Gaylord, MI – Northern Michigan is gearing up for its first significant lake effect snow event of the season as bands develop late tonight and persist into Monday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Gaylord.
The heaviest snow is expected to fall along the Lake Michigan and Lake Huron shorelines, where localized totals of 6 inches or more are possible under the most persistent snow bands. Snowfall rates could briefly exceed 1 inch per hour at times, leading to rapidly changing travel conditions.
Meteorologists caution that uncertainty remains regarding where the most intense snow bands will set up, which will have a major impact on exact totals. The heaviest accumulation window is forecast from Saturday night through Sunday evening, with scattered snow showers likely lingering into Monday morning.
Drivers should be prepared for slushy road conditions, low visibility, and slick spots, especially on untreated or secondary roads.
“This will be our first true lake effect event of the season,” the NWS said. “Even modest accumulations can cause travel problems early in the season when drivers are not yet acclimated to winter conditions.”
Residents along the Great Lakes shoreline are encouraged to monitor updates through the weekend as conditions evolve.
