High Snowfall Rates and Hazardous Travel Conditions Forecasted in Michigan
The National Weather Service warns that visibility for drivers may worsen in some areas on Sunday and Monday as snowfall increases. The second phase of a two-round snow system begins today, with much of it being lake-effect snow driven by falling temperatures and strong wind chills, signaling an early start to winter.
Winter Storm Warnings and Snow Accumulation
Some counties across Michigan are highlighted in pink on the weather map, indicating Winter Storm Warnings issued by the National Weather Service. These warnings cover several counties in the northern Upper Peninsula and the southwest corner of the Lower Peninsula. These areas might experience heavy snow accumulation late Sunday night through Monday, with some places expecting over a foot of snow, while the southwest corner could see 8 or more inches depending on lake-effect snow conditions.
Winter Weather Advisories and Local Snowfall
The purple-shaded regions on the map are under Winter Weather Advisories. In a statement, meteorologists from the NWS Gaylord office said:
“Accumulating lake effect snow is expected across parts of Northern Michigan into tonight. Highest amounts of 3-6 inches are expected near and west of Grand Traverse Bay and eastern Cheboygan/western Presque Isle counties, with localized totals over 6 inches possible.”
They further noted that high snowfall rates combined with rapid visibility reduction could create hazardous travel conditions. Additionally, cold temperatures tonight may freeze wet and slushy roadways, increasing the risk of travel issues through Monday morning.
The hazardous conditions underline the need for caution on Michigan roads as the early winter storm unfolds.
Author's summary: Early winter weather brings significant snow and icy roads to parts of Michigan, posing dangerous travel conditions through Monday.