Winter storm warnings now cover more than half of the state as we await the arrival of a clipper storm system that will be heading our way with a powerful arctic cold front. That means we’re facing a multi-hazard weather event that will last into Thursday, the National Weather Service says.

What dangers are we talking about? Rapidly developing snow squalls resulting in white-out conditions on highways and local roads. Icy roads. Stormy wind. Wind gusts exceeding 40 miles per hour may cause power outages. Additionally, there will be even more snow, with some areas in Michigan expected to see another 10 to 14 inches of snow.

“An arctic cold front will bring heavy snow squalls and strong winds, followed by heavy lake snow through Thursday. Expect dangerous travel, power outages, blackouts and dangerous commutes across the Great Lakes,” NOAA NWS Weather Prediction Center meteorologists said.

Here’s what we see in the forecast:

Snow squalls: The NWS team in Grand Rapids said we will feel the first phase of this rapidly changing weather system in the late afternoon and early evening. Then the Arctic front sweeps across the area and there is a risk of dangerous snow squalls.

“Snow squalls and whiteout conditions will impact evening commutes as visibility quickly drops below 1/4 mile and road conditions change rapidly,” the NWS said.

These include the I-96, I-94, US 131, US 127 and I-69 highway corridors.

“Expect dangerous travel conditions this evening into Thursday.”

Wind will also be a problem. Gusts of over 40 mph are expected, but coastal areas of Lake Michigan could experience gusts of over 50 mph. This means power outages could be a problem.

More snow with lake effect: Lake-like snow showers are expected to occur tonight. The strong winds carry these bands of snow much further inland than they would normally land.

“Flow from the northwest will drive the strongest bands of lake-effect snow across Grand Haven into Holland into the Battle Creek region this evening through Thursday, and possibly further east if organized banding continues.”

On Thursday, some of Lake Superior’s lake effect could even be carried inland to the northern Lower Peninsula, resulting in larger amounts of snow there.

Commuter: We know that snow squalls are forecast for the Wednesday evening commute, but Thursday’s commute could also be dangerous.

“Travel conditions will be hazardous due to occasional outages due to snow and blowing snow and snow-covered roads tonight through Thursday morning,” the NWS said. “Thursday morning commutes will be particularly affected as snow and wind continue to impact Thursday evening commutes. “The snow will taper off Thursday evening.”