Marquette, MI – Drivers across eastern Upper Michigan should prepare for worsening travel conditions as lake-effect and blowing snow continue tonight, with heavier snowfall expected to redevelop by Wednesday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, light but persistent snow showers are ongoing Tuesday afternoon and will continue into tonight across the Keweenaw Peninsula and eastern Upper Michigan. While overall conditions may briefly improve overnight as winds ease, periods of blowing snow are still expected, especially near Lake Superior.
Visibility could drop to a half mile or less at times, with occasional whiteout conditions possible along lakeshore areas and major routes, including M-28. Travel impacts are expected to range from low to moderate through tonight.
Snow showers are forecast to increase in intensity Wednesday, particularly across eastern Upper Michigan. Forecasters say snowfall rates could reach up to 1 inch per hour by Wednesday afternoon, leading to more hazardous travel conditions. The most intense lake-effect snow bands are expected to shift westward Wednesday night, potentially impacting Alger County.
While confidence is high that stronger snow bands will develop, the National Weather Service cautions that the exact location of the heaviest snowfall remains uncertain, which could lead to sharp differences in snow totals over short distances.
By Thursday, snow showers are expected to weaken, with light to moderate lake-effect snow lingering into Thursday night before gradually tapering off.
Drivers are urged to slow down, allow extra travel time, and be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions, particularly near Lake Superior.
