The National Weather Service (NWS) in Grand Rapids has issued an urgent Winter Weather Advisory for 11 counties across central, southwest, and west central Michigan, warning residents to prepare for hazardous travel conditions through early Friday afternoon.
The advisory, released at 10:34 a.m. EST on Thursday, remains in effect until 1:00 p.m. EST Friday, covering the counties of Mason, Lake, Osceola, Oceana, Newaygo, Mecosta, Muskegon, Montcalm, Ottawa, Kent, and Allegan. Major population centers affected include Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Holland, Ludington, Grand Haven, Big Rapids, Fremont, Greenville, Baldwin, Hart, Reed City, and Jenison.
According to the NWS, the region can expect mixed winter precipitation, including 2 to 4 inches of snow along with a light glaze of ice. Forecasters say the combination of snowfall and freezing drizzle is likely to create slick and dangerous road conditions, particularly during peak travel times.
Snowfall is expected to diminish later Thursday afternoon, followed by a period of freezing drizzle developing late in the day and persisting into early Friday. Conditions are forecast to worsen again Friday morning as snow redevelops, potentially becoming heavier at times. The NWS also warns of gustier winds accompanying an arctic front, which could further reduce visibility and make driving conditions more hazardous…