A disturbance and wave of low pressure moving through the Central Great Lakes produced a wintry mix of moderate to heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain across much of Upper Michigan from the 10th into the 11th.
Every event with a place to put it; 4 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS MQT wrote it up.
A disturbance and wave of low pressure moving through the Central Great Lakes produced a wintry mix of moderate to heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain across much of Upper Michigan from the 10th into the 11th.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Marquette, MI wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Apr 10, 6:35 AM EST, 3 hours 55 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Marquette MI
735 AM EDT Mon Apr 10 2017
.SHORT TERM...(Today and tonight)
Issued at 450 AM EDT MON APR 10 2017
00Z raobs/latest wv imagery and RAP analysis show a sw flow aloft
into the wrn Great Lks to the e of a fairly deep srn branch trof
centered over the wcentral Plains. A shrtwv lifting to the ne thru
MN is interacting with some deeper mstr in the warm conveyor belt
mstr ribbon (00Z pwat was 1.03 inch at GRB or about 250 pct of
normal) and instability (MUCape aoa 1000 j/kg extending as far n as
the se cwa) to generate a band of showers/TS that is moving in the
ern cwa. The hi MUCape/steep mid lvl lapse rates and effective lyr
shear as hi as 40-50 kts per the SPC Mesoanalysis resulting in some
severe storms. Despite a very stable near sfc lyr per RAP analysis
sdngs, some damaging winds occurred in addition to large hail. There
is another shrtwv over Nebraska embedded in the upr trof moving to
the ne. To the n, there is a nrn branch shrtwv moving e thru nw
Ontario. Although there is not much pcpn associated with this
feature or its attendant cold fnt in the presence of dry llvl air,
colder, sub freezing air is aprchg nw Lk Sup.
Main fcst concerns in the short term focus on pops/ptype
tngt associated with shrtwv now in the wrn Plains.
Today...As the first shrtwv responsible for the early mrng
convection shifts to the ne this mrng, the bulk of the lingering
showers wl diminish, lingering longer over the hier terrain of the
nw half with some upslope flow offsetting the llvl drying. As colder
llvl air pours into the area, some of this pcpn wl mix with light sn
and even some light freezing rain as fcst sdngs show an elevated
warm lyr. Temps wl fall thru the day.
Tngt...As the second shrtwv to the sw and accompanying deep lyr
forcing/some deeper mstr move in tngt, expect incrsg pops on the cyc
side of the shrtwv track. Fcst thermal fields sug the pcpn over the
hier terrain of the nw half wl fall mainly as sn. Pcpn totals are in
question as there is uncertainly on how the dry air to the n wl
offset the dynamic forcing and impact the pcpn intensity. Some of
the wetter guidance hints there wl be at least several inches of wet
sn accum in this area. But other models show the dry air dominating
and greatly limiting pcpn totals.
.LONG TERM...(Tuesday through Sunday)
Issued at 450 AM EDT MON APR 10 2017
Busy night with severe weather so generally kept what the blended
models gave, especially beyond day 3, Wednesday.
Tuesday: Surface low pressure and 500mb shortwave sliding across
northern Lower Michigan Tuesday morning is expected to continue
lifting to the northeast into Quebec by Thursday afternoon.
Cyclonic flow and upslope flow, north central, will be in place
across the area in the morning, which will keep increased chances
of precipitation in the CWA. Otherwise, the greater system
forcing will exit the area by mid afternoon, allowing for a
gradual decrease in precipitation coverage and intensity. At this
point, enough cold air is expected to slide in across the west
half of the U.P. allowing the rain to transition to snow over the
west half. The combination of the upslope flow and slowly
departing system forcing will allow for increased precipitation
totals, especially over the north central U.P. This would give
snow accumulations in the morning around between 1 to 2 inches in
the high terrain of the north central. The east half may end up
seeing a mix of freezing rain, rain and light snow before
diminishing in the afternoon. Current thinking is that the above
normal temps over the past several days should limit the impact on
roadways. Any impact should be limited to the early morning hours
before temperatures steadily warm during the afternoon and the
clouds very slowly begin to decrease from the west late in the
day.
Tuesday night through Wednesday: The low pressure system and upper
level trough will shift east of the U.P. allowing a dry surface
ridge to slide into the Upper Great Lakes. This will allow skies to
become partly cloudy Tuesday night before clouds begin to slowly
increase once again Wednesday afternoon on southerly flow behind the
high pressure system and ahead of the next area of low pressure.
Mainly dry conditions can be expected with temperatures near normal
to above normal across the area. The combination of above normal
temperatures and good mixing Wednesday afternoon may allow RH values
to drop into the low 30s over a few locations inland; however, winds
should remain light under the ridge.
