A winter storm tracking across the Upper Great Lakes brought widespread heavy snow to Upper Michigan from the 5th into the 6th.
Every event with a place to put it; 14 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 winter storm tracking across the Upper Great Lakes brought widespread heavy snow to Upper Michigan from the 5th into the 6th.
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 Dec 5, 5:50 AM CST, 1 hour 10 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Marquette MI
650 AM EST Sun Dec 5 2021
.SHORT TERM...(Today and tonight)
Issued at 537 AM EST SUN DEC 5 2021
Water vapor imagery and RAP analysis show broad cyclonic flow across
southern Canada and the northern U.S. around the southern side of an
expansive, broad mid-level low centered just ne of Hudson Bay. In
this flow, an amplifying shortwave is moving over the Dakotas. In
response, waa/isentropic ascent is ramping up into the Upper
Mississippi Valley, resulting in a band of snow developing from ND
to WI. Although radar returns are now crossing into Upper MI, dry
air at the lower levels is preventing snow from reaching the ground.
Fcst for today/tonight is largely on track. Strong waa/isentropic
ascent today will support the first stage of this winter storm. Lake
enhanced snow to pure LES off Lake Superior and also blsn will make
up the second stage, beginning late tonight w and then spreading e
across northern Upper MI thru Mon morning. About a 9-12hr period of
isentropic ascent today with mixing ratios of 2-3g/kg advecting ne
at around 750mb suggests at least a widespread 3-6 inch snowfall at
the minimum. 850mb temps no higher than around -7C will support lake
enhancement off Lake MI/Lake Huron under se low-level winds,
boosting snow amounts up to a few inches across most of the central
and eastern fcst area. The Keweenaw Peninsula will also get in on
lake enhancement under se winds across southern Lake Superior. There
too, snow amounts should be boosted up to a few inches. Areas where
se winds are a downsloping wind will see the least amount of snow
today. Typically, areas from Ironwood to Ontonagon over to around
L'anse are most affected by downsloping, but the Marquette area
could also be affected to some degree. Downsloping will be most
notable around L'anse, so that should be the area of minimum snow
today, maybe only around 3 inches there. Gusty winds to around 30
mph this aftn will cause some blowing/drifting of snow.
Mid-level dry slot may slip into portions of the area late
aftn/evening, potentially leading some -fzdz. Even if that does
occur, it will have minimal impact on roads given the snow on the
roads and/or road treatment. Otherwise, snow will diminish with the
departure of the waa/isentropic ascent, except over the Keweenaw
which should continue to see some lake enhanced snowfall under se
low-level winds up to the point that winds shift n to nw, which will
obviously continue the lake enhanced snowfall. The sfc low pres will
track e across southern Lake Superior tonight, probably crossing the
Keweenaw Peninsula. With its passage, strong n to nw winds will
surge across Lake Superior from w to e. This is a classic
scenario that supports hvy lake enhanced snowfall over far western
Upper MI, Ontonagon/Gogebic counties. Strongly convergent
cyclonic flow and 850mb temps falling from -8C to -15C will
support hvy lake enhanced snowfall in that area overnight into Mon
morning. Should easily see 4-6 inches of additional snowfall in
the 06-12z time frame. The hvy snow and blsn from winds gusting
30+mph will make for very hazardous travel conditions in that area
late tonight. Although the backside lake enhanced snow won't be
quite as hvy on the Keweenaw, winds will be stronger there,
leading to more significant blsn issues there late tonight. The
shift to strong/gusty nnw winds and lake enhanced snowfall will
spread e to Baraga County 09-12z and to Marquette/Munising by, or
around 12z, just in time for the Mon morning commute. Expected
burst of snowfall and onset of strong/gusty nnw will make for
hazardous conditions in the morning. More headlines will likely be
needed across the n central for this portion of the event.
.LONG TERM...(Monday through Saturday)
Issued at 455 AM EST SUN DEC 5 2021
As a low pressure lifts out of the Upper Great Lakes Monday, expect
lake-enhanced snowfall in the north to northwest snow belts to
transition to lake-effect snow in the northwest snow belts by Monday
afternoon. Snow should be fairly dry and fluffy Monday, as colder
temps move in from west to east throughout the day. Given the strong
CAA behind the comma head of the low Monday, expect to see some
blustery conditions across the area. These blustery winds should
help create areas of blowing snow across Upper MI, with the greatest
coverage of blowing snow seen near the Lake Superior shoreline along
the northwest lake effect wind belts. The northwest lake effect wind
belts could see several inches of fluffy snowfall Monday,
particularly in the west. Therefore, if commuting or traveling
Monday, make sure to take extra precautions, and to have an extra
flashlight, food, and water your vehicle in case of an emergency. As
the flow becomes westerly Monday night, expect lake effect snow to
become confined to the west wind lake effect belts by Monday night.
