Lake-Effect Snow — Southern Berrien County, Michigan

2026-01-25 to 2026-01-26 · Southern Berrien County, Michigan

Event narrative

A slow moving, lake effect snow band produced treacherous, nearly impossible travel due to intense snowfall rates and near zero visibility late January 25th into the morning hours of January 26th. Snowfall rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour were reported, with snowfall totals generally ranging between 8 and 14 inches across the county. There was a report of 12.7 inches 1 mile south of Buchanan. Numerous schools and businesses were closed on January 26th with reports of slide-offs and accidents on area roads.

Wider weather episode

An intense band of lake effect snow produced near whiteout conditions and 2 to 4 inch per hour snowfall rates during the late evening hours of January 25th into the morning of January 26th.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1307415. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.