Michigan's Snowy Weekend: What to Expect

Michigan is in for a snowy weekend, with different parts of the state bracing for varying amounts of snowfall. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued Winter Weather Advisories for many areas, indicating that the snow is far from over. Northern Michigan is expected to see the heaviest snowfall, with accumulations ranging from 3 to 6 inches, and some areas potentially getting more than 7 inches. The snow is expected to continue spreading across the region through Sunday, leading to hazardous travel conditions due to reduced visibility and snow-covered roads. The Upper Peninsula is also in for a significant snowfall, with central counties expected to receive the heaviest amounts. Rates of up to an inch of snow per hour are possible, with some areas potentially seeing up to 11 inches of accumulation. Strong northerly winds are expected to develop, with gusts of 25 to 35 mph, creating hazardous travel conditions and reducing visibility.Southern Lower Michigan, on the other hand, is expected to see lighter accumulations, with 1 to 2 inches expected across the Saginaw Valley and Thumb region. The snow is expected to transition to rain or wet snow that melts on contact with warmer road surfaces, but as colder air moves in tonight, all precipitation will transition to snow. Sunday will bring a break in the widespread snow, but scattered lake effect snow showers will continue near Lake Michigan through the afternoon. Northwest winds will remain gusty at 25 to 35 mph, making wind chills feel like the single digits across much of the state. Temperatures will struggle to reach freezing, with highs in the 20s to low 30s. The active weather pattern continues into next week, with another round of light snow arriving Sunday night into Monday. Accumulations should remain below one inch for most areas. Temperatures will moderate early in the week, with highs climbing into the 30s Monday and Tuesday. A more significant system arrives Tuesday into Wednesday, bringing a period of rain that may transition to snow as colder air returns.