Special weather alert issued. 

Special weather alert. 

The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids has issued a special winter weather alert for areas including Mason and Oceana counties:

A wintry mix will continue into the evening commute over western lower Michigan. Area of snow, sleet, and freezing drizzle will continue this afternoon and into the evening commute. In the heaviest snow bands, visibilities may drop below 1/2 mile and over short distances with snow quickly accumulating on roadways. Outside of snow bands, freezing drizzle is possible leading to slick spots on roadways and bridges. Patchy ice development is likely on roadways and bridges toward, and especially after, nightfall as temperatures decrease below freezing. Drivers are encouraged to be especially vigilant for slick spots on roadways and bridges this evening, to allow for extra time to travel to their destinations, and to leave extra distance between cars.