Winter storm warnings have been issued for nearly half of Michigan as arctic air pushes its way across the state.
Cold temperatures, gusty winds and snow showers are expected Wednesday night and into Thursday.
Here’s what to know about the snow totals, snow squalls and frigid temperatures.
Snow in Metro Detroit
In Metro Detroit, 1 to 3 inches of snow accumulation is expected, but snow squalls will create hazardous driving conditions in the evening on Wednesday, Dec. 4.
A winter weather advisory is issued for Southeast Michigan, including the city of Midland, from 7 p.m. Wednesday through 4 a.m. on Friday.
An arctic front will pass through the region tonight. Brief but intense snow showers are expected along this arctic air surge. Some of these snow showers will drop quick accumulations. During the night and into the day Thursday, west winds will gust between 35 and 45 MPH . pic.twitter.com/XdL4DQbk1F
— NWS Detroit (@NWSDetroit) December 4, 2024
Snow in West Michigan and Northern Lower Michigan
Several inches of accumulation is possible for most of West Michigan, according to the National Weather Service, with the highest totals west of U.S.-131.
The winter storm warning is in effect from 5 p.m. through 1 a.m. on Friday for Mason, Lake, Osceola, Oceana, Newaygo, Mecosta, Muskegon, Ottawa, Kent, Allegan, Barry, Van Buren, Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties, including the cities of Grand Haven, Muskegon, Fremont, Jenison, Grand Rapids, Hastings, Big Rapids, Holland, Battle Creek, Ludington, Hart, Baldwin, South Haven, Reed City, and Kalamazoo.
The winter storm warning is also in effect for Western Chippewa and Western Mackinac Counties through Thursday.
Snow in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
The winter storm warning has been issued for Delta and Iron Counties, according to the National Weather Service.
Areas in the Upper Peninsula and northwestern parts of Michigan could get between 8 and 10 inches of snow, with some areas potentially getting more than 12 inches.
NW lake effect snow ramps up behind the Clipper low today before slowly transitioning to north wind lake effect snow tonight and Thursday. Watch out for blowing snow over the northern U.P. the next couple of days and for rapidly deteriorating travel conditions! #906wx #miwx pic.twitter.com/O7J1t6mUMK
— NWS Marquette (@NWSMarquette) December 4, 2024
To see the latest updates on winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories in effect throughout Michigan, check out the interactive map on the National Weather Service’s website.
What to know about snow squalls
Snow squalls are possible throughout Michigan, including Metro Detroit. Squalls are intense bursts of snow that happen in a short period of time. They cause a quick reduction in visibility, which prompts whiteout-like conditions.
The snow squalls and frigid temperatures could cause icy conditions.
They are expected Wednesday evening. In Metro Detroit, the squalls are forecasted to happen from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Drivers should avoid traveling during snow squalls, and especially avoid highways.
If someone has to drive during a snow squall, they should find alternate routes that keep them off highways, use their headlights and drive slow.
