The more forecasts are made, the more this upcoming storm system will look like a real Michigan winter. And this severe winter storm is a complex system. Over the next 48 hours, we’re going to see some more than kitchen sink level weather elements heading our way.
Here are the highlights:
This storm system will start with rain. In the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula, temperatures may begin to drop or turn to freezing rain as temperatures will initially be in the mid-30s. This rain will turn to snow as temperatures drop.
In West Michigan, the Detroit area, and throughout the southern half of the state, we’re going to see an unseasonably wet spell on Sunday with temperatures rising into the upper 40s and lower 50s.
Then things start to go downhill fast. A blast of arctic air will quickly sweep across the Great Lakes region Sunday night into Monday morning. Lake effect snowfall will increase over Uttar Pradesh and northern Michigan, sweeping across the lower peninsula by Monday.
Areas with temperatures in the 50s on Sunday will drop into the 20s. Strong winds will also blow. Some gusts could reach 50 to 60 mph. These strong winds could cause power outages across the state.
Strong wind on Monday
For many areas, Sunday night into Monday is a danger zone for travel. Wet roads may freeze and then become covered with snow. The National Weather Service said strong winds combined with incoming snow will cause hazardous travel conditions in some areas.
The Upper Peninsula will see the heaviest snowfall, with up to 2 feet of snow possible in towns along Lake Superior. Blizzard conditions are possible Sunday night into Monday as persistent high winds create blowing snow.
In the Lower Peninsula, Snow Belt areas such as Gaylord and the Mitten Tip could see 6 to 12 inches of snow by the end of the storm on Tuesday. Water levels could reach 4 to 7 inches in lakeshore areas such as Manistee.
While the lower half of the Lower Peninsula may only get a few inches of snow, blowing snow is expected to create blizzard conditions and hazardous driving conditions.
For the latest updates on this storm forecast, stay connected to our MLive weather page here.
Here are storm forecast highlights from National Weather Service offices across the state:
A powerful winter storm will affect Michigan Sunday night into Monday, bringing heavy snow, dangerous winds and near-zero visibility that will make travel extremely difficult or impossible across much of the state.
The worst weather conditions are expected Sunday night into Monday morning in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where a winter storm watch is in effect.
Counties surrounding Lake Superior have a 60 to 80 percent chance of more than a foot of snow, with up to 2 feet possible in some areas. Wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph are expected near the lakeshore and Keweenaw Peninsula, and the blizzard could cause visibility near zero at times. The combination of heavy snow and strong winds creates a significant risk of power outages.
Heavy snow and strong winds possible
In northern Lower Michigan, the storm will bring snow and gusty winds Sunday night into Monday. The National Weather Service office in Gaylord said snow accumulation will favor the typical northwest drifting snow band, with occasional whiteout conditions possible as wind gusts could reach 45 mph or more. According to the Grand Rapids office, 3 to 6 inches of snow is expected to fall in the western half of Lower Michigan and 1 to 3 inches in the east.
Ahead of the snow, freezing rain is possible late Saturday night into Sunday morning, especially in the central and eastern parts of the state. The Detroit office warned of a possible flash freeze Monday morning after a strong Arctic front passed through, with temperatures rapidly dropping more than 20 degrees in three to five hours. Sunday’s rain will soon cause ice to form on roads and temperatures will plummet into the 20s on Monday morning.
A wind and storm watch is in effect for Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron Sunday night into Monday night. There is a 50 to 80 percent chance of storms in central and eastern Lake Superior, with wind gusts as high as 60 knots possible. Waves in excess of 20 feet are possible east of Marquette toward Pictured Rocks, and 12 to 20 feet are possible elsewhere.
After Monday’s storm, Michigan is set to experience freezing temperatures for the rest of the week. High temperatures from Tuesday to Saturday will mostly be in the 20s, with wind chill temperatures often ranging from minus 10 degrees to plus 10 degrees.
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