Mason County under winter storm warning

Mason County under winter storm warning

‘Near blizzard conditions are possible.’

The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids has issued a winter storm warning for Oceana County.

The warning is in effect from 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12, to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13. 

“Near blizzard conditions are possible,” states NWS. “Travel could become very difficult and perhaps impossible by Friday night. Total snow accumulations of 8-14 inches and winds gusting as high as 50 mph are predicted. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches and cause power outages.

“Significant snowfall accumulations with strong winds will cause moderate to major impacts across much of lower Michigan. This storm will lead to major travel hazards, and travel should be avoided Friday afternoon and evening, when peak snow rates will be 1-2 inches per hour. After this storm moves through Saturday, there will be prolonged cold temperatures as well as lake effect snow into next week.”

Other counties included in the winter storm warning include: Oceana, Lake, Osceola, Clare, Newaygo, Mecosta, Isabella, Muskegon, Montcalm, Gratiot, Ottawa, Kent, Ionia, Allegan, Barry, Van Buren and Kalamazoo

NWS upgraded the winter storm watch to a winter storm warning just after 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan 11.