Grand Rapids, Michigan – Drivers across western Michigan are dealing with a messy mix of snow, ice, and strong winds that will continue to create hazardous travel conditions through Friday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until early Friday afternoon for much of west and southwest Michigan. Additional snow accumulations of up to two inches are expected, along with a light glaze of ice from intermittent freezing drizzle. Wind gusts may reach up to 40 mph, reducing visibility at times and making untreated roads especially slick.
The advisory covers a wide area including Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, Allegan, Newaygo, Oceana, Mason, Lake, Osceola, Mecosta, Montcalm, and surrounding counties. Cities such as Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Holland, Grand Haven, Ludington, Big Rapids, Greenville, Fremont, and Reed City are likely to see the most persistent impacts.
Snow is expected to taper at times Thursday evening, but freezing drizzle may develop overnight into early Friday, creating a thin but dangerous layer of ice on roads, sidewalks, and bridges. Snow is expected to redevelop Friday morning as an arctic front moves through, bringing brief heavier bursts of snow and stronger wind gusts.
Motorists are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and use caution during the Friday morning commute. Road conditions may remain slippery even after precipitation eases, with the advisory continuing through early Friday afternoon as crews work to improve travel conditions.
