Michigan – Snow skitters sideways across lanes as strong winds roar through West Michigan, rattling trees and blurring visibility in bursts. Light flakes look harmless at first glance, but blowing snow quickly turns familiar roads into difficult drives.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, lake-effect snow showers combine with west winds gusting up to 45 mph today. Those winds stretch inland across much of Western Michigan, creating hazardous travel, especially along the US-131 corridor and exposed rural highways. Wind chills sit in the single digits early, making conditions feel bitter even during short trips outside.
Travel impacts peak during the morning and midday hours. Snowfall amounts stay modest, generally under an inch, but rapid blowing and drifting reduce visibility quickly. High-profile vehicles face extra difficulty, and loose objects may be blown around. Drivers should keep both hands on the wheel, slow down, and expect sudden whiteouts in open stretches.
The Wind Advisory remains in effect through early evening. Power outages remain possible where tree limbs snap under gusts. Crews and emergency managers urge residents to secure outdoor items and avoid unnecessary travel until winds ease.
Conditions slowly improve tonight as winds relax. Temperatures dip into the low 20s, allowing leftover moisture to refreeze. Watch for slick spots on untreated roads and sidewalks heading into Saturday morning.
Saturday brings a brief lull. Skies turn mostly cloudy with highs near the upper 30s. By afternoon, a wintry mix becomes possible, including light snow and freezing rain. Even minor amounts could create new slick patches as temperatures hover near freezing.
Looking ahead to Christmas travel, colder air returns Sunday before a gradual warm-up early next week. Meteorologists are already tracking another system that could bring rain or snow closer to Christmas, an early winter tease for holiday plans.
Plan extra time today. Use caution on US-131 and secondary roads. Traveling for Christmas soon? What are road conditions like where you are?
Five-Day Outlook for Grand Rapids
- Saturday: Mostly cloudy, wintry mix possible, high near 38
- Sunday: Partly sunny, colder, high near 24
- Monday: Mostly cloudy, high near 35
- Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, high near 42
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, high near 43