From there, lake effect snow is expected to continue in the west
wind lake effect belts until the middle of the week, with the
Keweenaw potentially seeing several inches of snow between Monday
and the middle of this week.
As cold Arctic air continues into the region Monday night, expect
temps to plummet to the single digits out east to the single digits
below zero out west. Wind chill concerns could be an issue Monday,
as ensembles show temps in the 10th percentile at 850mb and wind
gusts may be just strong enough to drop apparent temps into the mid
negative teens. Will need to keep an eye on this with subsequent
forecast packages. So far, it looks like the far west near the WI
border would be the coldest Monday night. As for highs Tuesday,
expect the UP to stay in the teens as the coldest airmass of the
winter season finally starts to leave the area. Expect temps Tuesday
night to be similar to what they were Monday night. However,
apparent temps Tuesday night should be quite a bit warmer as winds
are expected to be calmer.
While there is a slight chance that a shortwave Wednesday will bring
some snowfall to Menominee County, the next good chance at some
system snowfall looks to occur around the Thursday/Thursday night
time period as an occluding front associated with an Alberta Clipper
lifting northeast towards northern Ontario pushes through the UP.
After this occluding front, there is a Colorado Low that looks to
lift towards Detroit Friday. We could see some snowfall from this,
but have my doubts as it will depend on the placement of the low; if
the low is too far south (like most models), then precip across the
UP this upcoming weekend doesn't seem likely, save for some lake
effect snow.
&&
.AVIATION...(For the 12Z TAFS through 12Z Monday morning)
Issued at 650 AM EST SUN DEC 5 2021
Expect rapidly deteriorating conditions from sw to ne across Upper
MI this morning as snow, mdt to even hvy at times, spreads ne.
Expect IWD/CMX/SAW to fall to IFR soon after the snow begins.
Prevailing LIFR conditions will occur as well today, especially at
CMX/SAW. SE winds will become gusty to 20-30kt this aftn, strongest
at CMX. IFR conditions should prevail at all terminals tonight, even
though snow diminishes at IWD/SAW. Late tonight, sfc low pres will
track across southern Lake Superior. On the backside, n to nw winds
gusting to around 30kt will develop. Expect prevailing LIFR
conditions in mdt/hvy snow and blsn to develop at IWD/CMX with
potential for conditions to fall blo airfield landing mins. Wind
shift and increasing snow will reach SAW near 12z.
&&
.MARINE...(For the 4 AM Lake Superior forecast issuance)
Issued at 537 AM EST SUN DEC 5 2021
Gales will be common across Lake Superior for the next couple of
days. Low pres over the Dakotas this morning will track e, deepening
as it crosses southern Lake Superior tonight. Ahead of the low,
expect se gales of 35-40kt to develop today. Could be a few higher
end gusts of 40-45kt late aftn across portions of central Lake
Superior. In the vcnty of the passing low pres tonight, winds will
temporarily relax a bit to blo gale force. However, on the backside
of the low, n to nw winds will abruptly ramp up to 40-45kt gales
from w to e overnight into early Mon morning. Could be some storm
force gusts to 50kt as well for a few hrs. Winds will slowly
diminish from w to e Mon aftn thru Tue, leading to winds under 20kt
for Tue night/Wed.
&&
.MQT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Upper Michigan...
Winter Storm Warning until 7 PM EST /6 PM CST/ this evening for
MIZ004-005-010>012-084.
Winter Storm Warning until 1 AM EST Monday for MIZ006-007-013-
014-085.
Winter Storm Warning until 7 PM EST Monday for MIZ001-003.
Winter Storm Warning until 7 PM EST /6 PM CST/ Monday for MIZ002-
009.
Lake Superior...
Gale Warning from noon today to 7 PM EST Monday for LSZ245>248-
265>267.
Gale Warning from 11 AM this morning to 7 PM EST Monday for
LSZ243-244-264.
Gale Warning from 5 AM to 7 PM EST Monday for LSZ249>251.
Gale Warning from 1 AM EST /midnight CST/ to 1 PM EST /noon CST/
Monday for LSZ240>242.
Gale Warning until 1 PM EST /noon CST/ Monday for LSZ162-263.
Lake Michigan...
Gale Warning from 11 AM this morning to 7 PM EST Monday for
LMZ221-248-250.
