Fellow Michiganders, our weather pattern will cause some rapidly changing road conditions over the next few days. Icy conditions and gusty, blowing snow mean more road hazards, and the National Weather Service (NWS) is warning us about what’s coming.
Tonight, there was a lull in the snow that was covering West Michigan and the inland areas. However, dropping temperatures made the roads slick after dark, resulting in multiple slide-offs on the highways.
“Lake effect snow showers begin tonight and last through Tuesday night. These showers will cause rapid changes in road conditions and visibility, increasing the risk of accidents, particularly Monday night/Tuesday. Allow yourself extra travel time.
Several rounds of snow are expected between Sunday night and Tuesday night, according to the NWS forecast. Arctic air will blow in, dropping our wind chill “feels like” temperatures to the single digits on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The most snow will fall on the west side of the state.
Here’s what to expect, according to the NWS meteorologists in Grand Rapids:
- Showers continue through Tuesday night
- The worst driving conditions are expected Monday night into Tuesday
- Drivers could experience rapidly-changing visibilities and road conditions that could increase the risk of pileups
- Several inches of snow are likely, especially west of U.S. 131, leading to slick roads
- Gusty winds will lead to areas of blowing and drifting snow causing poor visibilities at times
- Temperatures will be in the teens to low 20s with wind chills near to below zero at times
