Multiple lake effect snow bands dropped accumulating snow across much of southwest Lower Michigan December 5th through December 7th.  The heaviest snow fell across Berrien and Cass counties. Gusty winds within these snow bands created widespread blowing and drifting snow.

Lake-Effect Snow in BERRIEN, MICHIGAN
From 05-DEC-10 02:00:00 to 07-DEC-10 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A long duration lake effect snow event affected the area December 5th through December 7th. The lake effect snow bands were cellular and transitory, resulting in periods of moderate to heavy lake effect snow during this time. Snowfall totals for the entire event ranged from 5 inches in far southwestern portions of the county to around a foot of snow in eastern and northern Berrien County. A trained spotter reported 1 inch per hour snowfall rates and 6 inches of snow accumulation in just 10 hours on December 5th. This snowfall, combined with blowing and drifting snow from gusty winds, led to numerous accidents on area roadways and school closures.

Lake-Effect Snow in CASS, MICHIGAN
From 05-DEC-10 05:00:00 to 07-DEC-10 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

A long duration lake effect snow event affected the area December 5th through December 7th. The lake effect snow bands were cellular and transitory, resulting in periods of moderate to heavy lake effect snow during this time. Snowfall totals for the entire event ranged between 8 and 14 inches across the county. A CoCoRaHs observer in Dowagiac reported 12.5 inches of total snow accumulation. This snowfall, combined with blowing and drifting snow from gusty winds, led to numerous accidents on area roadways and school closures.

Winter Weather in ST. JOSEPH, MICHIGAN
From 05-DEC-10 09:00:00 to 07-DEC-10 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A long duration lake effect snow event affected the area December 5th through December 7th. The lake effect snow bands were cellular and transitory, resulting in periods of moderate lake effect snow during this time. Snowfall totals for the entire event generally ranged between 3 and 6 inches, heaviest across far western portions of the county.  A trained spotter reported 3.5 inches of total snow accumulation in Three Rivers. This snowfall, combined with blowing and drifting snow from gusty winds, led to numerous accidents on area roadways. There were also school delays and closures.

Winter Weather in BRANCH, MICHIGAN
From 05-DEC-10 09:00:00 to 07-DEC-10 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A long duration lake effect snow event affected the area December 5th through December 7th. The lake effect snow bands were cellular and transitory, resulting in periods of moderate lake effect snow during this time. Snowfall totals for the entire event generally ranged between 1 and 4 inches, heaviest across far western portions of the county. This snowfall, combined with blowing and drifting snow from gusty winds, led to numerous accidents on area roadways. There were also school delays and closures.