Heavy Snow — Sanilac, Michigan

2023-03-03 to 2023-03-04 · Sanilac, Michigan

Wider weather episode

A significant winter storm impacted southeast Michigan on the afternoon and evening of Friday, March 3, 2023. A compact but very strong low pressure system tracked up the Ohio Valley, bringing strong lift and abundant moisture to the region. Despite air temperatures hovering near or slightly above freezing in many areas, the heavy snowfall rates allowed for rapid accumulations during rush hour and into the evening. Snowfall rates became so intense (2-3 inches per hour in some locations) that numerous bouts of thundersnow were observed in the evening. The heavy, wet snow exhibited snow to liquid ratios below 10:1 and piled up quickly on trees and power lines that were already stressed from recent winter storms on February 22nd and February 27th. This, combined with gusty winds, resulted in over 200,000 customers losing power across the area.

Widespread snow totals of 8 to 11 inches occurred along a corridor from Jackson to Howell and Ann Arbor, the northern Metro Detroit suburbs, Lapeer, and parts of St. Clair and Sanilac Counties. A sharp snowfall gradient occurred to the north over the Tri-Cities and Thumb which saw totals generally ranging from 1 to 5 inches. To the south, milder air allowed for some rain to mix in at times across Monroe, southern Wayne, and parts of Lenawee Counties which reduced snowfall totals in those locations.

Here are some of the higher snowfall reports received:

Highland 10.5 inches.

Lapeer 10 inches.

Howell 10 inches.

Goodrich 9.4 inches.

Ann Arber 9.0 inches.

Memphis 8.7 inches.

Romulus 6.2 inches.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1081724. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.