Marquette, MI – Drivers across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula should prepare for slick roads and possible power outages by Tuesday evening as a burst of ice and heavy snow moves in from the west.
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Tuesday evening through Wednesday evening for Keweenaw, Northern Houghton, Baraga and Marquette counties. Forecasters expect mixed precipitation at the onset, including up to one tenth of an inch of ice in parts of Marquette and Baraga counties, before changing to heavy snow overnight. Total snowfall between 4 and 8 inches is possible, with the highest amounts likely in the Keweenaw Peninsula and higher terrain of Marquette County. Wind gusts may reach 45 mph near Lake Superior.
Snow and blowing snow could reduce visibility and create hazardous travel along U.S. 41 from Houghton to Marquette and along M-28 across the central U.P. Wet snow combined with gusty winds may bring down tree branches and cause sporadic power outages.
The greatest impacts are expected during the Wednesday morning and evening commutes. Residents should monitor updates as watches may be upgraded to warnings ahead of Tuesday night.
