Lake-Effect Snow — Northern Berrien County, Michigan

2024-01-19 to 2024-01-20 · Northern Berrien County, Michigan

Event narrative

Heavy lake effect snow with near zero visibility and intense snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour developed during the afternoon hours of January 19th. This dominant snow band did begin to weaken early January 20th. Snowfall totals ranged between 8 and 14 inches, with 10.2 reported at Saint Joseph and 6.5 at Fair Plains. Interstate 94 had traffic backed up for several hours due to numerous accidents and slide-offs.

Wider weather episode

A band of heavy lake effect snow affected far southwest Michigan during the afternoon hours of January 19th through the morning hours of January 20th. Snowfall totals of 8 to 18 inches were common, mainly over Berrien County.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1149433. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.