01/19/2025
Here we go again! This looks like a dousy! Still don't have power😱. This power outage couldn't come at the worst time. Praying we get power soon. Especially if this is coming.
Significant Lake Effect Snow Event Likely
A Four-Day Event from Sunday, January 19th, through Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025
• Timing
Lake effect snow has begun for portions of the Upper Peninsula, and will continue to fill in as the arctic air funnels in overnight. Lake effect snow will last through Wednesday, January 22nd. Snow will likely meander, as well as come and go as lake effect usually does, so expect sporadic banding throughout the four-day period at any time of the day.
• Impacts
All travel along Lake Michigan and Lake Superior will become extremely dicey. Winds at the surface will gust to 20-30 MPH at times, perhaps higher. Visibilities will be reduced down to a half and mile in spots, and north-south roads in open fields will likely become drifted over, mainly within the lakeshore counties. Accumulations will likely begin in the lower peninsula beyond the mid-morning hours on Sunday. Travel Sunday evening through Wednesday morning will be impacted the most. Given extremely cold temperatures, make sure to check your outdoor electronics (especially vehicles) every day and let them run for a couple minutes. Pack extra blankets, warmers, shovels, tow straps, and first aid kits if you're traveling.
• The Big Picture
You may be asking yourself, isn't it too cold to snow in larger amounts? Typically, with our liquid to snow ratio reduced during colder temperatures, yes. However, with the lake waters in the 30's, even the 40's still, and air temperature about a mile or two above our head being around -10°F to -15°F, that is a huge temperature difference. The available moisture (due to lack of lake ice) and temperature difference from the lakes will overcome the usual ratios we get during cold weather events. As you move further inland, the snow will mix out to smaller totals, but areas along the lakeshore should prepare for up to a foot of snow in spots. Up north, 2 feet, and perhaps even close to 3 feet is possible, especially north of Newberry in Luce and western Chippewa counties. Downstate, lighter accumulations will likely make it all the way across the state due to higher wind gusts, but it won't be much. Eastern Michigan snow-lovers... we are sorry.
Overall, this will be one of our larger multi-day lake effect snow events of the winter. School closings will be likely for those who do have school on Monday either for the snow, cold, or both. Tuesday will likely be the same story, especially for the cold. Travel time to your destinations in these zones where over 6" is expected may increase by 100-175%. We will have traffic forecasts out each night over the next couple of days. We will post about it soon, but a live briefing will be scheduled tonight for your questions and to discuss the next couple days of winter weather.
-• Useful Links •-
Traffic Group: Michigan Traffic & Accident Reports
Storm Reports Group: Michigan Weather Reports
Fair Weather Page: Michigan Weather Now
Indiana Page: Indiana Storm Chasing Network
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