Day 1 School Closing Outlook
Valid: Thursday, January 23, 2025
Issued: Wednesday, January 21, 2025 3:34 PM
Summary:
Additional lake-effect snow will create significant travel impacts for parts of our area overnight tonight and into Thursday morning which leads to yet another day of high snow day potential.
Discussion:
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect across parts of our area this evening as heavy lake-effect snow continues to dump on portions of the Lakeshore, especially from Grand Haven North to Manistee.
This snowfall, especially when combined with the strong winds of up to 40 MPH, has contributed to signifcant travel impacts and we have many reports this afternoon of snowfall amounts approaching double digits with higher amounts in snow drifts caused by the strong wind.
Overnight, winds will begin to subside allowing for blowing snow to become less of a concern, however, snow bands will continue and areas under the bands of snow will see additional snow accumulations of 2-6 inches with locally higher amounts possible.
Additionaly, a more intense band of snowfall (as shown above), with snowfall rates possibly exceeding 1 inch per hour, is evident on the latest computer weather model guidance from the HRRR and is expected to being impacting the areas between Pentwater and Grand Rapids between the hours of 4:00 AM and 8:00 AM. This is obviously peak morning commute time and as this snow band moves through we expect further reductions in travel conditions.
Graphical Forecast:
Day 2 School Closing Outlook
Valid: Friday, January 24, 2025
Issued: Wednesday, January 22, 2025 3:34 PM
Summary:
One more day of snow day potential is evident for portions of the lakeshore again on Friday as additional snow is expected overnight Thursday.
West Michigan Weather spends a lot of time making these snow day predictions. It is our goal to make all of our pertinent forecasts available to everyone. However, because this is a Day 2 Prediction and not a Day 1 Prediction and we consider this a premium benefit for those who do support us, we do ask that you help support us by donating to our organization if you are able!
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The Day 1 Snow Day prediction will be available to everyone tomorrow afternoon!