Clipper system to bring several inches of snow to parts of Lower Michigan

Parts of Lower Michigan will see accumulating snow to start the workweek thanks to a quick moving clipper system.

Areas along the Michigan coast of Lake Michigan, from South Haven up through Traverse City, are under a winter weather advisory with up to five inches of snow expected on Monday into Tuesday.

Here’s what the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids said on Sunday:

“A quick shot of winter weather is expected from Monday morning to Tuesday morning. Many areas will see some wet snow Monday morning. Snow will then transition by Monday evening to narrower, more focused and intense bands downwind of Lake Michigan. Locally hazardous travel conditions are expected in parts of southwest and northwest Lower Michigan.”

Van Buren County is under a winter storm warning with upwards of six inches possible.

Areas near Traverse City could see between two and five inches of snow, while areas like Muskegon will see closer to three inches, according to NWS estimates.

NWS said the biggest hazards with the storm will be slick roads, near-zero visibility and blowing snow, making travel dangerous.

Here are maps from NWS showing snow accumulation chances in Lower Michigan:

Snow in Metro Detroit?

Here’s what 4Warn’s Ron Hilliard says:

“As the storm system intensifies over the Northeast on Monday, rain and snow showers and gusty winds will impact Southeast Michigan. Gale conditions will be possible on Lake Huron with significant waves of 10 to 15 feet. Onshore in the Thumb, winds will be out of the northwest at 15 to 25 mph with gusts as high as 40 mph. Winds will be a tad less intense in Metro Detroit and closer to 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Metro Detroit will see a mix of rain and snow showers as temperatures peak in the upper 30s to near 40 degrees. The chance of light snow accumulation is greater in the Thumb, where lake-effect snow bands may set up.” (Read more here)