UNDATED (WHTC-AM/FM, Jan. 12, 2024) – The National Weather Service office in Grand Rapids has posted a Winter Storm Warning for the Lakeshore and much of West Michigan from 10 this morning to 7 tomorrow evening. Between 8 and 13 inches of snow are predicted, with winds gusting as high as 50 miles per hour.
Some may scoff over overpreparation for a predicted winter storm that will hit the Lakeshore today, based on the unpredictability of weather in this region, but for those whose responsibility involves the public’s safety, they would rather err on the side of caution than regret that they didn’t do enough.
Yesterday, Ottawa County officials announced that all county buildings would be closed on January 12th due to the weather. The county’s Emergency Management office established a string of warming centers available throughout the county:
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Gateway Mission (Holland Rescue Mission), 166 S River Ave., Holland – 24/7
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Herrick District Library, 300 S. River Ave., Holland – Friday 9-6; Saturday 9-6; Sunday 1-6
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Grand Haven City Hall, 519 Washington Ave., Grand Haven – Available if power outages occur
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Grand Haven Community Center, 421 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven – Saturday 9-6; Sunday 1-4
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Loutit District Library, 407 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven – Saturday 10-2; Sunday 1-4
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Barber School, 102 W. Savidge St. (M-104), Spring Lake – Hours TBD based on outages and need
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Hudsonville City Hall, 3275 Central Blvd., Hudsonville – Hours TBD based on outages and need
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Terra Square, 3380 Chicago Dr. (M-121), Hudsonville – Hours TBD based on outages and need
If additional information is needed on these centers, residents should call 2-1-1.
Some safety tips from the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department: Fill your vehicle’s gas tank; check your food supplies; store bottles of water; and have backup power available, but never run a gas powered generator in an enclosed area. If you must drive: Dress for cold temperatures; have headlights turned on due to decreased visibility; remove snow from windows and headlights/brake lights; reduce speeds; and have blankets or extra clothing, along with bottled water. There is the possibility of delayed response from first responders, due to the driving conditions.
In its daily Hazardous Weather Outlook, the NWS cautions that arctic air coming into the region will result in wind chills from 10 below to 20 below on Monday and Tuesday. In such conditions, frostbite could occur as soon as 30 minutes on exposed skin. In addition, lake effect snow showers are likely much of next week.
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