For the holiday, lake-effect snow is likely to develop downwind of the Great Lakes. “Those traveling on Thanksgiving Day around the Great Lakes region may have to contend with typical lake-effect snow showers, which can result in reduced visibility and slippery travel,” Duff said.

More intense snowfall and wind is expected in the western and northern parts of the state. The NWS said up to 8 inches and gusts up to 55 mph are expected through Thursday morning in central and west central Michigan.

The National Weather Service released a winter storm warning at 3:32 p.m. EST on Wednesday valid from 7 p.m. EST until Friday 7 p.m. EST for Montmorency and Ogemaw counties.

See where the snow storm is developing over Michigan with live Doppler radar. Winter storm warnings, watches are in effect.

Lake effect snow is an amazing example of how nature’s systems interact in complex and interesting ways. It can turn a calm winter morning into a whiteout within minutes and dump several feet of snow in a day. This is all thanks to the powerful interaction of cold air and warmer, open waters.

Accumulating snow is likely over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, but there are still questions as to how much snow the Chicago area will see.

On Tuesday at 1:08 p.m. the National Weather Service issued a lake effect snow warning valid from Thursday 1 a.m. until Saturday 1 a.m. for Northern Erie and Southern Erie.

Snow, sleet and freezing rain are not the same, and their impacts aren't either. Here is a look at what causes each and which type is the most dangerous.