Winter Storm — Dickinson, Michigan

2025-03-05 · Dickinson, Michigan

Event narrative

The CoCoRaHS observer MI-DC-6 Iron Mountain 1.1 W reported a storm total snowfall of 12 inches. The Ford Airport ASOS KIMT reported near-blizzard conditions with about 2.5 hours of 1/4 mile visibility or less and some gusts over 35 mph but not for a consistent 3 hour period. There was a peak gust at KIMT of 51 mph at 4:11 PM on the 5th. Key impacts: school closures, travel delays.

Wider weather episode

Strong winter storm lifted through the Great Lakes Monday March 4 through Thursday morning. This produced freezing rain, rain, and then widespread heavy, wet snow, strong winds, and blizzard conditions. Widespread 6 to 24 inches of snow was observed across Upper Michigan as well as 35 to 50 mph winds. Highest storm total snow reported was 24 inches 2 miles from WFO Marquette and the highest wind observed was 62 mph at the Marquette Coast Guard Station. WFO Marquette's storm total snow was 22.7 inches. The office also set records for daily maximum QPF at 2.55 inches and daily snowfall 20.8 inches for March 5th. Blizzard conditions were observed for nearly 12 hours at Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport (KSAW). Widespread impacts occurred including: all flights canceled at KSAW, a local TV station canceled their evening broadcast because staff could not get into their station; schools, businesses, ski resorts, churches, public services, and local government buildings were closed Wednesday and Thursday; multiple minor traffic incidents also occurred, including jack-knifed 18 wheelers that resulted in temporary road closures; approximately 5000 power outages occurred, but were resolved quickly. Multiple police and local governments were advising people to stay off the roads due to impossible road conditions.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1245191. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.