Michigan's Snowy Surprise: What's Changing?

Michigan is gearing up for a snowy week. The weather forecast has seen some adjustments, with certain areas now expecting more snow than previously thought. This snowfall is all thanks to lake-effect snow, which means the snowbelts in the northwest and southwest parts of Lower Michigan will be hit the hardest. However, even areas not typically known for heavy snowfall can expect at least an inch or two. The southeast part of Lower Michigan is in for a bit of a surprise. Strong winds are pushing two bands of lake-effect snow farther east than usual. This means places like Bad Axe and Harbor Beach could see up to 6 inches of snow. Meanwhile, Ann Arbor and Jackson might get 2 to 4 inches. The southwest part of the state, particularly around Kalamazoo, is expected to see the heaviest snowfall, with totals ranging from 8 to 12 inches by Friday morning. Grand Rapids, on the other hand, is looking at a more modest 2 to 6 inches. Up north, the snow forecast has been tweaked as well. Parts of Kalkaska County could see 12 to 18 inches of snow, while other areas in northwest Lower Michigan, like Traverse City, are expected to get at least 6 inches. The Upper Peninsula is also in for a significant snowfall, with some areas potentially seeing up to 2 feet of snow. The heaviest snow is expected to start this evening and will continue through Thanksgiving night. The snow should start to wind down Friday morning as the wind shifts direction. This shift is due to an upcoming storm system that is expected to bring even more snow to the entire Lower Peninsula starting Saturday and lasting until Sunday. If you're planning to travel, the safest time to hit the road might be Friday afternoon or Saturday morning. Just be prepared for changing conditions and keep an eye on the forecast.