Winter Storm in Cass, Michigan

Lake effect snow, heavy at times, resulted in reduced visibility and traffic accidents. The combination of periods of moderate to heavy lake effect snow and wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph lead to significantly reduced visibilities and slick roads. A CoCoRaHS observer 3.5 miles east of Niles, MI reported 8.5 inches of snow. Storm total snowfall amount ranged from 2 to 6 inches across most locations, with the highest amounts in excess of 8 inches across southwest portions of Cass County. Numerous accidents and slide-offs were reported.

In the wake of a cold front that produced widespread 60 mph wind gusts and severe thunderstorms, lake effect snow developed. The combination of moderate to heavy lake effect snow and strong winds produce hazardous travel conditions. Periods of whiteout conditions were noted well inland as the heaviest bands of lake effect snow affected Berrien and Cass Counties in southwest Lower Michigan. Storm total snowfall amount were generally in the 2 to 5 inch range across much of southwest Lower Michigan, with localized higher amounts in excess of 8 inches across southwest Cass County.