Michigan's Thanksgiving Travel: A Weather Rollercoaster

Michigan is in for a wild weather ride this Thanksgiving week. It all starts off mild on Monday, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s. But don't get too comfortable, because things are about to take a turn. Rain will move in Monday night, setting the stage for a big change. By Wednesday, winter makes a dramatic entrance. Cold air sweeps in, turning rain into snow in many areas. Northern Michigan could see a significant amount of snow, especially from Cadillac up to Petoskey. And it's not just about the snow. Strong winds, gusting up to 45 mph, will make driving dangerous. Visibility will drop, and roads could become slippery and hard to see. Down south, the story is a bit different. Snow is expected on Thanksgiving, but it will mostly be lake-effect snow. The heaviest snow is likely to fall along and west of U. S. 131. The cold air isn't going anywhere fast. Highs will only reach the mid-30s, and wind chills will make it feel even colder. The National Weather Service is warning that this storm system could bring a lot of snow, strong winds, and hazardous travel conditions. In fact, there's a 70% chance of getting 6 inches or more of snow in the western Upper Peninsula by Thanksgiving Day. That's a lot of snow in a short amount of time. Before the storm hits, Michigan will see mild weather on Monday. But by Tuesday, rain will move in and stick around. Then, on Wednesday, a strong cold front will sweep through, bringing snow and strong winds. The combination of wet, heavy snow and strong winds could lead to power outages. Lake effect snow will continue through Thanksgiving Day, especially in areas near the Great Lakes. Wave heights on Lake Superior could reach up to 16 feet, and gale warnings are in effect. The strong winds will make driving even more dangerous, with rapid drops in visibility and drifting snow. Looking ahead, another storm system could impact Michigan over the weekend. But for now, the focus is on staying safe during this week's winter weather.