Marquette, Mich. — Strong winds near Lake Superior combined with lingering lake-effect snow created hazardous travel conditions across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula early Friday, especially along M-28, U.S. 41, and U.S. 2 during the morning commute.
The National Weather Service in Marquette said gusty west to northwest winds developed overnight and intensified Friday morning, blowing snow across roadways and sharply reducing visibility in exposed areas. Slick pavement also developed after patchy freezing drizzle moved through the region late Thursday night.
The most dangerous travel conditions occurred along M-28 from Munising through Marquette and west toward Baraga, where blowing snow repeatedly reduced visibility. U.S. 41 near Ishpeming and Negaunee also saw rapidly changing conditions as snow drifted back onto cleared lanes.
Communities impacted include Marquette, Munising, Ishpeming, Negaunee, Escanaba, Newberry, Sault Ste. Marie, and Manistique. In the eastern Upper Peninsula, lake-effect snow persisted through the day, producing widespread accumulations of 1 to 3 inches, with localized totals of 4 to 6 inches north of M-28.
Forecasters said snow tapers off this afternoon across western and north-central areas but continues in the east into Friday night as colder air flows over Lake Superior. Winds remain strong enough to keep blowing snow a concern even after snowfall rates decrease.
Drivers encountered snow-covered lanes, drifting snow on open stretches, and icy patches on bridges and untreated roads. The Michigan Department of Transportation urged motorists to slow down, use headlights in low visibility, and be prepared for sudden whiteout conditions near the lake shoreline.
Conditions gradually improve overnight in the west, but eastern counties remain under lake-effect snow into Saturday morning. Travel hazards linger across the Upper Peninsula as winter conditions remain firmly in place heading into the weekend.
