GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – The Lakeshore had better settle in for a lengthy winter storm this week.
On Monday afternoon, the National Weather Service office at Ford Airport in Grand Rapids extended a Winter Storm Warning for Allegan and Ottawa Counties, as well as eight surrounding counties, another 66 hours to 1 PM on Wednesday. According to the statement issued by that office, “Light snow is expected to diminish (on Monday evening) before snow showers redevelop overnight. Some freezing drizzle possible into early (on Monday) evening. Additional accumulations of 1 to 4 inches through (Monday) night. Additional accumulations will be possible Tuesday through Thursday, with some blowing and drifting likely.
“Dangerous cold wind chills will develop on Tuesday afternoon and last into Thursday morning, Wind chills as low as 30 below zero expected.”
The Winter Storm Warning was initially posted on Sunday afternoon, leading most of the Lakeshore’s school districts to call for a “snow day” about 12 hours ahead of the scheduled start of classes on Monday. The weather conditions also compelled Hope College officials to call off classes and close offices on Monday, which is somewhat unusual for a school where the majority of its students live on or near campus.
-Gary Stevens
