Grand Rapids, MI – Light snow will continue across much of West and Northern Michigan tonight as lake-effect bands develop, with some areas potentially seeing heavier pockets of accumulation before conditions ease Friday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, most locations will receive an inch or less of additional snow through tonight. However, isolated lake-effect bands may push totals higher, especially in areas near and west of US-131, where forecasters say 2–4 inches of extra accumulation is possible. Areas from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Big Rapids, Grayling, and parts of Northwest Lower Michigan fall within the elevated risk zone.
The NWS cautions that these localized bands may create sharp variations in road conditions over short distances. Under heavier bursts of snow, drivers may experience rapidly changing visibility, slick roads, and sudden slowdowns, particularly along US-131, I-96, and nearby county routes.
Snow is expected to continue intermittently through Friday morning, with conditions gradually improving after sunrise as lake-effect activity weakens. Despite the modest totals, the timing of these bands could affect evening commutes and early-morning travel, especially where snowfall intensifies unexpectedly.
Residents across West and Northern Michigan are encouraged to allow extra time for travel tonight and early Friday, monitor updated forecasts, and prepare for fluctuating conditions near the lakeshore and inland corridors.
