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Storm warning extended until 7 p.m. Thursday.
#WinterStorm2019
OCEANA COUNTY – The winter storm warning issued by the National Weather Service has been extended until Thursday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m.
“Blowing and drifting snow will reduce visibilities to near zero at times,” states NWS. “Dangerously cold wind chills of 25-45 below zero will last through Thursday morning before slowly improving on Thursday. Coldest wind chills will be along I-94 and away from Lake Michigan.”
Residents can expect “lake effect snow showers north of South Haven to the Lansing line. (Expect) additional snow accumulations of 1-4 inches locally through tonight.
“Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the morning and evening commutes. The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 45 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.”
Counties in the warning area include: Oceana, Mason, Lake, Newaygo, Muskegon, Ottawa, Kent, Ionia, Clinton, Allegan, Barry, Eaton, Ingham, Van Buren, Kalamazoo and Calhoun.
NWS extended the warning Wednesday afternoon. It had previously been effect until 1 p.m. Thursday. It is the second time it was extended. When the warning first took effect, it was issued until 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28.
“A winter storm warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous or impossible. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your
vehicle in case of an emergency. The combination of very cold air and the wind will create dangerously low wind chill values. Frostbite can occur quickly and even hypothermia or death if precautions are not taken.”
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