Wednesday night through Thursday: A low pressure system is progged
to slide near the U.P during this time period. As this happens, an
associated cold front and upper level shortwave is expected to slide
across the U.P. The quick movement and lack of overly impressive
moisture should provide only light QPF for most of the area from
west to east through this time period. Models are generally
depicting a quarter inch or less across most of the U.P. Again, the
heaviest will be west Wednesday night and east by Thursday afternoon.
Thursday night through Friday: Another break in the precipitation
is expected during this time period as quick moving high pressure
and drier air slides across the area. Temperatures are expected to
steadily warm through this time period to above normal as a 500mb
ridge axis is progged to slide across the U.P. and 850mb
temperatures warm into the 6 to 8C range. This would give high
temperatures in the upper 50s to low 60s across most of the area
with warmer temperatures possible in the favored southeast wind
downslope areas along Lake Superior. Again, with warmer
temperatures and good mixing, RH values may once again drop into
the 30s across much of the U.P. Winds during this time period may
be a bit stronger with gusts close to 15 mph during the afternoon
hours.
Friday night through the extended: Models are depicting a stronger
area of low pressure sliding from Southern Saskatchewan into Quebec
by next Sunday. There are differences in the models; however, in
regards to the strength of the system and exact placement/timing.
There would be a cold front associated with the system that would
pass through the area, with the best chance for this occuring Friday
night into Saturday. Beyond that time period, enough model
differences exist to stick with a consensus of the models.
&&
.AVIATION...(For the 12Z TAFS through 12Z Tuesday morning)
Issued at 733 AM EDT MON APR 10 2017
A gusty cyc, upslope nne flow wl result in a good deal of lo clds at
the TAF sites today. But since this flow wl tap drier air, expect
slow improvement fm IFR and as lo as LIFR at SAW this mrng to MVFR
and even VFR at CMX, where the flow wl not present as sharp an
upslope component. There could be some reduction in vsby with some
lgt pcpn, but the lowest vsbys wl be in fog at SAW early before the
arrival of the drier air lifts this fog. Another aprchg disturbance
may bring some heavier mixed pcpn tngt especially at SAW, which wl
be farthest fm the dry air source to the n-nw and experience the
sharper upslope wind component. Vsybs at that site may fall into the
IFR range.
&&
.MARINE...(For the 4 AM Lake Superior forecast issuance)
Issued at 450 AM EDT MON APR 10 2017
Low pressure will track along a cold front sagging across the area
resulting in a quick strengthening of northeast winds with gales to
35 knots likely through this afternoon over at least the west half
of Lake Superior. Over the east half, expect occasional gusts to
gale force. Winds will begin to diminish slightly tonight and then
much more so on Tuesday as a high pressure ridge approaches and then
arrives Tuesday night. By Tuesday evening, winds should be under
15kts across the lake. Although a low pressure trough is expected to
move across the area Wedesday night or Thursday morning, it will be
weak, and winds should remain light, mostly under 15kts Wednesday
into Thursday. The next chance of increased winds will late this
week into the upcoming weekend as a cold front passes through the
area; however, winds should remain at or below 25 knots.
&&
.MQT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Upper Michigan...
None.
Lake Superior...
Gale Warning until 2 AM EDT Tuesday for LSZ266-267.
Gale Warning until 5 PM EDT /4 PM CDT/ this afternoon for LSZ162-
240>243-263-264.
Lake Michigan...
None.
&&
SHORT TERM...KC
LONG TERM...KEC
AVIATION...KC
MARINE...KECHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Marquette MI 520 AM EDT Mon Apr 10 2017 MIZ001>007-009>014-084-085-111200- Keweenaw-Ontonagon-Northern Houghton-Baraga-Marquette-Alger-Luce- Gogebic-Iron-Dickinson-Menominee-Delta-Southern Schoolcraft- Southern Houghton-Northern Schoolcraft- 520 AM EDT Mon Apr 10 2017 /420 AM CDT Mon Apr 10 2017/ This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of western Upper Michigan and central Upper Michigan. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight Thunderstorms are possible over far eastern Upper Michigan this morning. A wintry mix of rain, freezing rain and snow is expected this afternoon into tonight over the northwest half of the Upper Peninsula. Light snow and ice accumulations are possible. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday A wintry mix of snow, rain, freezing rain and freezing drizzle is expected over portions of Upper Michigan Tuesday. Light snow and ice accumulations are possible. Strong northeast winds will allow waves to build to 8 to 10 feet along the shorelines of western Upper Michigan today. This may lead to minor beach erosion. