Early-Season Winter Storm Eyes U.S. Northern-Tier | WeatherBug
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Early-Season Winter Storm Eyes U.S. Northern-Tier

December 6, 2021
Updated By WeatherBug Meteorologist, Fred Allen
Snow-lovers from Montana to the Upper Great Lakes have been blanketed by oodles of snow to close out the weekend. Blizzard conditions remain possible this morning for the Upper Midwest.

A moisture-rich Pacific storm raced across the U.S. Northern-Tier, landing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula or southwestern Canada early this morning. Sub-freezing temperatures parked along and north of the storm’s trek will convert the moisture into a band of moderate to heavy snow.

Snow will continue from northern Minnesota through Wisconsin and northern Michigan through the morning. Northwestern Wisconsin into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula could see snowflakes persist through much of tonight once the lake-effect machine kicks in.

As the storm continue to track across the upper Great Lakes, the combination of heavy snow and gusts topping 35 to 40 mph will culminate in blizzard conditions across a small part of Minnesota’s Arrowhead. Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings stretch from eastern North Dakota to Maine.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula will be digging out from several inches to locally more than half a foot of new snow by Monday afternoon on top of the 8 to 12 inches that has already fallen. Duluth, Minn., Houghton, Marquette, Sault Ste. Marie, Gaylord, and Alpena, Mich., are all included in the some snow accumulation. The northern tip of Maine could pick up 4 to 6 inches tis morning before changing to rain this afternoon.  

The storm won’t only be remembered for heavy snowfall production; gusty, strong winds between large, robust high pressure in western Canada and this strengthening storm are expected to be an issue this morning. High Wind Warnings, High Wind Watches and Wind Advisories dot the U.S. Rockies, Iowa, eastern Minnesota, western Wisconsin and over the Great Lakes and New England. Sustained wind will peak at 30 to 45 mph, with gusts topping out at 60 to 70 mph at the highest elevations. This will lead to power outages, downed trees and difficult travel, especially for high-profiled vehicles.

It is never too early to have a supply kit packed in case of inclement weather. A simple kit including a weather radio, water, blankets, batteries and non-perishable food items will go a long way in the event of a power outage. It’s always best not to travel in rough weather as the roads will be dangerous. Make sure to download the WeatherBug app to stay up to date on the latest.