Significant Snowfall Expected to Close Out Thanksgiving Weekend 2023 in Michigan

The Thanksgiving long weekend has been quiet, weather-wise, across Michigan but that may soon change as a significant snowfall is forecast for parts of the state through Sunday.

The National Weather Service has posted, as of Saturday (11/12) afternoon a Winter Weather Advisory for Grand Rapids and points north in West Michigan. Kent and Ottawa counties up north along the entire Lake Michigan coastline to the straits of Mackinac are included under the advisory.

Thanksgiving Weekend Snowfall Totals in Western and Northern Michigan

Up to 5 inches of snow are forecast around Cadillac and Traverse City.

In the lakeshore communities around Manistee and Frankfort, up to 8 inches of localized snowfall can be expected.

Around Grand Rapids and Grand Haven, expect totals between 1 to 4 inches of accumulation through Monday's early commute.

At the Mackinac Bridge and the straits region, up to 6 inches regionwide with 8 inches of localized snowfall are forecast through Sunday evening.

Gale Warning Lake Superior

The storm that is expected to bring snowfall to northern lower Michigan will also kick up the waves on Lake Superior. A Gale Warning is posted for wind gusts up to 40 knots and waves from 6 to 11 feet.

Lake Erie Winter Storm Watch

For the southern Great Lakes region, a Winter Storm Watch is forecast for the Lake Erie shoreline counites from Cleveland to Erie, PA and Buffalo.

As of Saturday afternoon the first snows of the system were reaching across Lake Michigan and affecting the shoreline counties of West Michigan.

The holiday season in Michigan always brings with it the possibility of snowy weather and the potential for a white Christmas.