Snow is falling in parts of northern Michigan as part of the Midwest's first major snowstorm of the season that's sweeping across several states.

The National Weather Service office in Gaylord says snowfall began to build Thursday morning, leaving visibility at about a half-mile in places.

For parts of Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, the weather service forecasts that 8 to 14 inches of snow will fall Thursday and into Friday. For parts of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the weather service says that 8 to 13 inches of snow could fall by Friday afternoon.

Winter weather watches and advisories are in effect. Winds that could blow snow are expected to contribute to hazardous driving conditions.

In West Michigan, several inches of snow could fall. Rain and snow are expected in southeast Michigan.

Complete weather forecast:JustWeather.com

Live radar:Snowfall in Michigan

Travel conditions:Temps, airport delays

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