Blizzard — Van Buren, Michigan

2022-12-22 to 2022-12-24 · Van Buren, Michigan

Event narrative

Blizzard conditions occurred due to eight to sixteen inches of snow across Van Buren county which combined with very strong winds which gusted to around 50 to 55 mph at times.

Wider weather episode

A major winter storm with blizzard conditions impacted much of Lower Michigan just before the Christmas holiday weekend. Conditions deteriorated rapidly on the 23rd near Lake Michigan overnight and further inland during the daytime as snow moved in. The worst conditions mainly occurred between 3 PM and 6 PM on the 23rd when the wind was strongest and visibility was lowest in blowing and drifting snow. Frequent wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph (a few gusts to 55 mph) were recorded on December 23 with quarter mile visibility or less especially in West Michigan downwind of Lake Michigan, and temperatures were in the single digits to teens. The heaviest snow fell across portions of Kent, Ottawa and Allegan counties where some areas received one to two feet of snow with 3 to 4 foot drifts. Accidents and multi-car pile ups led to closures of some interstates and highways on Friday.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1069552. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.