Winter Storm Alert for Michigan and Great Lakes Thanksgiving Travel

Winter storm alert remains in effect across northern Michigan and the Great Lakes through Thanksgiving. Heavy lake effect snow, strong winds, and near whiteouts are expected. Tuesday night through Thursday will bring the toughest conditions for many communities.

Forecasters say snow or a rain snow mix begins Tuesday and lasts into Thursday. The strongest bands target northwest Lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Travel disruptions and sporadic outages are possible where heavy snow overlaps with gusty winds.

Counties Under Warnings and Watches in Michigan

A winter storm warning is in place for Marquette, Alger, Iron, Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, Ontonagon, and Gogebic. Totals of 25 to 30 inches are possible with wind gusts near 50 mph from Tuesday evening through Wednesday. Visibility may drop to near zero in heavier bursts.

A winter storm watch covers Chippewa, Mackinac, Schoolcraft, and Delta. A foot or more of snow is possible with gusts to 45 mph. Lakeshore flood advisories are posted for Luce, Marquette, Ontonagon, and Gogebic because of minor flooding risk from Wednesday through Friday.

In the northern Lower Peninsula, a winter storm watch includes Charlevoix, Otsego, Antrim, Kalkaska, Crawford, Grand Traverse, Wexford, Missaukee, Roscommon, Clare, Osceola, and Lake. A foot or more of lake effect snow is possible, peaking Wednesday through Friday. Gusts may reach 45 mph in open areas.

Snow Rates, Wind Gusts, and Timing

Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are likely in persistent bands. Western Upper Peninsula locations could exceed 3 feet by Friday morning, with isolated higher totals near Ironwood. Elsewhere in the U.P. and tip of the mitt, totals vary widely over short distances.

Strong winds will create blowing and drifting snow. Bridges and overpasses will ice first. Roads can turn slick within minutes when a band parks over a corridor.

Travel Plans from Tuesday Night through Friday

Expect difficult to impossible travel at times in warning areas. Give extra time, reduce speed, and keep emergency supplies in the vehicle. Plan fuel stops early when visibility drops.

Wednesday morning and evening commutes face the highest risk of delays. Thanksgiving morning could remain hazardous where bands persist. Marine interests on the Great Lakes should plan for hazardous waves and poor visibility.

How Far This Reaches Beyond Michigan

The broader storm influences the Upper Midwest and the Great Lakes at large. As colder air deepens, lake effect bands strengthen downwind of Lakes Superior and Michigan. Light snow and flurries can extend well beyond core bands, including into interior counties.

Conditions gradually ease late Thursday into Friday for many. Lake belts may hold onto snow showers longer. Any late week clearing will depend on wind direction and lingering moisture.

Bottom line: a high impact winter storm alert continues for Michigan and nearby Great Lakes communities. If you must travel, check conditions often, expect rapid changes, and prepare for delays through Thanksgiving.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Which Michigan areas face the worst snow?

Western and northern Upper Peninsula zones and northwest Lower Michigan are most exposed. Narrow bands can deliver extreme totals over short distances.

Q2: When will driving be toughest?

Late Tuesday night through Wednesday is the most hazardous window. Thanksgiving morning could still be difficult in persistent bands.

Q3: How strong are the winds?

Gusts commonly reach 40 to 50 mph in open areas. Blowing snow will reduce visibility and create drifts along exposed roads.

Q4: Could there be power outages?

Yes. Heavy, wet snow on tree limbs combined with gusty winds can down lines. Keep devices charged and have flashlights ready.

Q5: What about lakeshore flooding?

Minor flooding is possible on vulnerable shorelines where advisories are posted. Avoid wave swept piers and low lying access roads.