One of the highest-impact snowstorms in recent memory pounded Northern Michigan on the night of the 2nd.  Low pressure tracked from Missouri, to southern Lower Michigan, and on to eastern Canada, while rapidly strengthening.  Precipitation surged northward into the region on the evening of the 2nd.  This was primarily snow, except in parts of east central Lower Michigan (especially near Lake Huron), where temperatures were mild enough for rain.  Snow wound down on the morning of the 3rd, and though somewhat blustery winds occurred behind the system on the 3rd, blowing snow was limited because the snowfall was so wet.
Snow totals ranged from 6 to 14 inches across most of Northern Michigan.  Higher amounts fell near and west of Grand Traverse Bay, with a maximum amount of 20 inches near Lake Ann.  With relatively warm temperatures, the snow was very wet; Traverse City saw around a foot of snow during the night, with a low temperature of 33 degrees.  The snow stuck to everything, with the weight of the snow downing many, many trees and power lines.  Power outages were widespread, with an outright majority of Northern Michigan residents losing power at some time during or after the storm.  In Benzie County, 95 percent of residents lost power.  Outages lasted up to a week in some spots.  Great Lakes Energy described it as the worst snowstorm (in regards to power outages) in 30 years.  A number of counties and communities opened shelters to aid those without power or heat.  Also included in the tree damage was substantial damage to fruit trees in the Grand Traverse Bay region, particularly cherry trees.  In Corwith Township in Otsego County, the weight of snow caused the roof of the former township hall to collapse.

Heavy Snow in CHEBOYGAN, MICHIGAN
From 02-MAR-12 19:00:00 to 03-MAR-12 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Heavy Snow in GRAND TRAVERSE, MICHIGAN
From 02-MAR-12 18:00:00 to 03-MAR-12 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 600.00K
Crop damage: 5.00M
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Heavy Snow in ROSCOMMON, MICHIGAN
From 02-MAR-12 18:00:00 to 03-MAR-12 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Heavy Snow in PRESQUE ISLE, MICHIGAN
From 02-MAR-12 20:00:00 to 03-MAR-12 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Heavy Snow in OGEMAW, MICHIGAN
From 02-MAR-12 18:00:00 to 03-MAR-12 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Heavy Snow in KALKASKA, MICHIGAN
From 02-MAR-12 19:00:00 to 03-MAR-12 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Heavy Snow in CHARLEVOIX, MICHIGAN
From 02-MAR-12 19:00:00 to 03-MAR-12 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Heavy Snow in LEELANAU, MICHIGAN
From 02-MAR-12 17:00:00 to 03-MAR-12 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 650.00K
Crop damage: 13.00M
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Heavy Snow in CRAWFORD, MICHIGAN
From 02-MAR-12 18:00:00 to 03-MAR-12 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Heavy Snow in ANTRIM, MICHIGAN
From 02-MAR-12 19:00:00 to 03-MAR-12 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Heavy Snow in OSCODA, MICHIGAN
From 02-MAR-12 19:00:00 to 03-MAR-12 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Heavy Snow in OTSEGO, MICHIGAN
From 02-MAR-12 19:00:00 to 03-MAR-12 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 215.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Heavy Snow in CHIPPEWA, MICHIGAN
From 02-MAR-12 21:00:00 to 03-MAR-12 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Heavy Snow in MANISTEE, MICHIGAN
From 02-MAR-12 17:00:00 to 03-MAR-12 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 350.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Heavy Snow in MONTMORENCY, MICHIGAN
From 02-MAR-12 20:00:00 to 03-MAR-12 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Heavy Snow in MACKINAC, MICHIGAN
From 02-MAR-12 21:00:00 to 03-MAR-12 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Heavy Snow in WEXFORD, MICHIGAN
From 02-MAR-12 18:00:00 to 03-MAR-12 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Heavy Snow in ALPENA, MICHIGAN
From 02-MAR-12 20:00:00 to 03-MAR-12 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Heavy Snow in EMMET, MICHIGAN
From 02-MAR-12 18:00:00 to 03-MAR-12 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Heavy Snow in BENZIE, MICHIGAN
From 02-MAR-12 17:00:00 to 03-MAR-12 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 600.00K
Crop damage: 2.00M
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Heavy Snow in MISSAUKEE, MICHIGAN
From 02-MAR-12 18:00:00 to 03-MAR-12 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter