Muskegon, Michigan – Drivers along Michigan’s west coast should prepare for rapidly changing and dangerous travel conditions as lake effect snow intensifies early Wednesday and continues through Thursday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from early Wednesday morning through Thursday morning for much of western Lower Michigan. Snow accumulations of 2 to 8 inches are expected across Mason, Oceana, Muskegon, Allegan, and Van Buren counties, with locally higher totals where lake effect bands persist. Wind gusts up to 40 mph will lead to blowing and drifting snow, sharply reducing visibility at times.
The greatest impacts are expected in Mason and Oceana counties, including Ludington and Hart, as well as western Allegan and Van Buren counties near South Haven and Holland. In Muskegon, roads may become snow-covered quickly during heavier bursts, with conditions varying significantly over short distances as snow bands shift inland from Lake Michigan.
A brief but intense burst of snow and gusty winds is likely around the Wednesday morning commute, followed by prolonged lake effect snow through the day and into Wednesday night. Travel could again deteriorate during the Wednesday evening commute, especially on untreated roads and exposed highways.
Motorists are urged to slow down, allow extra travel time, and be prepared for sudden drops in visibility. Hazardous conditions are expected to persist until snow tapers early Thursday morning, with additional advisories possible if lake effect bands linger longer than expected.
