During the winter months, Lake Effect Snowfall often impacts our lives, here in Northern Michigan.

Luckily, the National Weather Service's Gaylord office watches the skies over us, day and night, to provide our region with accurate weather forecasts. Part of that forecasting effort includes winter Lake Effect Snowfall predictions.

But, as any Kalkaska County resident knows, Lake Effect Snowfall seems to have a mind of its own. We've all seen it - one area can experience heavy snowfall, while another area only a few miles away, sees none. What rules are at work here?

According to the Weather Service, Lake Effect Snowfall is dependent on several factors. Some of these factors are wind direction, ice cover on Lake Michigan, and the air's moisture content, among others.

You can do your own amateur weather forecasting, by using the links below. Just click on the link that matches the wind direction at your location. Before you do that, though, maybe you should go gas up the snow blower. Good Luck!