Heavy Lake Effect Snow Downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario; Fire Weather Concerns in the Southern Plains and Southeast

A multi-day heavy lake effect snow event is expected downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario through New Year's Day. There is increasing confidence in snow squalls causing bursts of snow & gusty winds on New Year's Eve. Elevated fire weather conditions will continue today over parts of the Southern Plains and across much of the Southeast U.S. Read More >

Overview

Strong winter storm lifted through the Great Lakes Monday March 4 through Thursday morning. This produced freezing rain, rain, and then widespread heavy, wet snow, strong winds, and blizzard conditions. Widespread 6 to 24 inches of snow was observed across Upper Michigan as well as 35 to 50 mph winds. Highest storm total snow reported was 24 inches 2 miles from WFO MQT and the highest wind observed was 62 mph at the Marquette Coast Guard Station and 66 mph at the University of Michigan observation at Stannard Rock. WFO Marquette's storm total snow was 22.7 inches. The office also set records for daily maximum QPF at 2.55 inches and daily snowfall 20.8 inches for March 5th. Blizzard conditions were observed for nearly 12 hours at KSAW.

Link to snowfall reports

Snowfall reports from the March 5-6, 2025 storm. Values between reports are interpolated and may not be accurate. Click to enlarge.

Photos & Video


Trowbridge Park (source: NWS Employee)	US-41 in Marquette Township (source: NWS Employee)	Presque Isle Park, Marquette (source: Craig Hess)	South Ely Township (source: NWS Employee)

Radar

KMQT Radar Loop

KMQT radar reflectivity loop from 1200-2400Z 5 March 2025 (7am to 7 pm EST). Click to enlarge.

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Heavy Lake Effect Snow Downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario; Fire Weather Concerns in the Southern Plains and Southeast

March 5-6, 2025 Blizzard