**Phase 1 of Storm Here, Phase 2 To Come Later Today, Tonight**
**BLIZZARD WARNING for Mason, Lake, Oceana and Newaygo through Thursday afternoon**
** WINTER STORM WARNING for most of the viewing area through tomorrow morning **
**Blizzard/Near Blizzard Conditions can be expected at times especially once the storm exits the area later today**
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Phase 1 of this storm has been affecting us since last night and will do so through mid afternoon. Phase 2 occurs this evening and tonight through Thursday.
Snow totals have been just about on target from what our weather team predicted. Anywhere from 6″-10″ of snow has fallen in most areas (especially in the L.P.) thus far. Granted, there are some areas that have seen a little bit less but overall, the predicted amounts have been on target.
We have also seen some wind gusts over 50-60mph earlier this morning.
Please continue sending us below your storm reports and snow totals with the time of measurement!
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Now, for the forecast.
Looking at the late morning data, we will see the center of the storm system move from Muskegon to Oscoda. Right under the path of the low, the winds will be much lighter. However on the N and NW side of the low, the winds will be strong. Once this system exits the region later today, the winds will ramp up in all areas once again. And as the temperatures cool this evening, the snow falling will be fluffier, hence it will be easier to whip around by the strong winds.
Remember, blizzard to near blizzard conditions will be likely at times. And heading into the nighttime hours, travel will be absolutely hazardous.
Winds today in the north will be E/NE/N 15-30mph and gusty. Near NW and W lower Michigan, the winds will increase more this afternoon as the storm exits. Winds will be N/NW 15-30mph and gusty. Our SW areas (where the Blizzard Warning is in effect) will see the strongest winds this afternoon, evening and night. W/NW winds 15-35mph and gusty here.
Temperatures tonight will be in the teens, so yes, it will be drastically colder. This will make the roads that much more slick especially on the backroads where the road crews might have taken a pass scraping down the road.
The concerns will be heavy snowsqualls (very intense across NW lower Michigan and Chippewa/Northern Luce counties in the U.P.) very late tonight and through all of Thursday. Even areas west of US-131 will see some heavy snowshowers. Highs will only be in the teens Thursday.
Friday will be interesting with partly cloudy skies for are interior sections but we will see the chance for see a few very heavy squalls shaping up in Chippewa and Luce Counties in the U.P. and NW lower Michigan. Highs will only be in the teens.
Keep it tuned to 9&10 Weather for the latest updates on part two of this storm system.
-Meteorologist Jim Lehocky
