Blizzard in Michigan, January 2 to 3, 1999

An intense winter storm which developed over the southern plains lifted northeastward across lower Michigan from the evening of the 2nd through the morning of the 3rd producing blizzard conditions across the region. Winds increased steadily during Saturday the 2nd...with heavy snows starting to lift across northern lower Michigan during the afternoon and early evening hours. The snow reached eastern upper Michigan overnight. System snows tapered off during the morning of the 3rd. Snowfall totals generally ranged from 8 to 14 inches across Chippewa and Mackinac counties of eastern upper Michigan. Across northern lower Michigan...snowfall totals generally ranged from 10 to 18 inches...with localized totals around 20 inches. Wind gusts of around 35 mph were common during the peak of the storm...with some gusts of 40 to 50 mph reported along the Lake Huron shoreline where winds were onshore. The strong winds caused extensive blowing and drifting of the snow and greatly limited visibilities. Drifts as high as 6 to 8 feet were reported across portions of the region. The heavy snow...reduced visibilities and widespread blowing and drifting caused very hazardous driving conditions. Many sideroads remained impassable into the 4th.