Near whiteout conditions expected today

Mason County and surrounding areas are under a winter weather advisory until 1 a.m. Friday. Snow is expected to intensify throughout the day and into the evening. South winds will gust to around 30 mph at times causing blowing and drifting snow. Near whiteout visibility is expected at times. Snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches expected by 1 a.m. Friday.

Also, The Pere Marquette River at Scottville Riverside Park remains under a flood advisory until Thursday afternoon. At 9 a.m. this morning the stage was 4.2 feet, bank full stage is 4 feet and flood stage is 5.5 feet. The river is expected to rise to near 4.3 feet by this afternoon.

Today’s weather forecast: High temperature of 31 degrees with an 80 percent chance of snow, 1 to 3 inches accumulated. Wind, south at 18 mph.

Sunset: 5:35 p.m. (not that you will see it setting!)

Tonight: Snow continues with a 70 percent chance. Winds decreasing to south-southwest at 9 mph then changing to northwest at 10 mph. Low of 25.

Tomorrow: Sunrise at 8:16 a.m. Variable cloudy with snow showers. High near 25. Winds, north-northwest at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow, 60%.

The outdoor report for Mason County is sponsored by Superior Electric of Ludington: 231-845-0126; www.supelectric.com.