Key Takeaways
- Winter Weather Advisory issued for multiple counties in northern Michigan from Sunday morning to afternoon
- Freezing drizzle and rain expected to cause slick travel conditions on Sunday morning
- Temperatures to rise into the 40s by late afternoon on Sunday, but then drop significantly overnight
- Flash freeze and icy spots expected overnight Sunday, with another period of freezing rain possible in the eastern upper peninsula
- Lake effect snow expected to follow, leading to significant snowfall and blizzard-like conditions on Monday
- Travel not advised on Monday due to whiteout conditions, near zero mile visibility, and blowing and drifting snow
Introduction to the Winter Storm
A powerful winter storm is expected to impact northern Michigan on Sunday and Monday, bringing with it a range of hazardous weather conditions. The National Weather Service has issued multiple alerts, including Winter Weather Advisories, Winter Storm Watches, and Blizzard Warnings, for various counties in the region. The storm is expected to bring freezing drizzle and rain, followed by a warm front that will melt some of the ice away, but then a cold front will move in, crashing temperatures and leading to another flash freeze.
Sunday Morning Weather Conditions
Overnight on Saturday, some precipitation is expected to arrive in the form of freezing drizzle and rain, mostly in northern Michigan. This could make for some slick travel conditions on Sunday morning, with ice accumulations remaining generally light, but still making for hazardous travel. The Winter Weather Advisory issued by the National Weather Service is in effect for multiple counties, including Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Wexford, Missaukee, Roscommon, Gladwin, Lake, Newaygo, Osceola, Clare, Mecosta, and Isabella Counties from 1am Sunday through 1pm Sunday. The advisory is also in effect for Emmet, Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Antrim, Otsego, Charlevoix, Montmorency, Alpena, Crawford, Oscoda, Alcona, Ogemaw, Iosco, and Arenac Counties from 4am Sunday through 1pm Sunday.
Sunday Afternoon and Overnight Weather Conditions
As a strong warm front moves through on Sunday, the freezing drizzle and rain are expected to change over to some light rain late morning into the afternoon, melting some of the ice away. This will bring some areas into the 40s by late afternoon, providing a brief respite from the cold weather. However, overnight Sunday, a cold front is expected to move through, crashing temperatures and leading to another flash freeze. This will likely lead to icy spots once again, and may also lead to another period of freezing rain, especially in the eastern upper peninsula, where another tenth of an inch is possible.
Monday’s Lake Effect Snow and Blizzard-Like Conditions
Behind the cold front, some snow is expected to move in on the back side, leading to lake effect snow and blizzard-like conditions. This will make for nearly impossible travel late Sunday night and for nearly all of Monday. Whiteout conditions, near zero mile visibility, and blowing and drifting snow are likely, leading to significant amounts of snow across the area. The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Watches for multiple counties, including Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Wexford, Emmet, Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Antrim, Otsego, Charlevoix, Leelanau, Benzie, Manistee, Mason, Oceana, Lake, and Newaygo Counties. Winter Storm Warnings have already been issued for Chippewa and Mackinac Counties, along with a Blizzard Warning for Luce County.
Snowfall Amounts and Wind Gusts
The snowfall amounts are expected to be significant, with areas further inland south of M-55 potentially seeing 3-6 inches with locally higher amounts possible. Areas north of M-55 or west of I-75 could see a general 4 to 8 inches with locally higher amounts possible, while the eastern upper peninsula could see 8-16 inches or more with locally higher amounts possible. On top of that, winds are expected to gust to as much as 50 mph or greater, leading to blizzard-like conditions at times. High Wind Watches have been issued for Gladwin, Arenac, Osceola, Clare, Mecosta, and Isabella Counties, with the possibility of wind gusts up to 50+ mph possible.
Conclusion and Travel Advisory
In conclusion, the winter storm expected to impact northern Michigan on Sunday and Monday is expected to bring a range of hazardous weather conditions, including freezing drizzle, rain, flash freezes, and lake effect snow. Travel is not advised on Monday due to the expected blizzard-like conditions, and residents are urged to stay tuned to the latest forecast and alerts from the National Weather Service and local authorities. It is essential to prioritize safety and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, as the conditions are expected to be extremely hazardous.