-Update 2/18 Compact Storm With Impressive Dynamics Will Make For a Bad Night of Travel Wtih Heavy Snow, Snow Squalls and Gusty Winds!

-Update 2/18
System performed generally as expected/model projections with even some thunder-snow in isolated spots in downriver communities of Detroit.

Check out event write-up from DTX:

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/news/display_cmsstory.php?wfo=dtx&storyid=100525&source=0

Snowfall amounts

 


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2/17/14
A relatively weak surface reflecting low pressure but with notably strong dynamics aloft  - not to mention a good moisture supply- will overspread Southeast Lower Michigan with quickly accumulating snow. Look for the snow to begin to move into the region around dark, or shortly thereafter and last into the early morning hours of Tuesday. While the snowfall period won't be long..about 6-8 hours..the strong dynamics of the system will lead to some heavy convective snow bands and even a chance of thunder-snow. Atmospheric mid levels of this dynamic system are showing some instability and therefore it can't be ruled out. Along with the instability, the max wind jet core is impressive for the deceivingly weaker surface reflected system. Take a look....

                                                                                            SURFACE  MAP

Look for snowfalls to range generally in the 3 - 6" with pockets of an inch or two higher possible, especially due to nature of the system and its dynamics. Snowfalls of an 1"or 2' per hour or even a bit better, are likely for at least a few hours along with visibilities cratering to below 1/2 mile in heaviest squalls as winds gusts 20 to 30 mph.

In other words; it's going to be a LOUSY night on the roads, so try to make it in by dark if it's all possible!
 

Making weather fun while we all learn,
Bill Deedler -SEMI_WeatherHistorian