Houghton, Michigan – Drivers across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula have just hours before lake effect snow begins piling up and wind gusts reach 35 mph, creating hazardous travel conditions by 10 p.m. tonight and worsening before the Wednesday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for Keweenaw and Northern Houghton counties from 10 p.m. tonight through 1 p.m. Thursday. Forecasters expect 3 to 5 inches of lake effect snow, with patchy blowing snow significantly reducing visibility. Gusts up to 35 mph could create sudden whiteouts, especially along exposed stretches of US-41 between Houghton and Copper Harbor.
Farther east, Alger, Luce, and Northern Schoolcraft counties remain under a Winter Weather Advisory through 7 p.m. Wednesday. Snow totals there could reach 3 to 6 inches, impacting travel along M-28 near Munising, Grand Marais and Newberry. Officials canceled an earlier Winter Storm Warning but caution that roads will still turn slippery overnight.
The heaviest impacts are expected during the Wednesday morning commute, when fresh snow and gusty winds combine to reduce visibility and cover untreated roads. Drivers should slow down, allow extra stopping distance and check for local school or business delays.
Snow showers taper off from west to east late Wednesday into Thursday afternoon, but additional advisories could be issued if bands intensify. Travelers across the Upper Peninsula should monitor updates before heading out.
