MICHIGAN, USA – Just a week after Thanksgiving, winter announces its arrival.

We’re expecting our biggest and heaviest snowfall yet this year, starting Wednesday evening.

A triad of wind, cold and snow will pose major challenges for both evening and morning commutes. Due to these impacts, winter storm warnings have been issued for much of West Michigan.

Due to the weather forecast, many West Michigan schools have announced a snow day for Thursday. Here are a few, although the list continues to grow:

• Grand Rapids Public Schools
• Grand Haven Area Public Schools
• Reed City Public Schools
• Big Rapids Public Schools
• Grant public schools
• Christian schools in Holland

You can find a current list of school closures here.

Our 13 Weather Impact Team expects a strong cold front to bring heavy snow and strong winds. Snow will accumulate to a width of 15 to 20 cm, with local amounts of 25 to 30 cm possible in areas of persistent lake effect snow.

Wind speeds will reach 40-50 mph and visibility could drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and drifting snow on roads. Sporadic power outages are also possible.

Stay with the 13 Weather Impact Team as we track this winter storm.