Published: Nov. 29, 2023, 5:18 p.m.

Updated: Nov. 29, 2023, 5:20 p.m.

A winter storm system is set to impact the southern half of Lower Michigan, bringing the potential for snowfall in several cities, according to the latest forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The storm is expected to originate in the southwest U.S. and gradually move northwards, with the northern edge of the system extending into southern Lower Michigan. While the majority of the precipitation will fall as rain, the northern part of the storm system is likely to change to snow on Friday, creating a swath of snow that will cut across southern Lower Michigan from west to east.

According to the radar forecast, snowfall is expected to begin late Friday morning, starting from Saginaw and progressing towards Lansing. As colder air moves down into the lower atmosphere, the rain could transform into snow over a larger area by midday Friday, with snowfall anticipated from Saginaw to Lansing and even reaching Grand Rapids by noon.

However, cities such as Ann Arbor, Detroit, Jackson, and Kalamazoo may remain too warm to experience a complete transition to snow.

The first round of snowfall is anticipated to wind down by 6 p.m. on Friday. Meanwhile, a second area of light snow is forecasted to move through Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa, potentially affecting late Friday night and Saturday morning.

Meteorologists predict a general snowfall of two to four inches, although some isolated areas could see up to five inches. However, with potential melting, it is more likely that snow accumulations will be around two inches, with maximum snowfall reaching up to four inches. The main snow band is expected to stretch through cities such as Grand Rapids, Lansing, Saginaw, Bay City, Flint, and the Thumb region. The southern edge of the snow is expected to shift slightly northward.

As of 5:00 p.m. on November 29, the snow band has not formed yet, leaving room for potential adjustments in the forecast. Residents are encouraged to stay updated with the latest information and check for any updates on the developing weather conditions.