March 12, 2014 Snowstorm

Overview

Radar

Local Storm
Reports

Winds

SPC Products

Additional Resources

Overview

A low pressure system tracked across the Ohio Valley on March 12th. A tremendous amount of moisture lifted north of the low track and into southern Michigan. This moisture combined with arctic air plunging into the Great Lakes quickly turned light rain into all snow. Intensification of this storm system during the morning of the 12th lead to the development of heavy wet snow. The strength of the storm system and instability in the atmosphere also triggered some thunder snow. During the course of the morning, northerly winds intensified which caused a significant amount of blowing and drifting of the snow. These northerly winds also caused temperatures to plummet during the course of the afternoon. The rapid freezing of the heavy wet snow and blowing and drifting led to extremely poor road conditions throughout most of Southeast Michigan. The significant blowing and drifting of the snow made measuring very difficult. The link below is an estimate of spotter reports across southeast Michigan.

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Radar

Radar loop courtesy of Iowa Environmental Mesonet (IEM). Winter Storm Warnings are outlined in pick and Winter Weather Advisories are outlined in peach.

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Local Storm Reports