NWS Urges Drivers to Stay Off Roads as Whiteouts Hit West Michigan

Mother Nature is asking that you stay home and stay comfy today.

The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids is urging drivers to stay off the roads today, saying “travel is not recommended” near and west of US-131 through Monday afternoon as a winter storm continues to move through West Michigan.

Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories remain in effect until 7 am Tuesday January 20th, but the worst of it is happening right now. The heaviest snow is expected through Monday morning, with conditions only slowly improving as the day goes on. Areas along and west of US-131 are seeing the most persistent snowfall.

Strong winds are making everything worse. Gusts topping 30 mph are creating significant blowing and drifting snow, which is leading to reduced visibility and, in some spots, near-whiteout conditions. The National Weather Service says those whiteouts are already showing up on MDOT traffic cameras across major highways and interstates.

The extreme cold isn’t helping either. With temperatures hovering in the teens and continuing to fall, road crews have had to adjust how they treat the roads. Salt loses effectiveness in bitter cold, so crews are mixing in sand to try to improve traction where they can.

If you can stay home today, this is a good one to do it. If you absolutely have to travel, give yourself extra time, slow way down, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.