Winter Storm — Cheboygan, Michigan

2025-12-28 to 2025-12-29 · Cheboygan, Michigan

Event narrative

Snowfall amount reached 7.5 inches in 12 hrs by 10:00 near Indian River; snowfall total estimates of 8 inches at the cooperative observing site in the city of Cheboygan, and up to 10 inches near Mullett Lake. Cheboygan Airport, KSLH, reported several hours with visibilities at or below 1/4mi, along with falling snow and wind gusts in excess of 35mph. A 55 year old woman was killed in a collision in the village of Tower during these conditions; Michigan State Police reported they did not believe she was wearing her seatbelt. Another man sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the collision.

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 1310186. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.