Michigan's Winter Whiplash: Snowy Surprises Ahead

Michigan is in for a wild weather ride this weekend. Most places will see light, on-and-off snow showers, with just an inch or two of accumulation. But don't be fooled—some areas are in for a real snow dump. An unusual, heavy lake-effect snow band is expected to stretch from Muskegon, Pentwater, and Ludington up to Big Rapids and beyond. This isn't your typical snowfall. We're talking about a significant amount of snow, potentially up to a foot in some spots by Tuesday. Meanwhile, Traverse City will see heavier snow this evening, but not quite as extreme. The winter weather advisory covers Muskegon to Ludington and Big Rapids, highlighting where the heaviest snow will fall. Radar forecasts show that the worst of the snow will hit Monday, with strong winds making driving conditions treacherous. Southeast Lower Michigan will mostly see light, non-accumulating flurries. But from the Lake Michigan shoreline up to Traverse City, Kalkaska, and Gaylord, expect anywhere from two to six inches of snow. The snow will come in bursts, so it will take until late evening to see the full accumulation.Things get even crazier starting Sunday night. Arctic air will blast into the state, bringing heavy snow to the western third of Lower Michigan. Expect six to ten inches of snow, with blowing and drifting making it hard to measure. The eastern two-thirds of the state won't see as much accumulation, but the snow will still blow easily, reducing visibility and creating icy patches on roads. Driving conditions will be dangerous, especially in the western third of the state, from U. S. 131 westward. Blizzard conditions are possible along U. S. 31 Sunday night and Monday. If you're planning to travel, check the MDOT road cameras for real-time conditions. As of 7 a. m. , U. S. 31 from Muskegon to Ludington was already looking snowy, and quick slick spots could pop up anywhere. The forecast for Monday still looks accurate, so be prepared for a rough ride if you're out on the roads.