Many school districts have closed Thursday, Jan. 23, as snowfall continues - particularly along the lakeshore - in a weeklong winter storm.

After every public school district in West Michigan cancelled school on Tuesday due to extreme cold and hazardous road conditions, over 50 school districts will remain closed on Wednesday, Jan. 22.

With widespread school closings in West Michigan this week, some districts have now seen a half dozen or more snow days this school year.

Some West Michigan districts have canceled classes for Wednesday even as Arctic blast is expected to begin easing its grip on the region.

Drivers heading out Tuesday encountered hazardous driving conditions, with snow-covered roads and intermittent whiteout conditions leading to crashes on highways around West Michigan.

With nine Grand Rapids-area boys basketball teams included in the latest Michigan Sports Writers rankings, West Michigan is well-represented on the statewide hoops scene. RELATED: Michigan Sports Writers high school boys basketball state rankings for Jan.

Here's a growing list of schools closing ahead of frigid temperatures and blowing snow across West Michigan Tuesday.

The first week of Michigan Sports Writers girls high school basketball rankings have been released. Check out who is gaining attention around the state:

After knocking off Belleville, 46-38, last Friday, Dearborn has cracked the Top 25 for the first time this year. The Pioneers are riding a four-game winning streak, and their only losses have come to Ann Arbor Huron and Wayne Memorial –– both ranked teams. A rematch with Wayne looms large on Tuesday.

Frigid temperatures and treacherous travel conditions sidelined some Grand Rapids-area high school sports teams last week, but many more had the opportunity to shine after the weather improved. With that in mind,

The Michigan Sports Writers All-State (Formerly known as Associated Press All-State) poll is out this week for boys basketball in all four divisions. The panel of voters includes the Tribune. The Harbor Beach Pirates made their way to fourth place in the Division 3 poll,

Health Alliance Plan (HAP) expands its Michigan network, adding 15 hospitals and 1,300 providers in Lansing and Traverse City.