Key Takeaways:
- Winter storm warnings have been issued for the Sunrise Side shoreline and parts of Mackinac County in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
- The Thumb and eastern Detroit area are under a winter weather advisory, with expected snow totals of 1-2 inches less than the rest of the state
- Snowfall forecast amounts are expected to range from 4-7 inches for most of Michigan, with the western half of the state potentially seeing 6-10 inches
- The safest travel times are expected to be before the storm or after 3 p.m. on Sunday
- Temperatures may warm to around 33 degrees on Sunday afternoon, potentially improving road conditions
Introduction to the Snowstorm
The snowstorm forecast for Michigan is still on track, with only a few minor modifications to the overall forecast. Winter storm warnings have been issued for the Sunrise Side shoreline from Saginaw Bay north to Alpena and Rogers City, as well as parts of Mackinac County in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The Thumb and eastern Detroit area are under a winter weather advisory, with expected snow totals of 1-2 inches less than the rest of the state. The winter storm warnings are expected to end at various times on Sunday, ranging from 10 a.m. in central Michigan to 1 p.m. in eastern Lower Michigan, and 7 p.m. in the southwest corner of the state.
Forecast Details
The storm system itself has not changed significantly overnight, with one small tweak in the forecast for far southeast Michigan, including Ann Arbor and Detroit. The mixed precipitation of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain that was expected has been revised to mostly all snow, with the possibility of a couple of hours of rain on Sunday morning in the very far southeast part of the state. However, this forecast could change back to a larger area of mixed precipitation, depending on the track of the low-pressure center. The radar forecast shows the snow developing over eastern and northern Lower Michigan by noon, with the snow becoming more widespread by 5 p.m. and covering the entire state by 8 p.m.
Snowfall Forecast
The snowfall forecast amounts have remained steady, with most of Michigan expected to see 4-7 inches of snow. The western half of the state, including Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Muskegon, and Ludington, is expected to see at least 6 inches of snow, with some areas potentially seeing up to 10 inches. The Traverse City area and Cadillac are expected to see 5-8 inches of snow, while eastern Lower Michigan, including Lansing, Jackson, Ann Arbor, Flint, Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland, is expected to see 4-7 inches of snow. The Detroit area is expected to see 3-5 inches of total snow.
Travel and Road Conditions
The safest travel times are expected to be before the storm or after 3 p.m. on Sunday, as road conditions are expected to be hazardous during the storm. Temperatures may warm to around 33 degrees on Sunday afternoon, potentially improving road conditions. However, the lake-effect snow belt at the south end of Lake Michigan will still experience bursts of heavy snow, making travel conditions challenging. It is essential to stay updated with the latest forecast and road conditions before traveling.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the snowstorm forecast for Michigan is still on track, with winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories in effect for various parts of the state. The snowfall forecast amounts are expected to range from 4-7 inches for most of Michigan, with the western half of the state potentially seeing 6-10 inches. It is crucial to stay informed about the latest forecast and road conditions to ensure safe travel and to plan accordingly. Stay updated with the latest information at MLive.com/weather.
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