Winter storm warning extended to Friday morning.

Winter storm warning extended to Friday morning.

‘Areas of blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility to near zero.’

MASON COUNTY — The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids extended the winter storm warning for west Michigan, which includes Mason County, until Friday, Jan. 7, at 10 a.m.

NWS extended the warning Wednesday, Jan 5, shortly after 3:30 p.m.

In addition to Mason, counties included in the storm warning area are Oceana, Lake, Newaygo, Muskegon, Ottawa, Kent and Allegan.

Expect heavy lake effect snow into Friday morning with total snow accumulations of 6-12 inches and winds gusting as high as 45 mph — mainly from Muskegon southward.

“Travel will continue to be very difficult,” states NWS. “Areas of blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility to near zero at times. The hazardous conditions will greatly impact the evening commute.

“The snow showers will continue to be heavy at times through the evening. A second area of enhanced heavy snow will slowly move south from the Ludington area early this evening to the Holland, Muskegon and Grand Rapids area during the overnight hours. This second area of heavy snow may be heavier than what has occurred during the day time today.

“Winds will gust into the 40-50 mph range near the lakeshore and up to 40 mph inland into this evening. Winds will be more in the 15-25 mph range overnight. Occasional whiteouts will occur… Localized heavy lake effect snow and hazardous travel conditions will continue into Friday morning for portions of western Lower Michigan.

“If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.”

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