A new snowfall map (Feb. 1, 2011)
Updated: Wednesday, 02 Feb 2011, 8:09 AM EST
Published : Monday, 31 Jan 2011, 10:53 AM EST
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Though the Blizzard Warning for West Michigan has officially ended, the snow and winds continue in what is already the biggest-ever February storm.
A massive winter storm moved into West Michigan Tuesday night and continues through Wednesday afternoon, bringing heavy snow, gusty winds, blowing and drifting, below-zero wind chills and blizzard conditions.
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Here's the timeline from Storm Team 8:
This storm has a good chance of coming close to the all-time record snow events of 1967 and 1978 (both on Jan. 26). We must exceed 11.4 inches of snow for this storm to be a record breaker.
Through 9 a.m. Wednesday: Snow will be moderate to heavy. Roads will be snow covered and slippery. This is the period of heaviest snow when snowfall rates will be in the range of 1-2 inches per hour. The wind will be sustained at 20 to 30 mph with frequent gusts in the 35-45 mph range, resulting in blizzard, or near blizzard conditions. Roads are already impassible and if you get stuck you will not get assistance until daytime because crews will likely not be able to reach you.
Wednesday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Moderate snow will begin to lighten up from west to east. Blowing and drifting will continue, along with low visibilities. Blizzard conditions are still possible in isolated areas, even in areas where the snow has let up or stopped...due to it's light and fluffy nature, it will blow around easily.
Wednesday 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.: Snow will be ending from west to east with the wind also relaxing a touch. Travel is still not advised unless necessary, as it may take hours to catch up and clear the roads.
At this point it looks like most, if not all, of Southwest Lower Michigan will see 10-16 inches of snow.
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