At a Glance
- 153,000+ customers lost power across the U.S., with over a third in Michigan.
- 2 ft (60 cm) of snow fell in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
- 20 ft (6 m) waves threatened Lake Superior cargo ships.
- Why it matters: The storm’s intensity disrupted power, transportation, and water levels across the Great Lakes and Northeast, posing safety risks and economic impacts.
A powerful winter storm that followed a bomb cyclone slammed the Great Lakes and Northeast with heavy snow, gale-force winds, and record-low wind chills, leaving thousands without power and forcing ships to seek shelter.
Nationwide Power Outages and Snowfall
The storm that struck Monday brought sharply colder air, strong winds, and a mix of snow, ice and rain that made travel treacherous. News Of Austin reported more than 153,000 customers were without power early Tuesday, and more than a third of those outages were in Michigan. Snow fell up to 2 ft (60 cm) in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, according to the National Weather Service, and Meteorologist Ryan Metzger said additional snow would arrive in the coming days, though totals would be lighter.
- 153,000+ customers without power
- 2 ft snowfall in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
- High winds and mixed precipitation made travel dangerous
Lake Effects and Extreme Winds
Waves on Lake Superior were expected to reach 20 ft (6 m), forcing all but one cargo ship into harbor for shelter. The National Weather Service noted that waves had improved forecasts since the Edmund Fitzgerald sank in 1975. On Lake Erie, fierce winds pushed water toward Buffalo and lowered water on Michigan’s western side, exposing the lakebed and revealing the wreck of a car and a snowmobile. Dangerous wind chills plunged to -30°F (-34°C) across North Dakota and Minnesota, while West Virginia recorded nearly hurricane-force winds on a mountain near Dolly Sods.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a post on X:
> “If you’re in an impacted area, please avoid all unnecessary travel,”
Kevin Aldrich said:
> “Where those are at would typically be probably 12 feet deep,”
> “We can usually drive our boat over them.”
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Power outages | 153,000+ customers | More than a third in Michigan |
| Snowfall in Michigan UP | 2 ft (60 cm) | Highest in region |
| Lake Superior waves | 20 ft (6 m) | All but one cargo ship sheltered |
| Wind chill in ND & MN | -30°F (-34°C) | Dangerous conditions |
| Closed I-35 miles | 200 mi (320 km) | Due to high winds |
| Santa Ana winds | moderate to strong | Risk of downed trees |
Road Closures and Weather Warnings
In Iowa, high winds continued to blow fallen snow across roadways, keeping more than 200 mi (320 km) of Interstate 35 closed. State troopers reported dozens of crashes, including one fatality. On the West Coast, the National Weather Service warned that moderate to strong Santa Ana winds were expected in Southern California through Tuesday, raising concerns about downed trees in areas with saturated soils. Two additional storms were forecast later in the week, with rain on New Year’s Day potentially soaking the Rose Parade in Pasadena for the first time in about two decades.
Key Takeaways
- Over 153,000 customers lost power, with Michigan hardest hit.
- 2 ft of snow fell in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and 20 ft waves threatened Lake Superior ships.
- Wind chills hit -30°F and roads like I-35 were closed for 200 mi.
The storm underscored the vulnerability of infrastructure and the need for preparedness as winter weather continues to push the limits of the Great Lakes region and beyond.
