Lake-effect snow occurs when cold, dry air moves over a body of water, in this case, the Great Lakes, and picks up moisture from the lake's surface. When the air moves over land, it cools, and the moisture condenses, leading to snowfall.

Heavy lake-effect snow in parts of northern Michigan was expected to continue into the weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Gaylord. Some areas of the Upper Peninsula could see up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) of snow Sunday night through to Monday, National Weather Service meteorologist Lily Chapman said.