Lower Michigan is bracing for one of its most dangerous winter weather setups of the season. A surge of Arctic air, combined with strong winds and deep bands of lake-effect snow, is expected to impact millions of residents beginning Sunday night.

Meteorologists warn that travel across at least one-third of the region may become extremely hazardous. Several counties, particularly along the Lake Michigan shoreline, could experience whiteout conditions, blowing snow, and wind chills as low as -35 degrees.

The storm system will sweep across western, central, and eastern lower Michigan, affecting major cities including Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Holland, Kalamazoo, Lansing, and the Detroit metro area. Forecasters urge drivers to prepare for rapidly deteriorating visibility and icy roads.

The combination of fluffy snow, strong winds, and bitter cold makes this Arctic outbreak especially dangerous—and the timing coincides with the Monday morning commute.

Arctic Blast Set to Sweep Through Lower Michigan

An intense Arctic air mass is expected to plunge into lower Michigan on Sunday night, setting the stage for widespread lake-effect snow and hazardous winter conditions. The cold front, driven by frigid air sinking southward from Canada, will collide with moisture from Lake Michigan and generate heavy bursts of snow across multiple counties.

The first and most significant impacts are projected along the western third of lower Michigan, including Ottawa, Muskegon, Allegan, Van Buren, Berrien, and Mason counties. These areas are directly exposed to strong lake-effect snow bands that develop when cold air crosses relatively warmer lake water.

Snowfall rates will be intense at times, and forecasters warn that accumulations may reach up to a foot in some locations.

Wind Gusts Will Intensify Monday Morning

While lake-effect snow is a frequent winter occurrence in Michigan, what sets this system apart is the intensity of the wind. On Monday, wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph are expected across western lakeshore counties, and 25 to 35 mph gusts are likely for interior counties such as Kent, Ionia, Montcalm, Eaton, Ingham, Clinton, and Jackson.

These winds will blow around the dry, powdery snow currently covering much of the region, creating dangerous visibility issues even in areas that do not receive additional snowfall.

Travel could become extremely difficult along major highways, including:

• US-131

• I-96

• I-94

• US-31

• M-6

• I-75 (farther east)

Drivers should expect areas of sudden whiteout conditions, especially west of US-131.

Potential for True Whiteout Conditions

Meteorologists caution that many residents underestimate what a true whiteout looks like. Blowing snow will likely reduce visibility to under one-quarter mile, with some areas seeing near-zero visibility.

The highest risk areas include counties along Lake Michigan—from Ludington and Pentwater down to South Haven and New Buffalo.

A true whiteout means a driver can barely see more than a few feet ahead, making travel extremely dangerous. These conditions may occur at any time Monday and continue into Monday evening.

Snow Totals Across Lower Michigan

Snow totals will vary significantly across the region:

• Western Lower Michigan (lakeshore counties):
  8–12 inches, locally higher in narrow lake-effect bands.

• Central Lower Michigan (Kent, Montcalm, Newaygo, Barry, Ionia):
  4–8 inches with blowing snow.

• Eastern Lower Michigan (Genesee, Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Washtenaw):
  2–4 inches plus drifting snow from strong winds.

• Northern Lower Michigan (Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet):
  Light accumulations but severe wind chills.

Even counties receiving only a few inches will still see dangerous road conditions due to drifting and reduced visibility.

Wind Chill Danger Across the Region

Wind chills are expected to drop as low as:

• -15° to -25° in central and eastern lower Michigan

• -25° to -35° in western counties near Lake Michigan

These conditions pose a risk of frostbite in as little as 10–15 minutes.

Timeline of Expected Impacts

Sunday Evening

• Arctic air begins moving into western Michigan

• Lake-effect snow bands begin forming over the lake

Late Sunday Night

• Heavy bands move into lakeshore counties

• Winds increase, gusting above 30 mph

Monday Morning

• Peak period of hazardous travel

• Widespread blowing snow and whiteout conditions

• Wind chills plunge to extreme lows

Monday Afternoon and Evening

• Lake-effect continues but snow rates begin to diminish

• Blowing and drifting snow remains a significant hazard

Tuesday

• Gradual improvement, but bitter cold continues statewide

Public and Official Response

While no statewide emergency declarations have been issued as of the latest weather reports, multiple counties have already begun issuing winter storm warnings and advisories. Road commissions across lower Michigan have warned that plow operations may struggle to keep up with drifting snow and low visibility.

Cities including Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Lansing, and Kalamazoo have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel on Monday.

Schools across western and central Michigan may announce delays or closures, depending on Monday morning conditions.

What Happens Next

The Arctic air mass will settle over Michigan for much of the week, keeping temperatures well below freezing. Additional lake-effect snow may develop midweek, although accumulation levels should be lower than Monday’s event.

Residents should remain alert for updates from the National Weather Service and local emergency management offices as the situation evolves.

KEY FACT SUMMARY TABLE

FAQ SECTION

1. Which Michigan counties will be hit hardest?

Lakeshore counties including Muskegon, Ottawa, Allegan, Van Buren, and Berrien are expected to see the heaviest snow and strongest winds.

2. Will major cities like Grand Rapids and Lansing be affected?

Yes. Grand Rapids will see heavy lake-effect snow, while Lansing will face strong winds, drifting snow, and dangerous wind chills.

3. How bad will road conditions be on Monday?

Roads may be hazardous statewide, with whiteouts, drifting snow, and icy surfaces making travel dangerous or impossible in some areas.

4. How cold will it get?

Wind chills may reach between -15° and -35°, depending on location, especially Monday morning.

5. Will eastern Michigan see the same snow amounts?

No. Eastern counties will see lighter totals, but strong winds will still cause drifting and poor visibility.

6. Can this storm cause power outages?

Strong winds and blowing snow could lead to outages, especially near the lakeshore.

7. How long will the extreme cold last?

Temperatures will remain very cold through midweek, with gradual improvement after that.

CLOSING

Lower Michigan is entering a period of severe winter conditions driven by Arctic air, lake-effect snow, and powerful winds. The combination of blowing snow, poor visibility, and dangerous wind chills supports widespread travel disruptions across the region. Residents are encouraged to stay updated, limit travel during peak conditions, and monitor National Weather Service alerts for changing advisories.

The next major updates will center on school closures, road conditions, and the progression of lake-effect snow bands throughout Monday.