More storms on the way

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) -  

More winter weather is on the way Saturday evening. Snow will be moving in from the west Saturday night and picking up in intensity through Sunday morning.

 

A Winter Storm Watch has already been posted for the Saturday night through Monday morning time frame.

Accumulations will range from 3-6 inches, with the highest amounts to the northwest of Grand Rapids. Another facet to this storm is the wind, which will really be whipping during the day on Sunday. Gusts will be in the range of 30 to 40 miles per hour and with falling snow, this could create extremely low visiblitiles. Expect near blizzard conditions at times Sunday with temperatures only in the teens. Wind chills will be much lower.

Information from the National Weather Service cautioned that temperatures will be bitterly cold as a strong cold front comes into the region carrying a blast of extremely cold arctic air. Wind chills could drop as low as 15 to 25 degrees below zero.

 

The upcoming forecast for winter weather followed a snowy blast that hit West Michigan hard on Friday.

Area police departments told drivers to stay inside and off the roads, if at all possible.

The Grand Rapids Police Department and the Holland Police Department asked people to stay inside and off the streets on Friday afternoon. Grand Rapids City Snow Removal kept the main roads clear as much as possible, but side roads are extremely hazardous and, in some cases, nearly impossible to drive through.

In Holland, many streets became impassable due to the snow conditions and emergency vehicles also had a difficult time assisting those that may be stuck and in need of assistance.

The snow proved difficult for ambulance crews out responding to emergencies Friday.

While on patrol with Life EMS, 24 Hour News 8 found side streets in northeast Grand Rapids nearly impassable. The company vice president had to come out and tow the ambulance we were riding in to get it unstuck.

Fortunately, when a Priority One call came in, major arterials were in good enough condition to get the crew to a senior facility near 44th and Breton. The trip still took twice as long as it normally would have.

Crews told us call volume was not substantially higher than normal but some who would normally drive themselves to a medical facility have been calling for ambulance transport.

Life EMS has delayed a number of non-emergency transports to the afternoon.

Several flights were delayed or cancelled at the Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids .

Forest Hills Central High School officials made winter weather preparations on Thursday. Several students and parents confirmed some teachers who scheduled tests for Friday, in preparation of the storm, rescheduled those tests a day earlier.

24 Hour News 8 followed Thursday a Kent County Road Commission truck. The driver's goal was to put a layer of de-icer along bridges and overpasses, hoping it would help with the upcoming snow.

Employees with the Kent County Road Commission said they are right on track with the budget so far. But the rest of the winter season is going to dictate if they stay that way.