Winter Storm — Western Chippewa County, Michigan

2025-12-28 to 2025-12-29 · Western Chippewa County, Michigan

Event narrative

Upwards of 12-16 inches of snow had fallen across western Chippewa County by the morning of the 29th. Strong winds led to significant blowing and drifting of snow, to the extent road commissions struggled to keep roads clear. This resulted in the Chippewa County Road Commission issuing a statement on social media urging residents to stay home unless absolutely necessary. Final snowfall totals as high as 20-24inches. Wind gusts as high as 65mph were reported at Point Iroquois Light near Brimley, MI, prior to 05:00.

Wider weather episode

Very strong low pressure system crossed northern Michigan during the overnight hours on the 28th into the 29th. Somewhat milder air ahead of the low led to some areas of rain/freezing rain during the overnight hours, before transitioning to snow as much colder air rushed into the region behind a cold front. Highest snowfall totals ranged from 8-10 inches across NW lower Michigan to nearly 2 feet across western Chippewa and Mackinac counties. Sustained winds of 20-30mph were accompanied by widespread wind gusts of 40-50mph'including some stronger wind gusts to around 60-70mph early in the morning. Synoptic moisture departed through the afternoon and snowfall tapered off to NW lake effect bands through the afternoon as winds slowly diminished.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1310178. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.