Michigan’s Tuesday Travel Turmoil: Brace for Hazardous Conditions!

Hazardous travel conditions – featuring blowing, gusty snow resulting in limited visibility and white-out situations – are anticipated to persist until Tuesday as all of Michigan remains ensnared by this frigid air mass.

The extreme cold has led to icy roads throughout the state, and the lake-effect snow currently falling is less substantial due to the severe cold. This allows the snow to be easily scattered, resulting in perilous driving circumstances, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

Near-zero temperatures and sub-zero wind chills also remain a significant threat. Wind chills may plunge to 25 degrees below zero through Wednesday. The risk of frostbite on exposed skin is 30 minutes or less. If possible, stay indoors, and ensure pets are brought inside. Animal rescue organizations in Michigan have already reported instances of finding deceased pets or animals in distress.

“Severely cold temperatures and lake effect snow will continue causing slow and perilous travel conditions through Tuesday night,” remarked NWS meteorologists in Grand Rapids. “While the snow may not be particularly heavy, it will significantly reduce visibility and gradually accumulate, with the highest additional totals likely near and west of Highway 131.”

Before leaving your residence, check the highway conditions by visiting the state’s MiDrive website. It provides real-time updates on traffic slowdowns, any reported incidents, and locations where state-contracted snow plows are operational.

On Monday, a lot of slow-moving red could be seen on the map, as slide-offs and pileups were noted from West Michigan to Lansing to Flint. This evening, a snow squall line has been reported near Lansing, extending all the way to Livingston County.

One NWS employee in Grand Rapids shared this personal observation from earlier today: “Take it from someone who drove to work: 5 cars in the ditch over a 3-mile stretch of M-6 near Grand Rapids is just one among many troubling locations. Even if the pavement is visible, braking action might be minimal. A speed of 45 mph may not be safe. Don’t forget your hat and gloves.”

New snowfall expected between tonight and Wednesday could accumulate up to 8 inches near the Ottawa County/Kent County border. Forecasts predict 3 to 4 inches for Ludington, Muskegon, and Kalamazoo. The Grand Rapids region could see 4 to 6 inches.

Southeast Michigan is projected to receive less than an inch of fresh snow by Tuesday night.