Marquette, Michigan – A coating of ice could glaze roads across Alger, Luce, and northern Schoolcraft counties late tonight, setting up hazardous travel before the Friday morning commute begins.
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 10 p.m. this evening until 7 p.m. EST Friday. Forecasters expect mixed precipitation, including freezing rain and snow, with ice accumulations between one-tenth and one-quarter of an inch and total snow amounts of 1 to 4 inches.
Freezing rain is expected to develop first late this evening in Munising, Newberry, Seney, and Grand Marais, potentially coating M-28, M-77, and stretches of U.S. 41 with a thin layer of ice. Bridges and overpasses will become slick quickly as temperatures hover near freezing. By Friday afternoon, precipitation will transition to all snow or a rain-snow mix as surface temperatures rise slightly above freezing, producing heavy, wet snow that could cling to trees and power lines.
Both the morning and evening commutes may be impacted, especially in wooded and rural areas where untreated roads remain icy.
Drivers should reduce speed, increase following distance, and allow extra time for travel. The advisory remains in effect through 7 p.m. Friday, with gradual improvement expected Friday night as precipitation tapers.
