Blizzard conditions possible Friday.

Blizzard conditions possible Friday.

OCEANA COUNTY — A winter storm watch is in effect beginning Thursday afternoon, Dec. 22, through Saturday evening, Dec. 24.

The watch affects a large area including Oceana County, as well as Mason, Muskegon, Lake, Osceola, Clare, Newaygo, Mecosta, Isabella, Montcalm, Gratiot, Ottawa, Kent, Ionia, Clinton, Allegan, Barry, Eaton, Ingham, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun and Jackson counties.

Blizzard conditions are possible Friday with winds gusting as high as 55 mph, causing significant blowing and drifting, states the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids. “Storm total snowfall through Saturday could be in excess of a foot along and west of US 131 from Kalamazoo northward to Grand Rapids and Big Rapids.

“Travel could be very difficult to impossible,” states NWS. “Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the commutes and holiday travel. Strong winds could cause tree damage leading to power outages. Sub-zero wind chills are expected Friday into Saturday.

“Snow will develop Thursday afternoon and evening. It will become heavy at times Thursday night. The risk for heavy snow will persist through Friday. The widespread snow will become more lake effect Friday night into Saturday. The  strongest winds are expected Friday into Friday evening.

Snowfall rates of an inch per hour are expected. The temperature will be falling from around freezing Thursday afternoon into the 20s Thursday night with increasing impacts expected on the roadways then.

“Prepare for possible blizzard conditions.”

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