Southwest Michigan – Hold on tight, because Southwest Michigan is about to get hit with some serious snow. A strong winter storm is heading our way, and it’s expected to dump up to 6 inches of snow through Thursday night. If you’re planning on going anywhere, make sure you’re prepared for icy roads, poor visibility, and blustery winds that could make travel dangerous.
What’s Happening?
A major storm system is rolling into Southwest Michigan, bringing with it a mix of heavy snow and strong winds. The snow will start falling tonight and continue through Thursday night, tapering off early Friday morning. In some areas, we could see 6 inches of snow accumulate, with the heaviest snowfall expected to be near Lake Michigan. The winds will pick up, too, reaching gusts of up to 30 MPH, whipping the snow into drifts and further reducing visibility, especially on the roads.
- Snowfall: 2 to 6 inches of snow is expected region-wide, with the highest totals near Lake Michigan.
- Wind Gusts: Winds could gust up to 30 MPH, creating blowing snow and reduced visibility—this could make driving difficult, especially for those commuting in the evening.
- Travel Conditions: Snow and wind combined will make roads slick and hazardous. Visibility may be poor, and roads will be icy, so it’s important to be extra cautious if you need to head out.
How This Affects You
- Roads: Prepare for slippery, snow-covered roads throughout Southwest Michigan. Bridges and overpasses will be particularly dangerous, as they freeze more quickly. If you’re out driving, slow down, leave extra space between cars, and reduce your speed to match the conditions.
- Visibility: Blowing snow combined with strong winds will make driving through open areas or higher terrain especially tough. Keep your headlights on and adjust your speed to compensate for the poor visibility.
- Wind Chill: The winds may not make it feel like an arctic freeze, but they’ll create a wind chill effect that makes it feel colder than it actually is. Dress warmly—layer up, cover exposed skin, and stay as cozy as possible.
What You Can Do
- Stay off the roads, if you can. If you don’t need to be out, stay home. If you must drive, leave plenty of time for your journey, and take it slow. Slippery roads and reduced visibility will make everything take longer.
- Be prepared for the unexpected. Keep an emergency kit in your car, including blankets, water, non-perishable snacks, and a flashlight. It’s always better to have extra supplies on hand, especially when the weather is unpredictable.
- Stay up-to-date. Make sure you’re keeping tabs on the weather throughout the day, and check for any road closures or delays. Using a traffic app or local radio stations can help keep you informed.
When Will It End?
The snow is expected to start tapering off by Friday morning, but that doesn’t mean the roads will magically improve. Friday’s commute could still be tricky, with patchy snow and black ice on the roads. Make sure to leave extra time for your trip.
This snowstorm might not be the worst we’ve had this season, but it’s still enough to make travel difficult. If you can stay inside and warm, do so. If you must go out, be cautious, adjust your driving to the conditions, and take extra care while you’re on the road. Stay safe and warm, Southwest Michigan!
