Grand Rapids, Michigan – Snow-covered roads and reduced visibility are creating hazardous travel conditions across much of Michigan on Friday as winter weather advisories remain in effect from southwest Michigan into the northern Lower Peninsula.
According to the National Weather Service, light but persistent snowfall combined with strong winds is impacting large portions of the state through the afternoon. In southwest and west-central Michigan, including Muskegon, Holland, Grand Haven, Kalamazoo, and South Haven, up to an additional inch of snow is expected before early afternoon. Wind gusts near 40 mph are causing drifting snow and slick road surfaces.
Farther north, winter weather advisories extend across northern Lower Michigan, where snowfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are likely in areas such as Traverse City, Benzie County, Charlevoix, Kalkaska, and Manistee. Winds gusting up to 45 mph are producing blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility, especially west of I-75. Tree limbs may come down in spots, leading to isolated power outages.
Lake and Mason counties, including Ludington and Baldwin, are also seeing slippery conditions with light accumulations and gusty winds. In the eastern Upper Peninsula, western Chippewa County faces blowing snow and visibility drops at times.
Drivers are urged to slow down, allow extra travel time, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions, particularly in lake-effect snow bands. Advisories are expected to expire gradually later this afternoon, though slick roads may persist into the evening commute.
