Key Takeaways
- A new storm system is expected to bring snow to Lower Michigan on Saturday and Sunday
- The storm is predicted to drop 4-8 inches of snow across most of Lower Michigan
- The snowfall is expected to be steady, but not heavy, with an 18-hour snowy period
- Travel plans should be made for Saturday morning and early Saturday afternoon to avoid the worst of the snow
- Roads may not improve quickly on Sunday afternoon due to cold temperatures
Introduction to the Storm System
The next storm system is already showing consistency in weather data, and an early look at the timing and potential snowfall is available. The storm system is currently located on the West Coast and is expected to move down into the central Plains by Friday, before heading towards the Great Lakes region for Saturday and Sunday. This storm system appears to be taking a track that will put all of Lower Michigan in the steady snow area on the north, cold side of the storm system.
Storm Track and Snowfall
The storm system is not expected to be a mega-storm, but rather a solid swath of snow that will bring notable snowfall to the region. The radar forecast from early Saturday to Sunday morning shows the storm system moving across the region, with the snow expected to end by early Sunday afternoon. The snowfall is expected to be steady, with an 18-hour snowy period expected anywhere in Lower Michigan, and possibly the far southern Upper Peninsula. This type of storm is usually associated with 4-8 inches of snow, which is notable for late November.
Snowfall Forecasts
To give an idea of the scope of the snow, two snow forecasts are being considered. The U.S. model is being used as a low-end forecast, which puts out a general 4-6 inches of snow across all of Lower Michigan. The European Model looks a little heavier, but is only a few inches different from the U.S. Model. Based on these models and the general weather pattern, it is expected that the storm will bring 4-8 inches of snow to most of Lower Michigan, with less snow expected north of Traverse City and in the very southeast corner of the state.
Travel Plans and Road Conditions
For those with holiday travel plans, it is recommended to try to do your driving on Saturday morning and early Saturday afternoon to avoid the worst of the snow. The snow may end by noonish Sunday, but it will be cold after the storm, and roads may not improve quickly on Sunday afternoon. It is too early to fine-tune any snow forecast, but this early look should give you a heads up for your travel plans. It is recommended to stay updated with the latest weather forecast at MLive.com/weather to get the most up-to-date information on the storm.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the next storm system is expected to bring notable snowfall to Lower Michigan on Saturday and Sunday. The storm is predicted to drop 4-8 inches of snow across most of the region, with less snow expected in some areas. Travel plans should be made for Saturday morning and early Saturday afternoon to avoid the worst of the snow, and roads may not improve quickly on Sunday afternoon due to cold temperatures. It is recommended to stay updated with the latest weather forecast to get the most up-to-date information on the storm and to plan accordingly.