Lake-Effect Snow — Southern Berrien County, Michigan

2025-02-20 · Southern Berrien County, Michigan

Event narrative

Bands of heavy lake effect snow developed during the early morning hours of February 20th, especially between 1 am and 6 am EST in and around the Buchanan and Niles area. Snowfall rates of 2' per hour and near zero visibilities occurred with this heavy snow band. The lake effect snow shower activity did become less organized thereafter, though winds did pick up with blowing and drifting snow observed. School closings and accidents were reported in the region due to the significant snow. Snow accumulations across southern Berrien county were wide ranging, generally between 3 and 12 inches. Niles reported 11.5 inches of snow, with 10.6' 1 mile east-southeast of Buchanan.

Wider weather episode

Bands of heavy lake effect snow produced localized amounts up to a foot in portions of southwest Michigan during the morning hours of February 20th.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1228482. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.