First Accumulating Snow Expected Tonight Into Sunday | Impactful Lake Effect Snow Likely Into Monday

What is expected to be the first widespread accumulating snow of the season is expected across much of West Michigan this weekend and into the early part of the new workweek as well. This is a two part setup, the first part coming tonight starting out as rain before transitioning to snow. This will be followed by lake-effect snows continuing across parts of West Michigan Sunday afternoon into the day on Monday. All snow activity looks to come to an end by Monday night. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for Berrien County in far Southwest Michigan back into Northwest Indiana, which goes into effect Sunday afternoon and is valid through Monday evening. This is where the heaviest lake-effect snows are likely Sunday afternoon through Monday evening, with 6-12 inches of snow likely although locally higher amounts cannot be ruled out. This is also where the most impacts are anticipated in terms of travel, including for the Monday morning and evening commutes.

Winter Storm Watch in effect for Berrien County valid Sunday afternoon through Monday evening.

Below is our first call snowfall forecast valid through Monday night. This includes both system snowfall expected tonight into Sunday morning along with the additional lake effect snow anticipated Sunday afternoon through Monday evening. As you can see the heaviest totals are anticipated in Berrien County where the Winter Storm Watch is in effect. With that said, at least some accumulations are anticipated for much if not all of West Michigan during this time. A north-northwesterly wind flow is currently anticipated, which keeps the heaviest lake-effect snows across far Southwest Michigan and the Sable Points region around Ludington and Hart (Mason/Oceana counties). Minor shifts in the wind direction could change where the heaviest snowfall accumulations does end up taking place, so please do continue to monitor for further forecast adjustments if they become necessary.

WMIWX Snowfall Forecast valid through Monday night

Keep in mind that the ground is still warm which will cause some of the snow to melt on contact, which will keep totals down somewhat, especially outside of the lake effect zones, and will mitigate travel impacts at least initially. However, if a heavier band of snow becomes evident with the system snowfall that could cause slushy accumulations on roadways impacting travel where that does take place. Falling temperatures especially Sunday night into Monday will introduce refreezing concerns, especially in areas where lake-effect snows will continue to fall.

Hazards of Early Season Snowfall Informational Graphic

As this is the first snowfall of the season, we want to take a minute to remind you of some tips you should take if you have to be out on the roads Sunday and Monday. The first winter weather events can often catch drivers by surprise, resulting in many more accidents than usual. We will be monitoring conditions throughout this event, and will have updates as needed on our social media platforms. Be alert for additional Winter Weather Advisories and/or Winter Storm Warnings and monitor for further forecast updates.