Wind gusts may reach 55 mph today

A winter weather advisory remains in effect until 7 p.m. this evening. Drifting snow and icy roads have resulted in school closings for the day (see related). Southwest winds will be 25 to 35 mph with gusts of 50 to 55 mph along the lakeshore and 40 to 45 mph inland. This will cause blowing and drifting snow, especially where new snow is falling.

Periods of snow and snow showers are possible throughout the day with an 80% chance of precipitation, about an inch expected.

Today’s high temperature will be near 35 degrees F.

Tonight, windy becoming partly cloudy with any flurries or snow showers ending by midnight. Low temperature of 17 F. Winds, west-southwest at 25 to 35 mph diminishing to 10 to 20 mph.

Saturday, windy with mostly cloudy skies and a high of 22 F. Winds west-southwest at 20 to 30 mph. Saturday night, flurries and a few snow showers throughout the night with a low of 13 F. Winds west at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow, 30%.

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