Winter Storm — Leelanau, Michigan

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

Event narrative

Cooperative observer near Maple City reported 11.5 inches of snow for the day of the 29th with high winds and drifting snow. A glaze of ice was also reported. Michigan Department of Transportation sensors reported wind gusts as high as 52mph near Leland around 13:00.

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 1310193. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.