Winter’s first big snowstorm has arrived, and it’s causing a snowday celebration for many students across Michigan. From Huron County to Kalamazoo, school buses are staying parked as snowflakes fall and the winds whip through the state, making travel a bit tricky.
If you're in Kalamazoo, Muskegon, or Holland, you can go ahead and relax — no classes today. These school districts, along with many others in West Michigan, decided to close their doors as the snowstorm made its way across the state.
Some other districts that have joined the snow day crew include:
- Grand Haven
- Jenison
- West Ottawa
- Allegan
- Battle Creek
- Grandville
- Portage
- Mona Shores
- North Muskegon
- South Haven
- Zeeland
- Rockford
- Ravenna
- Kenowa Hills
- Comstock Park
- Coopersville
- Thornapple-Kellogg
- Spring Lake
- Newaygo
- Big Rapids
Snow from the first winter storm of the season has made driving conditions less than ideal. In Huron County, districts were some of the first to call off classes, as lake effect snow off Lake Huron continues to dump snow on the region. This snowstorm’s biggest impact? Slippery roads and the kind of wind chills that make you wish you had an extra blanket. With all these schools closing, it’s clear that Michigan’s winter weather is making an early mark this season.
What is the snowstorm warning that caused Michigan schools to close?
As reported by WoodTV, a winter storm warning is active across much of Michigan, extending through early Friday morning. Eastern parts of the region are under a winter weather advisory, but the most significant impacts are expected west of US-131, where snowfall totals could reach 5 to 8 inches.
An arctic cold front is making its way through West Michigan, bringing a sharp increase in snowfall late Wednesday evening, coinciding with the tail end of the evening commute. This snowfall will transition into persistent lake-effect snow bands, continuing overnight and throughout Thursday.
Although the snow may lighten briefly in the early hours of Thursday, heavier snowfall is expected to pick up again around sunrise in lakeshore counties. Snowfall will likely remain steady throughout the day, complicating travel across the area.
Winds gusting between 40 and 50 mph, especially near the lakeshore, will combine with light, fluffy lake-effect snow to create whiteout conditions at times. With temperatures dropping to around 20°F, road salt may lose effectiveness, making roads particularly slick and hazardous.
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What’s next for Michigan residents?
As the storm continues to sweep across the state, stay tuned to local news and websites like Wood TV for updates on more school closings and delays. With snow still falling and wind chill warnings in place, there could be more cancellations to come. Stay warm, Michigan!
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