Heavy Snow — Midland, Michigan

2023-02-27 · Midland, Michigan

Wider weather episode

A wintry mix of precipitation associated with a low pressure system impacted Southeast Michigan through most of the day on February 27th, while lighter snow continued through the early overnight hours further north. A pronounced transition zone developed between areas that received mostly rain (south of I-96) and areas that received mostly snow (north of M-46). The first wave of precipitation moved in from the southwest with most locations initially receiving a mix of sleet and freezing rain as surface temperatures hovered near freezing and modest east wind facilitated the influx of drier air. Precipitation rates increased midday with periods of heavy rain and sleet across the south, while areas to the north experienced a quick burst of snow mid afternoon. At one point, the northern tier of counties (Midland, Bay, Tuscola, Sanilac, and Huron) experienced snowfall rates in excess of an inch per hour leading to the snowfall totals of 4-7 inches, with an isolated 8 inch total at Sanford. Additional light snow showers north of I-69 concluded with the departure of the wave after midnight. Icing from a freezing rain/sleet mix was most prevalent between M-59 and I-69 which led to re-icing of trees and utility lines which were then subjected to wind gusts of up to 35 mph.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1079454. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.