LANSING, Mich. — Residents of the Great Lakes region are facing a snowy Thanksgiving as lake effect snow continues to accumulate across the area, particularly affecting Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Snowfall that began on Wednesday persisted into Thursday, with northern winds and snow bands causing blizzard-like conditions. A blizzard warning has been issued for Alger County, east of Marquette, Michigan, lasting until 7 p.m. Thursday.
The heaviest snowfall is forecasted west of Munising, where the National Weather Service anticipates up to 13 inches of additional snow. Snowfall intensity will likely lessen as the day progresses, beginning with the western Upper Peninsula counties.
According to Lily Chapman, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Marquette, 15 inches of snow were recorded at their office Thursday morning, while areas near Bessemer saw reports exceeding 18 to 28 inches of snow. Snow totals vary depending on elevation and the alignment of stronger snow bands, Chapman noted.
What Causes Lake Effect Snow?
Lake effect snow, known for its localized and intense snowfall, occurs when cold air from Canada moves over the relatively warmer waters of the Great Lakes. This interaction pushes moisture into the atmosphere, resulting in heavy precipitation.
While most impacted regions include Michigan, Ohio, and parts of New York, this phenomenon can also affect areas near other large bodies of water, such as the Great Salt Lake in Utah.
For instance, near Bessemer, the National Weather Service reported snow totals reaching 33 inches at a site about 10 miles west near Montreal, Wisconsin. Meteorologist Roy Eckberg explained that the elevation helps enhance snow production due to the terrain's lift effect.
Safety Concerns Amid Snowstorm
The fast-moving snow bands are causing sudden whiteouts, complicating travel across the Upper Peninsula. Low visibility conditions were reported, which increased the hazard for drivers. Additionally, winds gusting to 45 mph are creating large snow drifts on roadways and have caused power outages affecting over 1,000 customers near Houghton, Michigan.
Similar outages were reported near Holland, Michigan, prompting warnings from Consumers Energy. The Grand Rapids weather service forecasts more snowfall with high winds along the lakeshore, advising travelers to exercise caution due to slick conditions.
As the storm eases, a less intense weather system is expected to linger into the weekend, potentially bringing a few more inches of snow to the Upper Peninsula. Reports indicated at least 2 to 3 inches fell near Buffalo, New York, with warnings in effect until early Saturday.
