Michigan is bracing for severe winter weather as a significant storm system moves through the region. According to the National Weather Service, blizzard conditions will affect the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Michigan through Thanksgiving.
Blizzard Conditions and Snow Accumulation
The storm is generating dangerous weather, with expected snowfall of 12 to 18 inches in the hardest-hit areas. Some locations could see even higher amounts. Strong winds are compounding the situation, resulting in gusts reaching 50 mph and whiteout conditions that make travel perilous.
Areas Impacted by Blizzard Warnings
- Keweenaw County
- Ontonagon County
- Gogebic County
- Baraga County (Michigamme Highlands)
- Marquette County (north of U.S. 41)
Blizzard Warnings remain in effect for lakeshore counties of both the western and north-central Upper Peninsula. These warnings will last until Thursday evening, with snowfall rates potentially exceeding one inch per hour.
Forecast for Northern Lower Michigan
Winter Storm Warnings are also in place for much of northern Lower Michigan, where forecasts predict 6 to 12 inches of snow through Friday. Areas from southern Antrim to western Crawford County could experience localized totals of 18 to 24 inches.
Impacts of Strong Winds
The storm system, currently over the eastern Upper Peninsula, is advancing northeast into Canada. Behind it, intense lake-effect snow bands are anticipated to form, particularly impacting northern Michigan. Visibility may drop to near zero along the I-75 and U.S. 131 corridors, causing dangerously changing travel conditions.
High Wind and Wind Chill Warnings
- High Wind Warnings in western Lower Michigan until 7 a.m. Thursday
- Wind Advisories across the remainder of Lower Michigan
Wind gusts could reach up to 60 mph in specific areas. The combination of heavy snowfall and strong winds is likely to lead to downed trees and limbs, resulting in potential power outages. Wind chill values will plummet into the teens, with afternoon temperatures hovering in the low to mid-20s.
Conditions on the Great Lakes
Storm Warnings are in effect for Lake Superior, impacting offshore waters from Keweenaw Bay to Grand Marais. Forecasts predict wind gusts around 57 mph and waves between 15 to 20 feet. Gale Warnings will continue across all Lake Superior waters through Thursday night.
Likewise, Lake Michigan is under Storm Warnings until 1 a.m. Thursday. Nearshore waters are expected to see wind gusts around 60 mph and waves ranging from 14 to 20 feet.
Looking Ahead
As the storm moves away, conditions may improve on Friday, though attention will soon shift to another winter system forecasted for the weekend. Residents are urged to stay updated on weather alerts and to approach holiday travel with caution.
