Michigan drivers step into a treacherous winter setup this morning as freezing rain coats sidewalks, cars, and untreated roads across West Michigan. The glaze is thin but dangerous, turning routine travel into a slow, careful process as winter tightens its grip.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through this afternoon for portions of central, south-central, and southwest Lower Michigan. Freezing rain is expected to produce ice accumulations up to two-tenths of an inch, enough to create slippery travel and isolated power issues.
Road conditions are already impacted across Kent, Ottawa, Barry, Ionia, and Allegan counties, including Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon, and Battle Creek. Morning travel along US-131, I-196, and I-94 may be hazardous, especially on bridges and elevated ramps. Drivers are urged to slow down and allow extra time.
Conditions improve briefly tonight and Saturday as temperatures hover near freezing and precipitation eases. That break will be short-lived. By Saturday night into Sunday, rain returns, then transitions to snow as colder air pushes in. Snow showers become more widespread Sunday night and continue into early next week.
By Monday, highs drop into the lower 30s with brisk winds, reinforcing a colder pattern. Snow showers linger, and any daytime melting may refreeze after sunset, increasing black ice risk during early morning drives.
Looking ahead to New Year’s week, colder air stays locked in across West Michigan. Light snow chances persist at times through midweek, keeping winter travel concerns elevated as 2026 approaches. New Year’s Eve appears cold, with lingering clouds and the potential for scattered snow showers.
Winter has arrived in earnest across West Michigan. How slick are roads where you live?
Five Day Outlook for Grand Rapids, Michigan
• Today: Freezing rain, icy conditions, high near 39
• Saturday: Mostly cloudy, high near 39
• Sunday: Rain changing to snow, high near 50
• Monday: Snow showers, breezy, high near 32
• Tuesday: Chance of snow showers, colder, high near 29
