Winter Storm — Grand Traverse, Michigan

2025-12-28 to 2025-12-29 · Grand Traverse, Michigan

Event narrative

Cocorahs observer 1.3mi SSW of Grawn in western Grand Traverse county reported 7.4 inches of snow by 07:00 on the 29th; an additional 5.8 inches fell by the morning of the 30th, for a storm total of 13.2inches in less than 48hrs. Additional reports of 10 inches or more around the western half of the county. Gusty winds also resulted in blowing snow and some brief road closures near KTVC, Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, where winds gusted as high as 58mph.

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 1310195. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.