3 Feet of Snow Could Slam Michigan Right Before Thanksgiving

Something unusual is brewing in Michigan this week, and anyone traveling north for Thanksgiving may want to pay close attention. What starts as a harmless round of rain is expected to evolve into something far more intense, and forecasters hint that parts of the state could be buried under staggering totals by the time the holiday arrives.

What This Thanksgiving Storm Could Bring

The trouble begins today as a powerful storm system pushes into Michigan, dragging in colder air that will flip widespread rain into rapidly accumulating snow by late Tuesday and early Wednesday. And what follows isn’t the typical early-season dusting. The National Weather Service says some areas could see up to 37 inches of snow, more than three feet, before the storm finally winds down Thursday night.

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High winds will only make things worse, with gusts over 40 mph whipping snow sideways, cutting visibility, and making Wednesday and Thursday extremely difficult travel days. The timing could not be worse for Thanksgiving travelers heading north.

Forecast Snowfall Totals Across the U.P.

Winter Storm Watches now cover the western and central Upper Peninsula, where the heaviest snow is expected.

Rain will expand across the state Tuesday, changing to snow Tuesday night in the west and further east on Wednesday. Once the lake-effect machine fires up, snowfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour, especially along the Keweenaw.

Winds, Whiteouts, and Travel Hazards

The National Weather Service warns of downed trees, power outages, and dangerous whiteout conditions. Anyone planning to travel Wednesday or Thursday is urged to reconsider. With the potential for more than three feet of snow in some areas, this Thanksgiving storm could bring northern travel to a complete stop.