&&
SHORT TERM...Rolfson
LONG TERM...TAP
AVIATION...Rolfson
MARINE...RolfsonHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Marquette MI 642 AM EST Sun Dec 5 2021 MIZ006-007-085-061300- Alger-Luce-Northern Schoolcraft- 642 AM EST Sun Dec 5 2021 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central Upper Michigan. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight A system moving through the Great Lakes Region will produce widespread moderate to heavy snowfall today and this evening. Probability of greater than 6 inches of wet snow today and this evening is high. The snow today and tonight will be wet and dense, making travel hazardous and making snow removal more difficult. The Monday morning commute may be difficult, especially as the blustery winds and drier snow late tonight could create areas of blowing snow near the Lake Superior shoreline. See the latest Winter Weather Message for additional details. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday A system leaving the Great Lakes Region will produce moderate lake enhanced snowfall Monday. As lake enhanced snow becomes pure lake effect by Monday afternoon, expect areas of blowing snow to continue across the area. Some spots could see over 4 inches of snow Monday and Monday night, with locally higher amounts possible where the heaviest bands set up. Expect travel to be difficult Monday, as visibilities could be greatly reduced in falling and blowing snow. Lake effect snow should shift closer to Lake Superior Monday night as winds become more westerly. Waves building to 10 to 16 feet Monday and Monday evening may lead to minor beach erosion and localized lakeshore flooding. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report any snowfall to the National Weather Service in Marquette. The public may also submit reports to the National Weather Service via phone, on our website, or through Facebook or Twitter using #906wx. MIZ001>003-009-061300- Keweenaw-Ontonagon-Northern Houghton-Gogebic- 642 AM EST Sun Dec 5 2021 /542 AM CST Sun Dec 5 2021/ This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of western Upper Michigan. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight A system moving through the Great Lakes Region will produce widespread moderate snowfall today, transitioning to lake enhanced snow and blowing snow late tonight. Probability of greater than 6 inches of wet snow through the day is high. Several more inches look possible late tonight. The snow today will be wet and dense, making travel hazardous and making snow removal more difficult. As the snowfall transitions to lake enhanced snow and north to northwest winds increase late tonight, areas of blowing snow are expected to develop. The Monday morning commute will be difficult. See the latest Winter Weather Message for additional details. Waves of 8 to 10 feet may cause some minor lakeshore flooding and beach erosion over the east side and around the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula this afternoon and evening. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday A system leaving the Great Lakes Region will produce widespread moderate snowfall Monday, especially during the morning hours. Many higher elevation areas could see at least 6 inches Monday and Monday night. Areas of blowing snow are expected to continue Monday. Expect travel to be difficult Monday as visibilities will be greatly reduced in snow and blowing snow. Lake effect snow showers will continue into Monday night and Tuesday. Modest snowfall amounts are possible over the Keweenaw Peninsula Tuesday and Tuesday night. See the latest Winter Weather Message for additional details. Some more minor lakeshore flooding and beach erosion is possible Monday as waves build to 11 to 15 feet. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report any beach erosion, lakeshore flooding, and/or snowfall to the National Weather Service in Marquette. The public may also submit reports to the National Weather Service via phone, on our website, or through Facebook or Twitter using #906wx. MIZ013-014-061300- Delta-Southern Schoolcraft- 642 AM EST Sun Dec 5 2021 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central Upper Michigan. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight A system moving through the Great Lakes Region will produce widespread moderate snowfall today. Probability of greater than 6 inches of wet snow through the day is high. This snow will be wet and dense, making travel hazardous and making snow removal more difficult. See the latest Winter Weather Message for additional details. Persistent strong southeast winds are expected to build large waves on the Bay of Green Bay and Lake Michigan that could result in some minor lakeshore flooding and beach erosion today into this evening. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday A few inches of drier, fluffy snow is possible in northern Delta and Southern Schoolcraft Counties on Monday. That, as well as patchy blowing snow, could make travel hazardous across the area Monday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report any beach erosion, lakeshore flooding, and/or snowfall to the National Weather Service in Marquette. The public may also submit reports to the National Weather Service via phone, on our website, or through Facebook or Twitter using #906wx. MIZ004-005-010>012-084-061300- Baraga-Marquette-Iron-Dickinson-Menominee-Southern Houghton- 642 AM EST Sun Dec 5 2021 /542 AM CST Sun Dec 5 2021/ This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of western Upper Michigan and central Upper Michigan. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight A system moving through the Great Lakes Region will produce widespread moderate snowfall today, transitioning to lake enhanced snow and blowing snow near Lake Superior late tonight. Probability of greater than 6 inches of wet snow through the day is high. A few more inches look possible late tonight in the Michigamme Highlands. The snow today will be wet and dense, making travel hazardous and making snow removal more difficult. Blowing snow will develop along the Lake Superior shoreline late tonight. The Monday morning commute may be difficult. See the latest Winter Weather Message for additional details. