Heavy Snow — Oscoda, Michigan

2012-03-02 to 2012-03-03 · Oscoda, Michigan

Wider weather episode

One of the highest-impact snowstorms in recent memory pounded Northern Michigan on the night of the 2nd. Low pressure tracked from Missouri, to southern Lower Michigan, and on to eastern Canada, while rapidly strengthening. Precipitation surged northward into the region on the evening of the 2nd. This was primarily snow, except in parts of east central Lower Michigan (especially near Lake Huron), where temperatures were mild enough for rain. Snow wound down on the morning of the 3rd, and though somewhat blustery winds occurred behind the system on the 3rd, blowing snow was limited because the snowfall was so wet.

Snow totals ranged from 6 to 14 inches across most of Northern Michigan. Higher amounts fell near and west of Grand Traverse Bay, with a maximum amount of 20 inches near Lake Ann. With relatively warm temperatures, the snow was very wet; Traverse City saw around a foot of snow during the night, with a low temperature of 33 degrees. The snow stuck to everything, with the weight of the snow downing many, many trees and power lines. Power outages were widespread, with an outright majority of Northern Michigan residents losing power at some time during or after the storm. In Benzie County, 95 percent of residents lost power. Outages lasted up to a week in some spots. Great Lakes Energy described it as the worst snowstorm (in regards to power outages) in 30 years. A number of counties and communities opened shelters to aid those without power or heat. Also included in the tree damage was substantial damage to fruit trees in the Grand Traverse Bay region, particularly cherry trees. In Corwith Township in Otsego County, the weight of snow caused the roof of the former township hall to collapse.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 372472. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.