Kalamazoo, MI – West Michigan drivers could wake to whiteout conditions and treacherous roads as a winter storm warning remains in effect through 7 p.m. Thursday, just in time to disrupt Thanksgiving travel across southwest Michigan.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, heavy snow and wind gusts up to 55 mph will hammer Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Allegan, Barry, and Van Buren counties, with snow totals ranging from 2 to 7 inches. Visibility could drop under a quarter-mile during peak bands of lake-effect snow.
Whiteout conditions and sudden road changes are expected, especially on major corridors like I-94, M-66, and US-131. Emergency officials are urging residents to delay travel if possible. If you must be on the roads, carry a winter emergency kit including blankets, flashlight, booster cables, and food supplies in case of a roadside emergency.
Snow intensity will vary widely over short distances, especially in lake-effect zones near Allegan and Van Buren counties. Barry County may also see drifting due to high winds across open farmland.
The worst conditions are expected Wednesday evening into early Thursday, with cleanup and residual snow lingering into Friday. Additional alerts may be issued if the system intensifies.
