The Nationwide Climate Service (NWS) in Grand Rapids has issued an pressing Winter Climate Advisory for 11 counties throughout central, southwest, and west central Michigan, warning residents to organize for hazardous journey circumstances by way of early Friday afternoon.
The advisory, launched at 10:34 a.m. EST on Thursday, stays in impact till 1:00 p.m. EST Friday, overlaying the counties of Mason, Lake, Osceola, Oceana, Newaygo, Mecosta, Muskegon, Montcalm, Ottawa, Kent, and Allegan. Main inhabitants facilities affected embody Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Holland, Ludington, Grand Haven, Massive Rapids, Fremont, Greenville, Baldwin, Hart, Reed Metropolis, and Jenison.
In keeping with the NWS, the area can count on blended winter precipitation, together with 2 to 4 inches of snow together with a light-weight glaze of ice. Forecasters say the mix of snowfall and freezing drizzle is prone to create slick and harmful highway circumstances, notably throughout peak journey occasions.
Snowfall is anticipated to diminish later Thursday afternoon, adopted by a interval of freezing drizzle creating late within the day and persisting into early Friday. Circumstances are forecast to worsen once more Friday morning as snow redevelops, probably turning into heavier at occasions. The NWS additionally warns of gustier winds accompanying an arctic entrance, which might additional cut back visibility and make driving circumstances extra hazardous.
“The hazardous circumstances might considerably influence the Thursday night and Friday morning commutes,” the advisory said. Motorists are urged to decelerate, permit additional journey time, and train warning whereas on the roads.
Whereas snow totals should not anticipated to be excessive, officers emphasize that even modest accumulations mixed with ice can result in harmful journey, elevated accident danger, and localized disruptions. Pedestrians also needs to be cautious, as untreated sidewalks and parking tons could turn out to be icy.
Native emergency administration companies and highway crews are monitoring circumstances carefully, and residents are inspired to remain knowledgeable by checking up to date forecasts and highway circumstances by way of official NWS channels and native authorities.
The Nationwide Climate Service reminds the general public that winter climate advisories are issued when circumstances are anticipated to trigger important inconvenience and potential hazards, although not assembly the standards for a warning.
For the newest updates, residents can go to climate.gov or comply with steerage from native emergency officers.