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... The need for weather spotter reports is not anticipated at this time. LSZ162-240>251-263>267-111200- Lake Superior west of a line from Saxon Harbor WI to Grand Portage MN beyond 5NM-Saxon Harbor WI to Black River MI- Black River to Ontonagon MI- Ontonagon to Upper Entrance of Portage Canal MI- Upper Entrance of Portage Canal to Eagle River MI- Eagle River to Manitou Island MI- Manitou Island to Point Isabelle MI- Point Isabelle to Lower Entrance of Portage Canal MI- Lower Entrance of Portage Canal To Huron Islands MI Including Keweenaw and Huron Bays-Huron Islands to Marquette MI- Marquette to Munising MI-Munising to Grand Marais MI- Grand Marais to Whitefish Point MI- Lake Superior from Saxon Harbor WI to Upper Entrance to Portage Canal MI 5NM off shore to the US/Canadian border including Isle Royale National Park- Lake Superior from Upper Entrance to Portage Canal to Manitou Island MI 5NM off shore to the US/Canadian Border- Lake Superior West of Line from Manitou Island to Marquette MI Beyond 5NM from shore- Lake Superior East of a line from Manitou Island to Marquette MI and West of a line from Grand Marais MI to the US/Canadian Border Beyond 5NM from shore- Lake Superior from Grand Marais MI to Whitefish Point MI 5NM off shore to the US/Canadian border- 520 AM EDT Mon Apr 10 2017 /420 AM CDT Mon Apr 10 2017/ This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Eastern Lake Superior...Central Lake Superior and Western Lake Superior. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight Thunderstorms are possible over far eastern Lake Superior early this morning. Northeast gales to 35 knots are expected today, mainly across the west half of Lake Superior. See the latest marine forecast and statements for details. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... The need for weather spotter reports is not anticipated at this time. LMZ221-248-250-111200- Green Bay North of line from Cedar River MI to Rock Island Passage-Seul Choix Point to Point Detour MI- 5NM East of a line from Fairport MI to Rock Island Passage- 520 AM EDT Mon Apr 10 2017 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Northern Lake Michigan. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... The need for weather spotter reports is not anticipated at this time. KEC
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MARQUETTE MI
938 AM EDT MON APR 10 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0825 PM HAIL 1 WNW IRON MOUNTAIN 45.83N 88.08W
04/09/2017 M1.00 INCH DICKINSON MI PUBLIC
REPORT VIA MPING.
&&PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...CORRECTED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MARQUETTE MI
942 AM EDT MON APR 10 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0925 PM HAIL 1 WNW IRON MOUNTAIN 45.83N 88.08W
04/09/2017 M1.00 INCH DICKINSON MI PUBLIC
REPORT VIA MPING.
&&
KLUBERPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...CORRECTED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MARQUETTE MI
943 AM EDT MON APR 10 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0328 AM HAIL 4 NNW LITTLE LAKE 46.33N 87.38W
04/10/2017 M0.75 INCH MARQUETTE MI PUBLIC
REPORT VIA MPING.
&&
KLUBERPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...CORRECTED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MARQUETTE MI
1002 AM EDT MON APR 10 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0226 AM NON-TSTM WND DMG 3 S REPUBLIC 46.36N 87.98W
04/10/2017 MARQUETTE MI TRAINED SPOTTER
SEVERAL TREES DOWNED AROUND SOUTH REPUBLIC.
HAIL OF UNKNOWN SIZE.
&&
KLUBERPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...CORRECTED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MARQUETTE MI
1018 AM EDT MON APR 10 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0226 AM TSTM WND DMG 3 S REPUBLIC 46.36N 87.98W
04/10/2017 MARQUETTE MI TRAINED SPOTTER
SEVERAL TREES DOWNED AROUND SOUTH REPUBLIC.
HAIL OF UNKNOWN SIZE.
&&
KLUBERPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...CORRECTED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MARQUETTE MI
1039 AM EDT MON APR 10 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0250 AM TSTM WND DMG ISHPEMING 46.49N 87.67W
04/10/2017 MARQUETTE MI BROADCAST MEDIA
METAL ROOF PEELED OFF COMMERCIAL BUILDING IN
DOWNTOWN ISHPEMING. TIME ESTIMATED FROM
RADAR.
&&
KLUBERThe national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
2 winter weather, 2 winter storm. Local standard time, as filed.
There were several reports of light ice accumulation from freezing rain on decks , trees and shrubs from K.I Sawyer to Gwinn and Little Lake.
There were several reports of eight to ten inches of wet, heavy snow over an approximate five-hour time period from Iron River to Amasa and Crystal Falls. The wet, heavy snow made for treacherous travel on the 11th as many Iron County schools closed for the day.
Observers and spotters measured a widespread five to nine inches of wet, heavy snow over a six-hour period on the morning of the 11th. The highest totals of ten inches were reported from near Ishpeming to Negaunee. The wet, heavy snow made for treacherous travel on the 11th as many Marquette County schools closed for the day, including Northern Michigan University.
Observers from Three Lakes to Herman measured four to five inches of wet snow over a five-hour period.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Michigan in 2017Every state in 2017This day in weather historyWarnings in Michigan, April 2017
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 694544, 694545, 694546, 694547.