Winter Storm Update
- Jonah Drake (Owner & Co-Founder)
- 8 minutes ago
- 5 min read
We know there is a lot to absorb with the incoming storm, so here is all of our latest forecast and all the current Warnings and Advisories from the National Weather Service, each broken down one by one, all in one giant post!
If there are questions, please don't hesitate to ask in the comments!
Snowfall (Map 1):
Bottom line up front, snowfall totals have increased slightly for a few areas. We need to remind everyone, however, that it isn't really about the amount of snow you're going to receive. It is more about the winds and the snow mixing together to create fairly widespread, significant blowing and drifting snow. So it doesn't matter really if you're in the 7-10 inch zone or the 3-6 inch zone, many of the same impacts will be fel,t and we expect whiteout and blizzard conditions, dangerous travel, and intense drifting snow that will make measuring actual final totals very difficult. Snow drifts will likely be measured in feet, not inches, in some places.
The highest snowfall totals are still expected across our northwest zones in parts of Mason, Oceana, Lake, Newaygo, and Muskegon Counties, where 7-10 inches of snow are expected. There is a chance for locally higher amounts in the heaviest snow bands, but confidence in this scenario is low at this time, so we have opted not to include higher forecast zones at this point.
The rest of the area along and west of US-131, except for the immediate lakeshore south of I-94, will likely see 5-8 inches. Again, there is a low chance for locally higher amounts in the heaviest snow bands in these areas as well, but that will be more of a wait-and-see type of forecast.
Between US-131 and M-66/I-69, we expect a generalized 3-6 inches with locally higher amounts where the lake-effect snow bands can be pushed the furthest inland. Amounts begin to taper off east of there to 2-5 inches and drop off even further along and east of US-127. We still expect areas of blowing and drifting snow and reduced visibility in these areas, so don't let your guard down just yet!
Wind Gusts (Map 2):
Winds will increase in strength this evening, becoming strong (35-45 MPH), along and south of I-94 by around 7:00 PM.
Overnight winds will further strengthen and become more widespread, increasing to 40-50 MPH across most of our area by 5:00 AM.
By daybreak, winds will have strengthened yet again, and by 9:00 AM, gusts of 50-60 MPH will be impacting our entire area. Between 5:00 AM and Noon, gusts along the immediate lakeshore could reach as high as 65 MPH.
These strong to damaging winds will continue between 45-60 MPH area-wide for most of the day on Monday before beginning to calm as we head into the late afternoon, evening, and overnight hours on Monday and the early morning hours on Tuesday, though it will still be quite breezy on Tuesday morning with gusts around 25-35 MPH continuing to support some blowing and drifting snow.
Prepare now for significant blowing and drifting snow, power outages, and scattered tree damage. Secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, holiday decorations, trampolines, and trash carts.
Travel (Map 3):
We are anticipating widespread areas of *at least* “Dangerous Travel” conditions along and west of M-66 and north of I-94. The worst of the hazardous conditions will be west of US-131, especially near the lakeshore, where periods of localized impossible or life-threatening travel will probably exist in the near-blizzard or blizzard-like whiteout conditions that are forecasted. If you are in this red zone, especially within the pink-dashed circle west of US-131, north of I-94, please consider delaying all travel except for emergencies! If you must travel, keep an emergency kit in your car in case you become stranded or are involved in an accident.
Moderate impacts are expected south of I-94 and from M-66 to US-127/I-69. Minor impacts are likely east of I-69/US-127 due to scattered areas of blowing and drifting snow, especially on rural/untreated roadways.
NWS Weather Alerts
Winter Storm Warning (Map 4):
Heavy snow and blowing and drifting snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 8 inches. Winds gusting as high as 55-60 mph. Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. Whiteout and near-blizzard conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. Visibility and road conditions may change rapidly over short distances in lake effect snow. Strong winds could cause tree damage and some power outages. Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded. During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow to dry weather just a few miles away. Visibilities can also vary greatly. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions.
Winter Weather Advisories (Map 5):
Berrien, Cass, and St. Joseph:
Lake effect snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 5 inches. Totals of 6 inches possible in southwest Michigan. Winds gusting as high as 45 to 50 mph. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. Tonight, temperatures will fall about 30 degrees in six hours which may result in a flash freeze of wet surfaces. Valid Until: 12/30/2025 1:00 AM EST
Osceola, Mecosta, Montcalm, Kent, Barry, Gratiot, Ionia, Eaton, and Calhoun:
Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 5 inches. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph. Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. Visibilities will be reduced to less than a mile at times. Slow down and use caution while traveling. Valid Until: 12/29/2025 7:00 PM EST
Wind Advisories (Map 6):
West winds 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50-55 MPH expected. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Snow accumulations of an inch or two combined with the wind gusts will cause some blowing and drifting snow. Visibilities will be reduced in the blowing snow. Valid Until: 12/29/2025 7:00 PM EST
Storm Warning - Lake Michigan (Map 7):
West to northwest winds 30 to 40 kt with gusts up to 55 kt and waves 17 to 22 ft expected. Very strong winds will cause hazardous waves which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. Valid Until: 12/30/2025 1:00 AM EST
