What is the polar vortex? How it can impact snow, freezes in the U.S.
The polar vortex is a large area of circulating cold air above the North Pole. Strong winds keep it contained, but when it weakens, it can wobble and stretch.
Back-to-back clipper systems are expected to bring lake-effect snow to Michigan’s eastern Upper Peninsula this week, prompting a winter storm warning.
In addition, snow is forecast to develop along the snowbelt this week along Michigan’s west and northwest shorelines as significantly cold temperatures move in.
Central and western areas in Chippewa county, from Grand Marais to Sault Ste. Marie, are under a winter storm warning from Wednesday, Dec. 3, until Thursday afternoon, Dec. 4, with up to a foot of snow expected and 30 mph wind gusts. Conditions are expected to create blowing slow and dangerous travel for Thursday morning, Dec. 4. The heaviest snow will fall near Sault Ste. Marie and Whitefish Point.
Alger, Luce and northern Schoolcraft counties are under a winter weather advisory with 3-8 inches of snow expected and 35 mph gusts.
Snow is also forecast to accumulate along Lake Michigan’s shoreline in the Lower Peninsula, and a surge of artic air is expected to drop temperatures statewide, according to the NWS.
Gaylord is expected to see 4 inches accumulate through Thursday, Dec. 4, according to the NWS Probabilistic Precipitation Portal.
Temperatures will range from the 30s to single digits, and wind chill is expected to make temperatures feel below zero.
“Snow chances will continue across parts of northern Michigan into this weekend as much colder air moves into the region,” the Gaylord National Weather Service said. “Wind chills will dip below zero tonight (Dec. 3) and stay in the single digits through the day on Thursday (Dec. 4).”
As snow begins to fall, here’s a map of the current hazards in effect across Michigan:
Where in Michigan are warnings, advisories?
What are the current conditions in Michigan?
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
