Lake-Effect Snow in Northern Berrien County, Michigan

An arctic front plunged through during the evening hours on December 4th with bouts of heavy snow and wind gusts in excess of 45 mph. Near zero visibility and a flash freeze were reported. A transition to pure lake effect snow then took place on December 5th. The worst of the conditions developed during the afternoon and evening hours as a dominant single snow band settled in for a time with heavy snowfall rates, reduced visibilities and snow covered roads. Snowfall totals varied over the area, generally ranging between 4 and 10 inches, heaviest near Paw Paw Lake. There were also reports of vehicular accidents in the area.

Periods of lake effect snow, cold temperatures and gusty winds created difficult travel late December 4th into December 5th. Snowfall totals up to 10 inches were reported.