Michigan Braces for Powerful Multi-Hazard Winter Storm as Thousands Remain Without Power
Even as tens of thousands of Michigan residents waited for electricity to be restored following a damaging ice storm on Friday, the National Weather Service (NWS) warned that another major winter storm is set to impact the state from late Sunday through Tuesday, December 29–31.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, the incoming system is expected to bring heavy snowfall, strong winds, blowing snow, ice, and dangerously cold wind chills across much of Michigan.
“An impactful storm system will move into Michigan Sunday into early next week,” the NWS said. “The greatest risk for heavy snow will be across the Upper Peninsula and the snowbelt regions of Lower Michigan.”
Rain to Snow Transition Raises Ice and Travel Concerns
Forecasters say parts of Lower Michigan could see rain mixing with freezing rain on Sunday, before temperatures drop sharply and precipitation transitions to snow late Sunday night into Monday.
Meteorologists caution that snow totals and storm intensity remain uncertain, urging residents to monitor updated forecasts.
Blizzard Warning Issued for Upper Peninsula
A winter storm watch issued early Saturday was later upgraded to a blizzard warning and winter storm warning for the Upper Peninsula. Additional storm warnings and advisories were posted across the Great Lakes region, including:
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Winter weather advisory for Northern Lower Michigan
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Winter storm watch along the entire Lake Michigan shoreline
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High wind watch from Central Michigan to Southeast Michigan and the Thumb
The NWS Climate Prediction Center described the system as a “strong, multi-hazard winter storm”, warning of whiteout conditions, heavy snow, hazardous ice, and extreme wind chills.
Strong Winds Could Trigger More Power Outages
As of Saturday morning, more than 28,000 Michigan utility customers remained without power after ice accumulations of up to 0.10 inches caused widespread outages on Friday.
The NWS Detroit office warned that a rapidly strengthening low-pressure system will cross the Great Lakes Sunday into Monday, bringing:
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Sustained winds of 20–30 mph
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Wind gusts up to 55 mph
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Risk of scattered power outages
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Flash freezing on roads and sidewalks
Northern Michigan Faces the Worst Conditions Monday
The NWS Gaylord and Marquette offices indicated that Monday will be the most intense period of the storm, especially in snowbelt areas.
“Significant snowfall will coincide with very strong winds Sunday night through Monday night,” the NWS Gaylord office said.
Snowbelt regions could receive more than 12 inches of snow, with blowing and drifting snow as temperatures rapidly fall.
Freezing rain is expected in parts of Northern Michigan early Sunday, changing to rain during the day before turning to heavy snow overnight.
Expected Snowfall Totals Across Michigan
According to the NWS Probabilistic Precipitation Portal, forecast snowfall totals by Tuesday morning include:
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Munising: 17 inches
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Ironwood: 16 inches
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Marquette: 15 inches
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L’Anse: 15 inches
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Grand Marais: 15 inches
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Sault Ste. Marie: 10 inches
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Pellston: 8.9 inches
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Mackinac Island: 8 inches
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Gaylord: 7 inches
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Traverse City: 6 inches
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Alpena: 4.7 inches
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Muskegon: 4.2 inches
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Detroit: 1.8 inches
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Lansing: 1.4 inches
What Is a Winter Storm Watch?
A winter storm watch is issued when there is a 50% or greater chance of heavy snow or significant ice accumulation, typically 24 to 36 hours in advance.
The alert is designed to give residents time to prepare travel plans, secure property, and ensure emergency supplies are ready.
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