An arctic cold front pushed across the state Saturday night bringing high wind and plummeting temperatures. The temperature in Grand Rapids rose into the mid-40s Saturday evening ahead of the cold front and rapidly cooled into the teens behind the front. With the frontal passage the wind gusted to near and over 60mph for many locations.
The COLD northwest wind sets the stage for lake effect snow showers over the next few days. As always the heaviest snow will accumulate along the lakeshore. With the forecast wind direction, locations near South Haven and Ludington will likely observe the highest accumulations with nearly a foot of snow likely. Inland locations like Grand Rapids should pick up 3-6 inches.
The Grand Rapids National Weather Service has issued a Lake Effect Snow Warning for the counties closest to Lake Michigan and a Lake Effect Snow Advisory for the inland counties from 7 PM Sunday until 5 PM Monday. The wind will become very gusty enhancing the lake effect snow showers with some blowing and drifting of the snow. Travel may be difficult especially in the warning area.
The coldest air of the season so far will arrive on Monday night and Tuesday with temperatures in the single numbers and wind chill readings below zero.
The slideshow at the top of the page has a few forecast weather maps for snow and cold.
Before you head out to travel around West Michigan, check out the live West Michigan Weather conditions and live lakeshore weather
As the wind blows and the snow begins to pile up, the Grand Rapids National Weather Service wants any wind, snowfall reports and pictures you may have.
You can send then your snowfall reports via their on-line spotter report form. This can be accessed at: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/grr/spotter/
If you “like” their office facebook page, you can also report your snowfall totals and post pictures on it at: NWS Grand Rapids Facebook Page
Make sure you are prepared this winter by reading these winter weather safety tips:
Cold weather and hypothermia
Winter Weather Safety Tips for home and car
Winter Survival Kits
Preparing your home for winter emergencies
How snow and cold may affect your health
Understanding winter weather terms
Click here to 'Subscribe' and receive an email when the historical weather stories are posted for the week ahead. You can also follow the Grand Rapids Weather Examiner on Twitter and connect with the Grand Rapids Weather Examiner on Facebook
Comments