High Snowfall Rates and Hazardous Travel Forecast in Michigan
The National Weather Service warns that visibility for drivers could significantly decrease in some areas on Sunday and Monday due to accumulating snow. The second phase of a two-round snow system is starting today, mainly featuring lake-effect snow as temperatures drop and wind chill intensifies the cold. This marks an early winter period across Michigan.
Winter Storm Warnings and Snow Accumulation
Pink-shaded counties on the map indicate Winter Storm Warnings issued by the National Weather Service. These warnings cover several counties in the northern Upper Peninsula and the southwest corner of the Lower Peninsula. These regions could experience heavy snow accumulation by late tonight and into Monday, with some areas possibly receiving over a foot of snow. The southwest corner may get more than 8 inches, depending on the intensity of lake-effect snow.
Winter Weather Advisories
The purple-shaded areas on the map are under Winter Weather Advisories. The National Weather Service meteorologists in Gaylord stated:
“Accumulating lake effect snow is expected across parts of Northern Michigan into tonight. Highest amounts of 3-6 inches are expected across areas near and west of Grand Traverse Bay and eastern Cheboygan/western Presque Isle counties, with localized totals of 6 inches or more possible. High snowfall rates and rapid drops in visibility may lead to hazardous travel conditions.
Additionally, cold temperatures expected tonight may freeze any wet or slushy roadways, potentially causing travel impacts overnight and Monday morning.”
Drivers are advised to prepare for challenging travel conditions during this weather event.
Author’s summary: Early winter weather in Michigan is bringing heavy lake-effect snow and dangerous travel conditions, with some areas expecting over a foot of snow and icy roads overnight.