By Jordan Wilcox
Assistant Publisher
A prolonged stretch of winter weather brought snow, extreme cold, and hazardous travel conditions to Allegan and Van Buren Counties over the past week, disrupting daily routines and prompting multiple school closings as districts prioritized safety.
The active weather pattern began early in the week with a winter weather advisory issued for much of southwest Michigan. Light to moderate snow fell over several days, with the most notable accumulations occurring around January 20 and 21. In Allegan County, snowfall totals for the week were estimated at roughly 5 to 8 inches, while Van Buren County generally saw 6 to 10 inches, with higher amounts reported in areas closer to Lake Michigan.
While snowfall created slick conditions, it was the arrival of bitterly cold air later in the week that caused the greatest concern. By midweek, temperatures dropped sharply, with daytime highs struggling to rise above the low to mid-teens. Overnight lows fell into the single digits and at times dipped below zero. Gusty winds pushed wind chill values well into the minus-teens and minus-20s, raising the risk of frostbite and making extended outdoor exposure dangerous.
Road conditions deteriorated as snow-packed surfaces remained frozen by the persistent cold. Even after plowing, untreated side streets and rural roads stayed slick, and blowing snow reduced visibility in open areas. The repeated rounds of snowfall left little time for complete cleanup before the next system arrived, compounding travel challenges throughout the region.
As conditions worsened, school administrators across both counties closely monitored forecasts, road reports, and temperature trends. Most districts announced several days’ worth of closures late in the week, particularly when sub-zero wind chills coincided with snow-covered roads, creating hazardous bus stop and travel conditions.
By the weekend, the region remained locked in winter’s grip. Snow cover persisted, and temperatures remained well below average for late January, with highs still limited to the teens. Although conditions began to slowly moderate heading into the following week, officials cautioned that winter hazards can linger long after snowfall ends, especially when cold temperatures prevent melting.
The past week served as a reminder of how quickly winter weather can escalate in southwest Michigan, impacting not only travel but also school schedules and daily life. With snow totals nearing double digits in some areas and temperatures plunging below zero, communities across the region were once again forced to adapt to the challenges of a classic Michigan winter.
