Michigan Braces for Major Snowstorm, Travel Delays Expected
Table of Contents
- 1. Michigan Braces for Major Snowstorm, Travel Delays Expected
- 2. What are the predicted snowfall totals for Southeast Michigan by tomorrow morning?
- 3. First Major Snowstorm Hits Southeast Michigan, Forecasters Report as Season Begins
- 4. Snowfall Totals and Regional Impact
- 5. weather Patterns and Forecast Details
- 6. Key Forecast Highlights:
- 7. safety Precautions and Emergency Preparedness
- 8. Road Conditions and Travel Advisories
- 9. Historical Context: Notable Michigan Snowstorms
- 10. Resources for Staying Informed
Detroit, MI – November 29, 2025 – Southeast Michigan is under a Winter Storm Advisory as the region prepares for its first significant snowstorm of the season.The national Weather Service (NWS) warns of accumulating snowfall expected to impact travel and daily life throughout the weekend.
The advisory, in effect from 3 p.m. Saturday through 10 a.m. Sunday, covers Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, and Monroe counties, forecasting 5 to 7 inches of snow. A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Midland, Bay, Saginaw, Shiawassee, Livingston, Washtenaw, and Lenawee counties, where accumulations could reach 5 to 8 inches.
Auburn Hills has already declared a snow emergency, prohibiting parking from midnight to noon Sunday to facilitate snow removal operations. Meteorologist Steve Freitag of the NWS anticipates 4 to 7 inches for Metro Detroit, with the heaviest snowfall occurring between 6 p.m. Saturday and midnight. Snowfall has already begun in Ann Arbor and is expected to spread into Detroit.
“We’re already starting to get some snow in Ann Arbor now,” Freitag stated. “you can see it on the big game…and it’ll start creeping into Detroit shortly.”
The NWS warns of snowfall rates potentially reaching up to an inch per hour during peak hours. Motorists are urged to reduce speed and exercise extreme caution due to slippery road conditions. Pedestrians are also advised to be mindful of potentially hazardous walking surfaces.
Upper Peninsula and Central Michigan Face Heavier Accumulation
While Southeast Michigan prepares for a substantial snowfall,other parts of the state are bracing for even more. Rural Gogebic County in the Upper peninsula already received a staggering 31.3 inches of snow on Thanksgiving day. Another 7 inches is absolutely possible in the U.P. through Sunday morning.
Central, south-central, southwest, and west-central Michigan are under a Winter Storm Warning anticipating up to 10 inches of snow. The NWS strongly advises residents in these areas to “delay all travel if possible” due to the potential for visibility to drop below a quarter-mile.
Extended Cold Snap Follows Storm
The approaching storm is just the beginning of a prolonged cold spell. Metro Detroit is not expected to see temperatures rise above 36 degrees for the next week. Sunday will bring a slight warming to 36 degrees, followed by a drop to 29 degrees on Monday, remaining below 30 until Thursday.
sunday morning is also forecast to bring rain mixing with snow, potentially creating wet snow conditions. Winds are expected to gust up to 35 mph, further exacerbating travel difficulties.
What are the predicted snowfall totals for Southeast Michigan by tomorrow morning?
First Major Snowstorm Hits Southeast Michigan, Forecasters Report as Season Begins
Snowfall Totals and Regional Impact
Southeast Michigan is bracing for the full force of winter as the first major snowstorm of the season descends. As of 6 PM EST on November 29, 2025, snowfall totals are already exceeding 8 inches in some areas, wiht predictions of up to 12-18 inches by tomorrow morning. The hardest-hit counties include Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne, leading to widespread travel disruptions and school closures.
* Detroit Metro Airport: Reporting notable delays and cancellations. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines before heading to the airport.
* I-94 & I-696: Experiencing hazardous driving conditions with multiple accidents reported. Michigan State Police are urging motorists to avoid unneeded travel.
* Local School Districts: Numerous school districts across the region have announced closures for November 30th, including Detroit Public Schools Community District, birmingham Public Schools, and Utica Community Schools.
weather Patterns and Forecast Details
The storm is the result of a potent Arctic air mass colliding with moisture from the Great Lakes. Lake-effect snow is substantially contributing to the heavy accumulations, notably in areas downwind of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
Key Forecast Highlights:
- Snow Intensity: Heavy snowfall rates of 1-3 inches per hour are expected to continue throughout the night.
- Wind Chill: Temperatures are plummeting,with wind chills dropping below zero Fahrenheit. This poses a risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Timing: The heaviest snowfall is expected to taper off by midday on November 30th, but lake-effect snow showers will persist.
- Visibility: Reduced visibility due to blowing and drifting snow is a major concern for drivers.
safety Precautions and Emergency Preparedness
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the entire Southeast michigan region. Residents are urged to take the following precautions:
* Stay Indoors: If possible, avoid all unnecessary travel.
* Prepare for Power Outages: Have flashlights, batteries, and a backup heat source readily available. Charge electronic devices.
* Check on Neighbors: Especially elderly or vulnerable individuals.
* Winterize Your Vehicle: Ensure your car has snow tires, a full tank of gas, and an emergency kit including blankets, a shovel, and jumper cables.
* conserve Heat: Close off unused rooms and insulate windows.
Road Conditions and Travel Advisories
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is working around the clock to clear roadways, but conditions remain treacherous.
* Road Closures: Several major roadways have been temporarily closed due to whiteout conditions and accidents. Check the MDOT website (https://www.michigan.gov/mdot) for the latest updates.
* Speed Restrictions: Reduced speed limits are in effect on many highways.
* Towing Services: Demand for towing services is extremely high. Expect significant delays if you require assistance.
Historical Context: Notable Michigan Snowstorms
Southeast Michigan has a history of significant snowstorms. The “Blizzard of ’78” remains the benchmark, dumping over 20 inches of snow and paralyzing the region for days. More recently, the Febuary 2014 snowstorm brought record-breaking accumulations and widespread power outages. Understanding these past events helps communities prepare for future winter weather challenges. The 2019 polar vortex also brought extremely cold temperatures and significant snowfall,highlighting the vulnerability of the region to extreme winter conditions.
Resources for Staying Informed
* National Weather Service Detroit: https://www.weather.gov/dtx/
* Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT): https://www.michigan.gov/mdot
* Local News Channels: WDIV Local 4, WXYZ 7 Action News, FOX 2 Detroit.
* Bing News Quiz: https://bingquiz.org/bing-news-quiz/ – Stay informed on current events,including weather patterns.