An pressing winter climate advisory has been issued for 22 counties throughout Michigan, with snow accumulations, gusty winds, and dangerous journey circumstances anticipated from midnight tonight by way of 7 PM Tuesday.
The Nationwide Climate Service (NWS) workplaces in Gaylord and Grand Rapids launched a number of winter climate advisories early Monday afternoon, cautioning residents in northern and western Michigan to arrange for hazardous winter circumstances that would influence each the morning and night commute on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
Key Highlights:
- Snowfall accumulations between 1 and 5 inches anticipated
- Wind gusts reaching as much as 35 mph inflicting patchy blowing snow
- Advisories in impact for 22 counties from midnight to 7 PM Tuesday
- Hazardous journey circumstances doubtless throughout each commutes
- Speedy visibility adjustments doable attributable to lake impact snow
Areas Affected by the Advisory
The advisory impacts a broad stretch of Michigan, from the northwest counties close to Lake Michigan all the way in which all the way down to the southwest areas, together with Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. Particular counties listed beneath the advisory from the NWS Gaylord workplace embody:
- Leelanau
- Antrim
- Otsego
- Benzie
- Grand Traverse
- Kalkaska
- Manistee
- Wexford
- Charlevoix
In the meantime, the NWS Grand Rapids workplace issued advisories for:
- Mason
- Oceana
- Muskegon
- Ottawa
- Allegan
- Van Buren
- Lake
- Newaygo
- Kent
- Barry
- Kalamazoo
What to Anticipate: Snow and Robust Winds
Throughout all affected areas, snowfall totals are forecasted to vary from 1 to five inches, relying on location and elevation. Whereas the snowfall is probably not exceptionally heavy by Michigan requirements, the wind gusts—reaching as much as 35 mph—are anticipated to create blowing and drifting snow, considerably decreasing visibility and rising the chance of accidents on untreated roads.
“This can be a typical lake impact setup with variable intensities over quick distances,” mentioned a meteorologist with the NWS Grand Rapids workplace. “We’re advising everybody to remain climate conscious and plan for longer journey occasions throughout commutes.”
Localized Lake Impact Snow Might Fluctuate Drastically
Lake impact snow stays one of the unpredictable facets of winter climate in Michigan. With bands forming and shifting shortly, the climate may change from clear to whiteout circumstances in a matter of minutes, notably close to Lake Michigan’s shoreline.
In response to the advisory, “climate can differ from bands of domestically heavy snow to dry climate only a few miles away. Visibilities can even differ significantly.” This poses a specific danger for drivers unfamiliar with lake impact dynamics.
Preparedness Suggestions from the NWS
In its advisory, the Nationwide Climate Service has urged residents to put together now for icy and slippery circumstances not solely on roads, but in addition on sidewalks, driveways, and steps. The potential for falls and accidents will increase throughout these occasions.
Instructed precautions embody:
- Carrying correct footwear outdoor
- Retaining de-icing supplies helpful
- Checking on aged neighbors or these with mobility challenges
“Decelerate and use warning whereas touring,” the advisory states repeatedly, underscoring the potential seriousness of the climate circumstances.
Snowfall Accumulations by County
Right here’s a breakdown of the forecasted snowfall totals by area:
| County | Forecast Snow (inches) |
|---|---|
| Leelanau | 3 – 5 |
| Grand Traverse | 3 – 5 |
| Kalkaska | 3 – 4 |
| Wexford | 2 – 4 |
| Manistee | 2 – 4 |
| Charlevoix | 2 – 5 |
| Muskegon | 2 – 4 |
| Kent | 1 – 3 |
| Kalamazoo | 1 – 2 |
| Allegan | 2 – 3 |
| Ottawa | 2 – 4 |
Notice: These values might shift barely relying on storm growth in a single day.
Keep Knowledgeable and Up to date
The Nationwide Climate Service and native emergency businesses will likely be issuing updates all through the night time and day on Tuesday. Residents are inspired to:
- Verify climate.gov or native NWS Twitter pages
- Hearken to NOAA climate radio
- Join emergency textual content alerts from native governments
This proactive communication is particularly necessary given how shortly lake impact snow bands can kind and dissipate, usually catching unprepared vacationers off guard.
