An urgent winter weather advisory has been issued for 22 counties across Michigan, with snow accumulations, gusty winds, and hazardous travel conditions expected from midnight tonight through 7 PM Tuesday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) offices in Gaylord and Grand Rapids released multiple winter weather advisories early Monday afternoon, cautioning residents in northern and western Michigan to prepare for hazardous winter conditions that could impact both the morning and evening commute on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
Key Highlights:
- Snowfall accumulations between 1 and 5 inches expected
- Wind gusts reaching up to 35 mph causing patchy blowing snow
- Advisories in effect for 22 counties from midnight to 7 PM Tuesday
- Hazardous travel conditions likely during both commutes
- Rapid visibility changes possible due to lake effect snow
Regions Affected by the Advisory
The advisory impacts a broad stretch of Michigan, from the northwest counties near Lake Michigan all the way down to the southwest areas, including Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. Specific counties listed under the advisory from the NWS Gaylord office include:
- Leelanau
- Antrim
- Otsego
- Benzie
- Grand Traverse
- Kalkaska
- Manistee
- Wexford
- Charlevoix
Meanwhile, the NWS Grand Rapids office issued advisories for:
- Mason
- Oceana
- Muskegon
- Ottawa
- Allegan
- Van Buren
- Lake
- Newaygo
- Kent
- Barry
- Kalamazoo
What to Expect: Snow and Strong Winds
Across all affected regions, snowfall totals are forecasted to range from 1 to 5 inches, depending on location and elevation. While the snowfall may not be exceptionally heavy by Michigan standards, the wind gusts—reaching up to 35 mph—are expected to create blowing and drifting snow, significantly reducing visibility and increasing the risk of accidents on untreated roads.
“This is a typical lake effect setup with variable intensities over short distances,” said a meteorologist with the NWS Grand Rapids office. “We’re advising everyone to stay weather aware and plan for longer travel times during commutes.”
Localized Lake Effect Snow Could Vary Greatly
Lake effect snow remains one of the most unpredictable aspects of winter weather in Michigan. With bands forming and shifting quickly, the weather could change from clear to whiteout conditions in a matter of minutes, particularly near Lake Michigan’s shoreline…