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday As the system leaves Monday, expect snowfall to become limited to the northwest wind lake effect snow belts. Expect only a few additional inches of lake enhanced snow Monday and Monday night, with the highest snow totals expected in the Michigamme Highlands. Expect patchy blowing snow across the area Monday as blustery northwest winds pick up. Waves building to 10 to 15 feet Monday and Monday evening could bring some minor lakeshore flooding and beach erosion to Marquette County. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report any snowfall to the National Weather Service in Marquette. The public may also submit reports to the National Weather Service via phone, on our website, or through Facebook or Twitter using #906wx. LSZ162-240>251-263>267-061300- 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- 642 AM EST Sun Dec 5 2021 /542 AM CST Sun Dec 5 2021/ This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Eastern Lake Superior...Central Lake Superior and Western Lake Superior. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight Southeast gales of 35 to 40 knots are expected across much of Lake Superior today into this evening. See the latest Open Lake Forecast and Marine Weather Message for further details. North to northwest gales of 35 to 45 knots are expected across much of Lake Superior late night. Some storm force gusts to 50 knots can't be ruled out across the west half of the lake. See the latest Open Lake Forecast and Marine Weather Message for further details. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday North to northwest gales to 35 to 45 knots are expected across much of Lake Superior Monday. Some storm force gusts to 50 knots can't be ruled out during the morning. See the latest Open Lake Forecast and Marine Weather Message for further details. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... The need for weather spotter reports is not anticipated at this time. LMZ221-248-250-061300- 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- 642 AM EST Sun Dec 5 2021 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Northern Lake Michigan. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight Southeast gales 35 to 40 knots are possible this afternoon and evening. See the latest Nearshore Marine Forecast and Marine Weather Message for more details. West gales of 35 knots are possible late tonight. See the latest Nearshore Marine Forecast and Marine Weather Message for more details. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday West to northwest gales of 35 to 40 knots are possible Monday. See the latest Nearshore Marine Forecast and Marine Weather Message for more details. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... The need for weather spotter reports is not anticipated at this time. TAP/Rolfson
The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
14 winter storm. Local standard time, as filed.
Snowfall reports in less than 12 hours included 9 inches at Daggett, 8-9 in Carney and 8 inches in Menominee. Schools were closed throughout Menominee County on the 6th due to the impacts from the heavy snow.
The spotter in Marenisco measured 13 inches of snow in approximately 28 hours along with considerable blowing of snow and lowered visibility due to northwest winds gusting over 35 mph at times. The Ironwood observer measured nearly 11 inches during the event, and schools were closed throughout the county on the 6th due to the snow and blowing snow.
The observer in Amasa measured six inches of snow in less than 12 hours. Schools were closed in portions of Iron County on the 6th due to the impacts from the storm.
An estimated 7 to 8 inches of snow fell across the area in a 24-hour time period. Schools were closed throughout the county on the 6th due to impacts from the heavy snow.
Snowfall reports in less than 12 hours included 8 inches at both Iron Mountain and Norway with reports of very slippery roadways and poor visibility. Schools were closed throughout Dickinson County on the 6th due to impacts from the heavy snow.
Heavy snowfall reports across Delta County in less than a 12-period included 12 inches at Brampton and Cornell, 10-11 inches at Gladstone, Escanaba and Garden Corners, 8 inches eight miles northeast of Perkins and 7 inches at Rock. Schools throughout Delta County were closed on the 6th due to the impacts from the heavy snow.
A NWS employee near Watson measured 8 inches of snow in approximately seven hours. Schools were closed throughout southern Marquette County on the 6th due to impacts from the heavy snow.
The observer at Bergland Dam measured 10.7 inches of snow in less than 24 hours. Schools were closed throughout Ontonagon County on the 6th due to impacts from the storm.
Observers from Herman to Three Lakes measured 7 to 8 inches of snow in less than 24 hours. Schools were closed throughout the county on the 6th due to impacts from the heavy snow.
Snowfall reports in less than a 24-hour period included 13 inches at Atlantic Mine, 10 inches at Kearsarge, Painesdale and Houghton and 9 inches at Hubbell. There was a report of nearly 17 inches of snow at Twin Lakes in approximately 30 hours. Schools were closed throughout Houghton County on the 6th due to impacts from the heavy snow and blowing snow.
Snowfall reports over an approximate 10-hour period included 7 inches at Phoenix and 10 inches at Kearsarge near the Houghton/Keweenaw County line. Schools throughout the county were closed on the 6th due to impacts from the heavy snow.
The observer at Steuben measured nine inches of snow in less than 24 hours. Schools were closed throughout the area on the 6th due to impacts from the heavy snow.
There was a social media report of 6 to 7 inches of snow in less than 12 hours southwest of Dollarville. Schools were closed throughout the county on the 6th due to impacts from the heavy snow.
Heavy snow reports in approximately nine hours included an estimated 10 inches of snow at Gulliver and 9 inches in Manistique. Schools were closed throughout southern Schoolcraft County on the 6th due to impacts from the heavy snow.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Michigan in 2021Every state in 2021This day in weather historyWarnings in Michigan, December 2021
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: 995945, 997006, 997008, 997794, 995950, 995942, 995961, 997009, 997793, 995955, 995959, 997789, 997792, 995943.