GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — It’s going to be a slippery Sunday, even as the snow is winding down across West Michigan. Road crews and plows are out in full force, but with a widespread 3-6 inches of snow, it may take several hours for crews to reach every road in the area.
As of 8:00 p.m., a widespread 1-3 inches of snow had fallen across West Michigan with an additional 1-3 inches falling overnight into early Sunday morning.
The Kent County Road Commission said its night crews came in at 4 p.m. Saturday and worked overnight to clear roads that typically handle the highest traffic volumes, including state highways and primary roads. A fresh set of employees arrived to take over plowing Sunday morning.
Drivers are asked to respect the slippery and snow-covered roads by reducing speeds and leaving plenty of time to get to their destinations safely. If you must go out, drive slower for the slick conditions, avoid in-vehicle distractions and give plows plenty of room.
The messy conditions are already leading to crashes. In Kalamazoo, authorities shut down the eastbound lanes of West Main Street at Douglas Avenue Saturday night because of a crash.
A Winter Weather Advisory that had been in effect was allowed to expire at 7 a.m. Sunday.
As Storm Team 8 projected, this storm was the biggest single snow-maker for the season so far, producing a widespread 3-6 inches of snow from I-96 and on down to the south. A gusty northerly wind also led to some drifting in rural areas.
Some churches have canceled their Sunday morning services because of the weather.
So far this season, each of the snowfall events that passed through West Michigan have not exceeded 3.5 inches. Everyone in West Michigan is sitting with below average snowfall for the season.
KCRC night crews in at 4 p.m.; as snow continues, they’ll concentrate on highest-volume roads (State Roads, County Primaries). Day crews to take over Sunday AM. Drive for conditions: Reduce speeds to maintain control, avoid in-car distractions, give plows room to groom. Be safe! https://t.co/jIr17iUku5
— Kent County Road Commission (@MIKCRC) January 1, 2022
This storm will move out by Sunday, dragging in colder temperatures in its wake.
CERTAINTIES
- This system will continue Saturday night into early Sunday
- Almost everyone should see snow.
- This storm will deliver a big range in snow totals with highest amounts likely towards I-94 (Kalamazoo/ Battle Creek) and lighter amounts near Big Rapids.
- This storm will move out early Sunday morning.
Twitter Updates from Storm Team 8
Snowflakes are making it to the ground in areas after eroding away dry air aloft.
— Ellen Bacca (@ellenbacca) January 1, 2022
Snow will continue to become steady this afternoon and evening. #wmiwx pic.twitter.com/9o9a2GOf65
We will continue to keep you updated on how certain we are in the track, totals, timing and impacts.
