Great Lakes region, November 27, 2025
The Great Lakes region is expecting heavy lake-effect snowfall as cold air interacts with warm lake waters, creating hazardous conditions. Areas in Michigan are projected to receive up to 3 feet of snow, while Western New York may see 18 inches. Residents are advised to stay informed and cautious as warnings are issued for multiple counties during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Great Lakes Region Prepares for Heavy Lake-Effect Snowfall
DETROIT, Michigan — The Great Lakes region is gearing up for significant lake-effect snowfall as cold air clashes with warmer lake waters, setting the stage for hazardous conditions. Snow began falling in and around Houghton, Michigan, on Wednesday and is expected to persist through Thanksgiving into the weekend. A blizzard warning remains active through Thursday morning in the Keweenaw Peninsula, underscoring the seriousness of the weather situation.
Forecasted Snowfall and Warnings
The northern Upper Peninsula of Michigan is projected to receive accumulations of 1 to 3 feet of snowfall, attributable primarily to lake-effect conditions. Additionally, regions like Kalkaska in the northwest Lower Peninsula may see snowfall exceed a foot. In contrast, Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo are likely to receive only a few inches. Moving into Western New York, Buffalo residents should brace for up to 18 inches of snow. A lake-effect snow warning is effective from 1:00 EST Thursday to 1:00 EST Saturday in parts of counties such as Jefferson, Lewis, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Wyoming, and southern Erie, where wind gusts could reach up to 50 mph, contributing to drifting snow, near-zero visibility, and perilous travel conditions.
Understanding Lake-Effect Snow
Lake-effect snow occurs when cold Canadian air moves over relatively warm lake waters, causing moisture to rise and ultimately form snow-producing clouds. Under these circumstances, snowfall rates can soar to 2 to 3 inches per hour, but totals will markedly differ based on wind direction and location. The impending system is expected to deliver both heavy snow and strong winds, particularly impacting the northern Upper Peninsula, where accumulations are notably high.
Historical Context
Buffalo, New York, has a notorious reputation for fierce lake-effect storms, having recorded a staggering 6-foot snowfall in 2022 and a record 7-foot accumulation during an event in 2014. Such snowstorms can result in significant disruptions, affecting transportation and electrical services. It is crucial for residents and visitors in the affected areas to remain vigilant, keeping abreast of local weather forecasts and exercising caution, particularly during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Key Features of Snow Forecasts
| Location | Expected Snowfall | Warnings in Effect | Wind Gusts | Travel Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houghton, Michigan | 1 to 3 feet | Blizzard warning through Thursday morning | Not specified | Not specified |
| Kalkaska, Michigan | Over a foot | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Grand Rapids, Michigan | Several inches | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Kalamazoo, Michigan | Several inches | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Buffalo, New York | Up to 18 inches | Lake-effect snow warning from 1:00 EST Thursday to 1:00 EST Saturday | Up to 50 mph | Dangerous travel conditions |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is lake-effect snow?
Lake-effect snow forms when cold Canadian air passes over the relatively warm lake waters, causing moisture to rise and form snow-producing clouds. Snowfall rates can reach 2 to 3 inches, and totals vary widely depending on wind and location.
Which areas are expected to receive the heaviest snowfall?
The northern Upper Peninsula of Michigan could see accumulations of 1 to 3 feet, primarily from lake-effect. Areas like Kalkaska in Michigan’s northwest Lower Peninsula may receive over a foot of snow, while Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo are expected to get several inches. In Western New York, Buffalo is forecasted to receive up to 18 inches of snow.
What precautions should residents take during this weather event?
Residents and travelers in the affected areas are advised to stay updated with local weather forecasts and exercise caution during the upcoming holiday weekend. A lake-effect snow warning is in effect from 1:00 EST Thursday to 1:00 EST Saturday across parts of Jefferson, Lewis, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Wyoming, and southern Erie Counties in western and northern New York, with winds gusting up to 50 mph, causing drifting snow, near-zero visibility, and dangerous travel conditions.
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Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Snowfall and Strong Winds Affect Southeast Michigan
Michigan’s Winter 2025-2026 Precipitation Forecast
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
