Winter Weather Advisory in Effect Over West Michigan for the Weekend as Snow Showers Cause Slippery Roads

For the weekend, a Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for a portion of West Michigan due to the potential for hazardously slick roads due to snow showers.

Winter Weather Advisory

Mason, Lake, Ottawa, Oceana, Muskegon, Allegan, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren counties are included in the advisory. Ludington, Baldwin, Grand Haven, Hart, Muskegon, Jenison, South Haven, Holland, and Kalamazoo are among the cities covered.

Antrim, Grand Traverse, Missaukee, Kalkaska, and Charlevoix are included in the advisory's northern region. Mancelona, Traverse City, Kalkaska, and Charlevoix are also included in the advisory.

The advisory was prompted by forecasts of 2 to 5 inches of snow and will be in effect in the area from 4 PM on Saturday, November 13, to 1 PM on Sunday. It is still possible for slick driving conditions to develop, especially after dark, even though snow accumulations on major thoroughfares may be a little less than the expected amount for slippery road conditions.

There will also be snow in Berrien County. Snow showers are likely to occur in inland areas, but many of them will only receive an inch or less of accumulation. Although the snow may stick to the grass and less-traveled roads may have some slick spots, temperatures in the low to mid 30s may be warm enough for snow to melt as it falls.

The advisory for northwest Lower Michigan will begin at 1 PM today. It was significantly warmer during the first 11 days of November-9.5 degrees warmer than usual. By the end of the week, that number will be significantly lower due to this pattern change.

A winter weather advisory was in place overnight for the western Upper Peninsula. On Friday, there was heavy rain in some areas of the upper peninsula and up to 3.51 inches of snow, WoodTV reports.

Lake Effect Snow

Lake Effect Snow is expected to spread across Michigan today and likely last through Monday, according to the National Weather Service. In the upcoming 24 hours, snowfall will be heaviest at 4 to 6 inches, with possibly higher amounts locally. Authorities are warning people to be cautious of snow-covered roads and poor visibility.

In the late fall and winter, the Great Lakes region frequently experiences lake-effect snow. When cold air, frequently from Canada, crosses the Great Lakes' open water, Lake Effect snow results.

Moisture and warmth are transferred into the lowest part of the atmosphere as the cold air moves over the unfrozen and relatively warmer waters of the Great Lakes. As the air rises, a narrow band of clouds grows and produces two to three inches of snow every hour or more.

Which areas will experience lake effect snow depends significantly on the direction of the wind. Although the sun could be shining just a few miles away in either direction, heavy snowfall may be occurring in one area.

Additionally crucial is the physical geography of the water and the land. When predicting lake effect snow, meteorologists with the National Weather Service take into account these elements as well as others.

Weather and Health

With the cold weather and presence of humidity in the air, AccuWeather cites a few health risks including high risks for arthritis, sinus pressure, and the common cold. There are also moderate risks of the weather affecting people in Michigan with conditions including flu and migraine.

On the other hand, humidity in the air is helping tame allergens such as tree pollen, ragweed pollen, mold, and grass pollen.