, Allegan, Van Buren and Kalamazoo counties, where up to 1 inch of additional snow may accumulate before sunrise. Slick conditions—especially on bridges and overpasses—are likely during the Friday morning commute.
The larger concern arrives Saturday as lake-effect snow bands strengthen. Totals of 7 to 10 inches are possible in Ottawa and Muskegon counties, including Grand Haven, Muskegon and Jenison, while 9 to 12 inches may fall across Allegan, Van Buren and Kalamazoo counties, including Holland, South Haven and Kalamazoo.
Forecasters warn that lake-effect snow can vary dramatically over short distances, with some areas under intense snowfall while nearby locations see little accumulation. Visibility may drop quickly within the heaviest bands, creating hazardous travel along I-96, I-196, US-31 and M-40.
The National Weather Service urges drivers to prepare for rapid changes in weather and road conditions throughout the day and into the weekend. Residents should monitor updated forecasts as snowfall placement and totals may shift.
