Lake-Effect Snow — Southern Berrien County, Michigan

2024-12-04 to 2024-12-05 · Southern Berrien County, Michigan

Event narrative

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 8 inches, with 7.0 inches of snow reported in Niles. There were also reports of vehicular accidents in the area.

Wider weather episode

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.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1219873. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.