GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — West Michigan is experiencing a winter weather mix that has already caused slick roads and hazardous conditions. Overnight, light freezing rain, sleet, and light snow moved through the region, leading to a winter weather advisory in effect for most of West Michigan until 9 a.m. Thursday. Counties along the Michigan-Indiana border will remain under advisory until 10 a.m. due to continued icy conditions.
The freezing rain has created a layer of ice on roads, making travel dangerous. Local authorities are urging residents to avoid driving Thursday morning if possible or allow for extra travel time. Even small amounts of glaze ice can make for slippery conditions, posing a risk of accidents.
Thursday’s temperatures are expected to climb above freezing, likely reaching the middle 30s, which will help melt off any ice from roadways, trees, and power lines. However, wind will be a major factor in the afternoon, with a Wind Advisory going into effect at 2 p.m. for lakeshore areas. Gusts could reach as high as 50 mph, making for dangerous conditions, particularly along the lakeshore.
By the time the winds reach their peak, the ice accumulation on trees and power lines should be reduced, lowering the risk of widespread power outages in the region.
Looking ahead to the weekend, residents should prepare for another winter storm. Snow is expected to move into the area Saturday afternoon and continue into Sunday morning. Forecasts predict a widespread snowfall of 2-6 inches across the region, potentially leading to further travel disruptions.
As always, residents are advised to stay informed and take precautions during the winter weather events to ensure safety on the roads and at home.
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