School closing prediction for Thursday, Dec. 5

Below, see the predictions for whether West Michigan school districts will be closed Thursday, Dec. 5. If you are looking for another day, click here for the latest school closing predictions article.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — School closings are likely Thursday as heavy snow and strong winds move into West Michigan.

A winter storm warning is in effect for most of the area through early Friday morning, with a winter weather advisory in effect further east. While impacts will be felt across the area, they will be most felt within the warning area, where 5 to 8 inches are likely near and west of US-131.

An arctic cold front will be dropping south through West Michigan Wednesday evening, with snow flaring up very quickly by the end of the commute. That will be followed by lake-effect snow bands developing through the remainder of the evening, overnight, and into Thursday.

While there may be a brief lull in the heavy snow early Thursday, an uptick is expected for the lakeshore counties near sunrise, and will continue through most of the day.

With winds gusting as high as 40 to 50 mph, especially along the lakeshore, and fluffy lake-effect snow falling, whiteout conditions are likely at times. With temperatures dipping to near 20 degrees, road salt will be somewhat less effective. Therefore, widespread school closings are likely Thursday.

School closings are most likely west of Grand Rapids, down to Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. The entire lakeshore has a high chance of seeing cancellations Thursday.

Blake Harms will have more on what’s expected tonight on News 8 at 7, on his Instagram page at 7:30 p.m. and on his Facebook page at 8 p.m.

PREDICTION: Ottawa & Kent counties

The most persistent snow and subsequent worst conditions are expected west of Grand Rapids. Most of Ottawa county is expected to receive heavy snow and very strong winds, which will lead to occasional whiteout conditions and very icy rural roads. Therefore, the county has a high (4/5) chance of closing Thursday.

The prospect of closings in the Grand Rapids metro area is less certain, as the heaviest snow may miss to the west. Still, blowing snow will present challenges and closings remain possible.

PREDICTION: Southern area

Lake-effect snow bands are expected to stretch inland south of Grand Rapids, and school closing chances have been placed as high (4/5) across this area.

PREDICTION: Northern area

The heaviest lake-effect snow is expected in the lakeshore counties here, where high (4/5) closing chances are present, but occasional snow bands and blowing snow could lead to closings inland as well.

When schools make the decision to close, you can find it on our closings and delays page.