Marquette, Michigan – Travel across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula will remain hazardous through Saturday afternoon as steady snow continues to fall, with the heaviest bands targeting the Keweenaw Peninsula and north-central counties where totals could exceed 12 inches and significantly impact US-41.
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Keweenaw and Baraga counties through 1 p.m. Saturday. Marquette County remains under a Winter Storm Warning until 1 a.m. Saturday before transitioning to a Winter Weather Advisory lasting through early Saturday afternoon. Snowfall rates in the higher terrain have supported storm totals between 6 and 12 inches from Houghton to L’Anse, with localized higher amounts in elevated areas.
Road conditions have deteriorated along US-41 from Hancock through Marquette, where moderate to heavy snowfall is reducing visibility and covering pavement. M-26 in the Keweenaw and M-28 east of Marquette toward Munising remain snow-covered and slippery. Farther south, light to moderate snow is impacting US-2 near Iron Mountain and Escanaba, though totals there are expected to range from 2 to 6 inches.
In the eastern U.P., including Sault Ste. Marie and St. Ignace, lighter accumulations around 1 to 3 inches are expected before snow tapers late tonight. Officials note snow will become less wet overnight, limiting additional power outage concerns but allowing untreated roads to refreeze as temperatures fall into the teens.
Drivers should reduce speeds, allow extra stopping distance and avoid unnecessary travel in warned areas until conditions improve Saturday afternoon. Additional advisories could be extended if lake-enhanced bands persist longer than expected.
