Marquette, Michigan – Drivers across the Upper Peninsula could face icy roads followed by heavy snow starting Tuesday evening, setting up hazardous travel by the Wednesday morning commute.
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. A wintry mix is expected to change to heavy snow overnight, with ice accumulations around one-tenth of an inch possible in Marquette and Baraga counties before the changeover. Snow totals of 4 to 8 inches are likely, with the highest amounts across the Keweenaw Peninsula and higher terrain of Marquette County.
Wind gusts up to 45 mph near Lake Superior, especially across the Keweenaw, could create blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility. Wet snow combined with gusty winds may bring down tree branches and cause isolated power outages.
Communities including Houghton, Hancock, L’Anse, Gwinn and Copper Harbor should prepare for slick roads and possible delays Wednesday morning and again late Wednesday.
Residents are urged to monitor updates as the storm track becomes clearer. Watches could be upgraded to warnings if confidence in heavier snowfall increases before Tuesday night.
