In what should come as a surprise to exactly no one, the Monday night snowfall that pulled northern parts of the United States back into the clutches of the Polar Vortex caused Detroit’s total snowfall of the season to reach record heights. While only 3.1 inches fell by Tuesday morning, this minor dusting puts Detroit’s 2013-14 snowfall total at 98.4 inches. The last time Detroit came close to this number was in the winter of 1880-81, with a seasonal total of 93.6 inches. National Weather Service meteorologist Brian Tilley said “Most people alive today have never experienced this.” The typical Detroit winter yields an average 42.5 inches of total snowfall.
Monday night’s snowfall came on the heels of unseasonably warm daytime temperatures in Detroit, causing flooding and loss of power for many residents. “Mother Nature has provided a challenging combination of rains, high winds and even snow since Saturday night,” said Consumer Energy’s vice president of energy delivery. “However, we’re confident that we soon will be finished restoring power to the communities we serve.”
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Weather reports for the upcoming week indicate Detroit will experience some relief, with the only precipitation expected being a light rain fall on Friday. Meteorologist Mike Mosteiko said Monday night’s snowfall was “very likely” the last snowstorm for the season.
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