Muskegon, Michigan – Drivers across West Michigan could face rapidly changing and dangerous travel conditions tonight as lake effect snow showers intensify and strong winds create blowing and drifting snow ahead of the Thursday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect through early Thursday for Mason, Muskegon, Oceana, Allegan, and Van Buren counties. Snow showers, locally heavy at times, are expected to produce sharp differences in snowfall over short distances. Areas farther inland may see 1 to 3 inches, while communities closer to Lake Michigan could pick up 6 to 8 inches, with isolated higher totals possible if snow bands linger overnight.
The most hazardous conditions are expected along and west of U.S. 31 in Mason, Oceana, and Muskegon counties, and west of I-196 in Allegan and Van Buren counties, including Holland and South Haven. Wind gusts reaching 45 mph may significantly reduce visibility and cause drifting on open roadways, making travel unpredictable during the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes.
Snow showers are expected to be most intense from late afternoon through early evening before potentially shifting offshore. If bands remain onshore overnight, additional accumulations could worsen road conditions.
Motorists are urged to slow down, allow extra travel time, and be prepared for sudden whiteout conditions in heavier snow bands. Slippery roads and reduced visibility may persist until winds ease and snow showers diminish early Thursday, with additional advisories possible if conditions fail to improve.
